Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship – Call for Applications

The Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment invites applications for its Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellows program, with start dates as early as June 2027. This program supports outstanding scholars whose research focuses on innovative solutions to pressing technological, economic, and/or policy challenges relating to energy and the environment.

Fellows must collaborate with two or more Princeton faculty or senior researchers within an energy or environment-related field and work with them to establish an interdisciplinary research plan that aligns with the Andlinger Center’s mission. Research that aligns with one or more of the Center’s Research Initiatives is particularly encouraged. Candidates whose plans forge new collaborations with or between associated faculty and researchers in the Andlinger Center’s research directory are strongly preferred, though proposals that extend existing collaborations in creative new directions will be considered. Participation in teaching is not required, though fellows may guest lecture in courses, with guidance from Princeton mentor(s).

Appointments are anticipated for two years, with renewal after the first year contingent on satisfactory performance. Fellows will hold the rank of postdoctoral research associate, with a salary of $75,000 and $3,500 per year for conference travel and career development. The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees.

Application process

Complete application details can be found at apply.interfolio.com/189606. For full consideration, applications must be submitted by December 4, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Eligible candidates must have received their doctorate in a related field no more than three years prior to the anticipated start date. Preference will be given to candidates not currently affiliated with Princeton University. This position is subject to the University’s background check policy.

Applicants must develop a research proposal in consultation with two or more Princeton faculty or senior researchers with whom they intend to collaborate, at least one of whom must be identified as the primary mentor(s).  Mentors will be required to submit a letter assessing the candidate’s academic strength and proposed research plan and to commit a portion of the financial support.Mentors who are currently hosting a Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellow are ineligible to serve as primary mentors; applicants should consult with their prospective mentors to ensure full eligibility.

The following materials should be submitted by the application deadline:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae, including publications
• Research plan (maximum 2 pages), explaining the research context, the interdisciplinary framework of its objectives, and the anticipated impact. The plan should clearly articulate the technological or policy solutions proposed to address the challenges and demonstrate a strong connection to the Andlinger Center’s mission.
• Personal statement (1-2 pages), demonstrating how the fellowship advances the applicant’s career plans and identifying possible additional mentors that they plan to cultivate during the fellowship.
• Letters from 2 or 3 references, who will be contacted for recommendation letters
• Contact information for the applicant’s prospective Princeton primary mentor(s)

Questions about the fellowships or application process may be directed to the Andlinger Center’s assistant director for research, Charles Sharpless (csharpless@princeton.edu).