If you are a global researcher passionate about solving today’s toughest challenges in energy and the environment, the Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellows Program at Princeton University’s Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment could be your next big opportunity. Applications are now open for the 2026 intake, with positions beginning as early as June 2026.
What’s This Fellowship About?
This prestigious fellowship supports early-career scholars whose research offers innovative solutions to urgent technological, economic, or policy issues related to energy and the environment. The program especially welcomes applications from groups historically underrepresented in these fields.
Fellows are expected to work with at least two Princeton faculty members or senior researchers, creating an interdisciplinary research project that aligns with the Andlinger Center’s mission. While new collaborative projects are preferred, proposals that creatively build on existing partnerships are also welcome.
What Does the Fellowship Offer?
- Position: Postdoctoral Research Associate
- Salary: $75,000 per year
- Additional Funding: $3,000 per year for conferences and career development
- Benefits: Full access to Princeton’s employee health and benefits program
- Teaching: Not mandatory, but fellows may guest lecture or attend teaching workshops.
Who Can Apply?
You must:
- Hold a PhD in a relevant field (received no more than 3 years before your start date)
- Not be currently affiliated with Princeton University
- Develop a detailed interdisciplinary research proposal in collaboration with two or more Princeton mentors (at least one of whom will be your primary mentor)
- Ensure the primary mentor is not currently supervising another Distinguished Fellow.
What Do You Need to Submit?
All documents must be submitted via this official Princeton application link:
- A cover letter
- Your CV (include a list of publications)
- A 2-page research plan, written with input from your chosen mentors
- A 1–2-page personal statement about your career goals and mentoring plans
- 2 or 3 reference letters (sent directly by referees)
- Contact information for your Princeton faculty mentor(s).
Apply: https://acee.princeton.edu/2026-distinguished-postdoctoral-fellows-call-for-applications/.
Application Deadline
The last date to apply for the Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellows Program 2026 at Princeton University is December 12, 2025, by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.