The High Meadows Environmental Institute (HMEI) at Princeton University is accepting applications for the 2027-28 HMEI Environmental Fellows Program. This postdoctoral program seeks scholars from all disciplines across the sciences, engineering, policy, and the humanities. The fellowship supports early career scholars in developing their research within a highly collaborative community of environmental scholars.

In addition to their research, scholars are expected to contribute to the undergraduate program in Environmental Studies. This can take the form of supporting an existing environmental studies course, helping to mentor students as interns, or working on independent projects, or teaching a course of their own design.

Eligible candidates should have no more than two years of post-PhD research experience prior to the anticipated start date of September 1, 2027. Note: current Princeton University postdoctoral researchers are not eligible to apply. Research areas of interest include, but are not limited to: atmospheric and oceanic sciences, biodiversity, biogeochemical cycles, carbon mitigation, climate and energy, climate change, disease and health, climate justice, cities and the environment, earth history, ecology and ecosystem science, environmental chemistry and microbiology, environmental engineering, environmental humanities, environmental justice, environmental media/visual culture, narrative and science communication, food and environment, health and environment, water resources, and hydrology.

Before applying, candidates must identify and contact at least one (preferably two) Princeton University faculty members who are willing to provide collaborative research supervision and teaching and professional mentorship. Candidates are required to provide written confirmation of faculty's commitment to serve as mentor.

More than 140 members of the Princeton University faculty, representing 30 academic departments (in social sciences, humanities, natural sciences and engineering), are affiliated with HMEI. HMEI's Faculty and Associated Faculty are listed on the Institute's website: http://environment.princeton.edu. Note: Any Princeton University faculty member may serve as a mentor for the Environmental Fellows Program.

The HMEI Environmental Fellowship provides a competitive annual salary based on the applicant's experience, along with an allowance for travel to meetings and for research support. Appointments are for one year with the possibility of renewal pending satisfactory performance and continued funding.

This position is subject to the University's background check policy. The work location for this position is in-person on campus at Princeton University.

Applications received before November 2, 2026, 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, will be given full consideration. Questions about the application process may be directed to environment@princeton.edu.

PhD

Applicants should include a CV, cover letter (1-2 pages), a statement of research interests and goals for the fellowship period (no more than 2 pages) and written evidence from a Princeton University faculty member of commitment to mentor the candidate should they be accepted into the program. The application should also include the names and email addresses for three non-Princeton referees familiar with their work.

This position is not eligible for sponsorship of an H-1B visa requiring consular processing; other visa sponsorships (including H-1B visas not requiring consular processing) may be available, as appropriate.