Deadline: January 30, 2026
The Penn Sustainability and Conservation Science Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 is a prestigious, fully funded research opportunity designed to support early-career scientists and engineers working at the intersection of sustainability, conservation, and climate science. This fellowship bridges academic research with real-world conservation practice, enabling fellows to generate meaningful global impact.
The Penn Sustainability and Conservation Science Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 is jointly offered by the University of Pennsylvania (Penn) and The Nature Conservancy (TNC), two globally respected institutions committed to advancing evidence-based solutions to environmental and sustainability challenges.
Fellowship Overview
This postdoctoral fellowship supports interdisciplinary research that integrates cutting-edge academic scholarship with applied conservation work. Fellows are expected to collaborate closely with Penn faculty members and scientists from The Nature Conservancy to develop research projects that address pressing environmental challenges, inform policy, and improve conservation outcomes worldwide.
The programme is designed to nurture future leaders in sustainability and conservation science by providing robust financial support, mentorship, and access to world-class research and conservation networks.
Fellowship Duration and Start Date
- Fellowship Duration: Up to two consecutive years
- Expected Start Date: On or before 1 September 2026
Funding and Benefits
Successful applicants to the Penn Sustainability and Conservation Science Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 will receive a comprehensive funding package, including:
- Annual stipend of USD 70,000, plus benefits
- USD 10,000 per year in research funding
- Up to USD 2,000 per year for professional travel
- One-time relocation reimbursement of up to USD 2,000
This generous support structure allows fellows to focus fully on impactful research while gaining professional development opportunities.
Research Focus Areas
Research projects must align with sustainability and conservation science priorities and demonstrate clear relevance to real-world conservation outcomes. Fellows are encouraged to develop interdisciplinary projects that may include, but are not limited to:
- Climate change mitigation and adaptation
- Biodiversity conservation
- Ecosystem services
- Conservation technology and innovation
- Human–environment interactions
- Sustainability science with policy or practice relevance
Projects are co-developed with both a Penn faculty mentor and a TNC scientist to ensure strong academic grounding and practical application.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be an early-career scientist or engineer
- Have completed all PhD requirements by the fellowship start date
- The PhD must have been awarded within the last three years
- Demonstrate a strong interest in interdisciplinary research and collaborative work
- Show clear potential to contribute to conservation science and sustainability practice
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit a complete application package by the stated deadline. The application includes the following components:
1. Cover Letter (Maximum 1 Page)
The cover letter should describe:
- Academic and professional background
- Research interests
- Long-term career goals
- Alignment with sustainability and conservation science
2. Research Proposal (Maximum 2 Pages, Plus References)
The proposal must be co-developed with a Penn faculty member and a TNC scientist and should clearly outline:
- The research question
- Proposed methods and approach
- Scientific significance
- Relevance to conservation outcomes and The Nature Conservancy’s priorities
3. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
4. Letters of Recommendation (Three Required)
- One letter must be from the PhD thesis advisor, addressing research ability and interdisciplinary collaboration
- Two additional letters from referees familiar with the applicant’s doctoral research
5. Joint Letter of Support and Mentoring Plan
A joint letter from the proposed Penn faculty mentor and TNC scientist, describing:
- The importance of the proposed research project
- The mentoring structure and roles
- Evidence of the applicant’s leadership in developing the research proposal
Application Submission Process
- The CV, cover letter, and research proposal must be combined into one PDF file
- Letters of recommendation and the joint support letter must be submitted directly by referees and mentors
- All materials must be submitted by the application deadline
Application Deadline
- Deadline: 30 January 2026
- Time: 5:00 pm Eastern Time (ET)
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Why Apply for This Fellowship?
The Penn Sustainability and Conservation Science Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 offers a unique opportunity to work at the interface of research and practice. Fellows gain access to global conservation networks, expert mentorship, and the resources needed to translate scientific research into real-world impact.
This programme is ideal for researchers who want their work to inform policy, guide conservation strategies, and contribute meaningfully to global sustainability goals.
Support for Applicants
Need help strengthening your application?
Contact us for proposal drafting, refining, and review to ensure your research proposal and supporting documents meet the highest standards and align strongly with the fellowship’s expectations.
