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Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability Dean's Postdoctoral Fellowship Program

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The Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability Dean’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program, introduced in 2020, represents a new step in diversifying the academic pipeline in the fields of environmental sustainability. We deeply appreciate the value of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community, and we define diversity broadly to include diversity of genders, races and ethnicities, cultures, physical and learning differences, sexual orientations and identities, veteran status, and work and life experiences.

As part of advancing Stanford University’s IDEAL vision and commitment to diversity (broadly defined) among its faculty, students, and staff, this fellowship will support outstanding scholars in the fields of Earth, oceans, energy, and civil and & environmental engineering, as well as other emerging fields under the umbrella of sustainability, including research fields that intersect with societal issues, whose research and mentorship of undergraduate and graduate students will contribute to diversity, equity, inclusion, and scientific excellence within the Doerr school.

The Dean’s Postdoctoral fellows will receive fellowship support and faculty mentoring and will participate in professional development programs as part of the school community. The fellowship carries an annual stipend of $85,000 for up to two years and includes a research stipend of $10,000/year.

How to Apply

Candidates are encouraged to reach out to potential faculty mentors in the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability whose research aligns with their interests (see Doerr School faculty directory). We especially seek to attract applications from promising scholars from underrepresented backgrounds in STEM as well as those who are in emerging areas related to Earth sciences, oceans,  energy, civil & environmental engineering, and the broader field of sustainability that intersect with issues of human impact and equity. Applicants whose work intersects with issues of race and ethnicity are also encouraged to apply to the IDEAL Provostial Early Fellows program. Here are some questions to consider when approaching a potential faculty mentor.

The next application cycle will be in Fall 2024. Please check back for updates.

If you have any questions about any other postdoc opportunities at the school, we encourage you to contact the individual PI about opportunities and also visit the Stanford Postdoctoral Affairs webpage for latest opportunities. If candidates have any questions, please feel free to contact us at sustainpostdoc@stanford.edu

All are welcome to apply, and candidates will be evaluated based their potential to support the school’s commitment to diversity and research excellence, as well as a faculty mentor’s ability to support the candidates’ research goals and to advance an inclusive working environment in the school.

About Application Materials

The cover letter (2-page maximum) should provide the committee with an overview of why the applicant would be a great fit for the Dean's postdoc fellowship program, and how it would help the candidate not only in advancing research and knowledge but also in advancing diversity, equity and inclusion at Stanford and in their respective field. The cover letter should provide an overview of the applicant's past experiences and accomplishments, as well as future goals and directions, that demonstrate a dedication to research excellence and diversity within the broader field of sustainability. 

The diversity statement (2-page maximum) should expand upon the applicant’s experiences with diversity in research, teaching, and/or service, and the candidate’s potential to support the School’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, equity, and access. The research statement (2-page maximum) should describe accomplishments, current work, future research direction, and impacts of work with a potential Stanford Doerr school faculty mentor.   

The Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability deeply appreciates the value of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community, and defines diversity broadly to include (among other things) diversity of genders, races and ethnicities, cultures, physical and learning differences, sexual orientations and identities, veteran status, and work and life experiences. The school welcomes all who would bring diversity of perspective to the school's research and teaching missions. Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer, and consistent with its obligations under the law prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of any characteristic protected by applicable law.