Institute at Brown for Environment and Society
Opportunities for Postdoctoral Researchers
Voss Postdoctoral Research Associate in Environment and Society
Currently accepting applications. Submit step-one proposals by September 12, 2025 at 5 p.m. ET.
Each year, IBES seeks candidates for one or more distinguished postdoctoral fellowships in any field of study relevant to environmental research. Voss Postdoctoral Fellows conduct independent research with mentorship by one or more IBES affiliated faculty with expertise in a wide range of disciplines, including Anthropology; Earth Environment and Planetary Sciences; Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology; Engineering; History; Public Health; and Sociology. A list of eligible faculty mentors is available to those interested in applying. Appointments have an expected term of two years starting in July 2026 or soon thereafter. Priority will be given to applications that demonstrate an ability to communicate across disciplinary boundaries.
FAQs
When is the application deadline?
The application is a two-step process. Step-one proposals were due on September 12, 2025 at 5 p.m. ET. Full proposals are due on October 10, 2025 at 5 p.m. ET.
Can I apply if I’m currently a PhD student?
Yes. Candidates who expect to hold a PhD by July 1, 2026 are eligible to apply.
I’m part-way through a current postdoctoral position, am I eligible for the Voss Postdoctoral Fellowship?
Yes.
I’ve had a post-PhD career in another field, am I eligible for the Voss Postdoctoral Fellowship many years after completing the PhD degree?
Yes.
If my application is successful, could I defer the start date to the following year?
No. We will accommodate small adjustments to the start date, but deferrals are not permitted.
I’m applying to multiple fellowships. What happens if I’m awarded two or more postdoctoral fellowships during this application round?
Candidates who are awarded multiple postdoctoral fellowships can choose to do both, by negotiating to spend the first year at Brown and the following year at another institution.
Where can I find a list of eligible faculty mentors?
There is a list of eligible faculty mentors here.
Should I contact a prospective faculty mentor before applying to the Voss Postdoctoral Program?
Applicants may contact proposed faculty mentors at any time during the application process.
How much can my prospective faculty mentor assist me in preparing my fellowship application?
Faculty can provide ample assistance with the application, but individual faculty have different comfort levels, time availability, and disciplinary norms that might impact the level of assistance.
Does my proposed research project have to be interdisciplinary?
No. But we value scholarship that speaks across disciplinary boundaries. The importance of your work must be clear to people outside your primary field of study.
What is the salary for Voss Postdoctoral Fellows?
The salary for the 2026 - 2027 academic year is $68,000. We also provide a discretionary research fund, relocation assistance and generous healthcare benefits.
Past Voss Postdoctoral Fellows
Previous Voss Postdoctoral Fellows hold jobs at prestigious academic institutions across the country, publish influential scholarly research, and speak around the world.