Program Overview
The goal of the IonE Postdoctoral Fellowship program is to accelerate progress toward a future where people and the planet prosper. Through interdisciplinary research, leadership development and transformative partnerships, the fellowship prepares scholars to drive meaningful sustainability solutions locally and globally.
Conduct Research With Impact
As a postdoctoral fellow, you will join one to two projects within IonE’s active research portfolio. These projects allow you to integrate quickly into interdisciplinary teams while strengthening your research, project management and team science experience.
Your work will focus on practical sustainability challenges that inform real-world decision-making. Preview current postdoctoral projects and how your work can help drive sustainability solutions.
Grow as a Sustainability Leader
Beyond research, the fellowship is designed to grow your leadership capacity. You will collaborate across disciplines and sectors while building the skills needed to guide complex sustainability initiatives.
Leadership development includes:
- Advancing skills in cutting-edge interdisciplinary research methods
- Hands-on training in team science and project management
- Engagement in IonE events and activities
Mentorship and Professional Growth
IonE postdoctoral fellows are part of a collaborative cohort and IonE’s broader network of 250+ scholars, educators and professionals.
Each postdoctoral fellow works with a mentoring team that includes:
- A primary IonE mentor
- A mentoring team of IonE/UMN scholars and partners
- A peer mentor
Postdoctoral fellows dedicate 20% of their time to professional development and leadership growth.
Fellowship Terms and Compensation
Fellowships are two years in length, with up to 15 postdoctoral fellows selected annually.
Each postdoctoral fellow receives:
- Annual salary between $63,500–$71,000, based on experience
- Research and professional development funds
- Basic moving expenses
- Health care coverage and paid leave
You may be a strong fit if you are: interdisciplinary, community-engaged, a team player, a visionary leader and/or impact-focused.
“We are people from different disciplines working together to make the planet healthy. And that’s the beauty of IonE; this postdoc has given me these diverse opportunities I wouldn’t get otherwise.”
What Sets This Fellowship Apart
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Interdisciplinary by Design: This is not a single-lab experience. IonE postdoctoral fellows work across disciplines, contributing to collaborative projects that integrate multiple perspectives. You will strengthen your research skills while gaining experience in team science and project management.
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The Goal is Impact: The fellowship is built around real-world impact. Research is not the end goal – it is a tool for advancing practical sustainability solutions. Postdoctoral fellows define success by the difference their work makes beyond academia.
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Partner-Engaged Scholarship: You will engage with researchers as well as government, industry and community partners as part of your work. This approach builds transformative partnerships locally and globally – and helps translate research into informed decision-making.
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It’s a Launchpad: The fellowship prepares you for impact-driven leadership in multiple sectors. Whether you pursue academia, public service, nonprofit work or industry, you will leave with broader experiences and stronger networks.
How to Apply
Learn how to apply and submit your application for the next cohort.
Postdoctoral Fellowship News
Program Alumni
Learn a bit about the people who've participated in IonE's postdoctoral fellowship program.
Opportunities Beyond the Fellowship
Postdoctoral fellows may also take part in opportunities across IonE and the University of Minnesota that add to their experience.
Strengthen Your Science Communication
Build confidence in sharing your research with a broader audience. At IonE’s annual Speaking Science Conference, IonE postdoctoral fellows can develop and practice communicating complex ideas clearly and effectively and connect your work to more conversations.
Engage in Global Climate Dialogue
Postdoctoral fellows may have the opportunity to serve as a University of Minnesota delegate to the U.N. Conference of the Parties (COP). Participate in international climate discussions and gain firsthand experience in global sustainability policy and negotiation.
Get in Touch
Have a question or need more information about the IonE Postdoctoral Fellowship program? Get in touch and we will help you find what you are looking for.