Rose Postdoctoral Fellowship: Annual Competition

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology invites applications for our Edward W. Rose Postdoctoral Fellowships. These competitive postdoctoral fellowship awards support innovative, independent research by early career scholars of exceptional promise. Multiple Rose Fellow positions are available annually, with applications due on September 9, 2023. All Rose Fellows join a vibrant community of more than 20 concurrent postdocs within the Rose Postdoctoral Program and interact with many other scholars across a wide range of disciplines. If you wish to apply for a fellowship, please see the Competition FAQ.

Rose Postdoctoral Fellowship awards support individuals pursuing cutting-edge scholarship, while fostering intellectual interaction among Lab programs and Cornell scholars. Any area of inquiry related to the Lab’s mission “to interpret and conserve the earth’s biological diversity through research, education, and citizen science focused on birds” is potentially appropriate. Applicants are encouraged to learn more about the Cornell Lab and our formal programs in Conservation Bioacoustics, Avian Population Studies, Citizen Science, Conservation Science, Communication, Education, Evolutionary Biology, Macaulay Library (animal behavior), and Conservation Media. Activities involving research and/or outreach spanning several of these areas are particularly encouraged, and some postdoctoral scholars are co-mentored. Projects that foster links among people and units from across Cornell University and beyond are likewise welcome. Potential applicants are encouraged to contact the most relevant faculty and staff at the Lab to brainstorm about areas of mutual interest and synergistic projects. We are especially interested in supporting the independent research of individuals who can bring new ideas, approaches, and connections to the Lab, while simultaneously leveraging our existing tools, data, and expertise in science, education, and communication.

Each Rose Postdoctoral opportunity spans up to 36 months via three consecutive year-long appointments at the Lab. Located at the Imogene Powers Johnson Center for Birds and Biodiversity in the 220-acre Sapsucker Woods Sanctuary, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology is a vibrant unit within Cornell University’s College of Agriculture & Life Sciences. More than 200 faculty and staff work at the Lab within our mission-driven programs. Our management and staff are committed to the highest standards of ethics and excellence in all areas of our work.

These appointments provide a competitive salary, Cornell health and other benefits, and funds to help support the Scholar’s research and other professional needs. Start dates are usually flexible within the year following the application. Interested applicants should explore these Annual Rose Postdoctoral Fellowship Competition web pages for more information about the overall program and about the Rose Fellow selection process.

The application package consists of a substantial cover letter, CV, two-page research proposal, statement supporting diverse communities, and references. Applicants must have received their Ph.D. before beginning their postdoctoral appointment at Cornell but may apply during the final year of their Ph.D. program. See the Competition FAQ for full details.

Edward W. Rose, known by family and friends as “Rusty,” joined the Lab’s Administrative Board in 1993 and served as its Chairman from 2004 to 2014. Rusty was a brilliant man who inspired everyone at the Lab, not only through his infectious laugh but even more by asking tough questions, expecting excellence, and seeking global impact. Rusty had a deep conservation ethos which he exemplified both in his own actions and through his support of the Cornell Lab and kindred institutions. He was among the Lab’s most enthusiastic promoters of early career scientists, and he always relished learning about their discoveries and accomplishments. Rusty passed away in January 2016, but his legacy endures in many contexts, including the Edward W. Rose Postdoctoral Fellowship Program which brings together the Lab’s entire postdoctoral community. Through the generosity of Rusty and his wife Deedie, together with that of fellow board members Larry and Nancy Fuller, Russ and Carol Faucett, and Imogene Powers Johnson, the Lab shall award multiple Edward W. Rose Postdoctoral Fellowships annually.

Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students, and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas to further the university’s mission of teaching, discovery, and engagement. Located in Ithaca, New York, Cornell’s far-flung global presence includes the medical college’s campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and in Doha, Qatar, as well as the new Cornell Tech campus to be built on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City.

Diversity and inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We’re an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

Join Our Email List

The Cornell Lab will send you updates about birds, birding, and opportunities to help bird conservation. Sign up for email and don’t miss a thing!

Golden-cheeked Warbler by Bryan Calk/Macaulay Library