Edward W. Rose Postdoctoral Scholars Program

The Cornell Lab welcomes and supports a thriving community of postdoctoral scholars. In keeping with our disciplinary breadth, postdocs work on a great range of topics, from behavioral ecology to genomics, computer science to engineering, science education to conservation biology.

Postdocs come to the Lab along several paths. Some are recruited by individual Lab programs as part of ongoing research endeavors. Others choose to come to Cornell using fellowships from outside sources, and some are selected as part of the Lab’s own annual competitive postdoctoral scholars program.

Edward W. Rose Postdoctoral Fellowships

Edward W. Rose Postdoctoral Fellowships are awarded via an annual competition open to any exceptional scholar having a recent Ph.D. whose interests and projects align with the Lab’s mission “…to interpret and conserve the earth’s biological diversity through research, citizen science, and education focused on birds and nature.” Two to four 3-year fellowships are awarded annually, with applications typically due on September 9 each year.

Program-Sponsored Postdoctoral Opportunities

Many postdocs are recruited into the Cornell Lab community as collaborators on projects in our research and outreach programs. Such opportunities arise regularly but unpredictably, and may be funded by grants, contracts, or philanthropic donors. The best way to learn about these opportunities is through direct contact with Lab scientists in your discipline (see our Programs page). Also important are any listservs in your discipline that are standard advertising venues for postdoctoral positions. Most program-sponsored postdoctoral opportunities are also advertised on the Cornell University jobs website.

Externally Supported Postdoctoral Scholars

Because the Lab hosts a diverse and welcoming community of scholars, individuals often choose to come to the Lab after garnering their own support from external funding agencies or foundations (e.g., NSF, NRC of Canada). For individuals considering crafting proposals directed toward this option, prior direct contact with a Lab scientist is vital and useful. Learn more about Cornell Lab researchers.

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Golden-cheeked Warbler by Bryan Calk/Macaulay Library