Voss Postdoctoral Research Associate in Environment and Society

Brown University: DOF: Environment and Society Location

Providence, Rhode Island

Open Date

Jul 13, 2026

Description

The Institute at Brown for Environment and Society (IBES)  seeks candidates for one or more distinguished postdoctoral research associates. Voss Postdoctoral Research Associates conduct independent research with mentorship by one or more IBES faculty with expertise in a wide range of disciplines. 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 and advance new scholarship beyond the applicant’s dissertation or prior postdoctoral research experience. Voss Postdoctoral Research Associates receive a salary of $68,000, plus benefits and a discretionary research fund of up to $4,000. Selected candidates are expected to devote time to original research activities described in the application to the Voss postdoctoral program. In special cases, successful applicants may have the opportunity to teach undergraduate courses. A $3,000 salary supplement will be provided to successful candidates during the first year of the fellowship to offset relocation expenses.

Brown offers only the J-1 visa classification to scholars who need immigration sponsorship in order to enter the U.S. and commence lawful employment under the terms of their appointment.

Qualifications

Qualifications for the position include a PhD at the time the position commences [conferral between 7/1/2024 and 7/1/2027], an ability to work independently, an interest in contributing to a dialogue across disciplinary boundaries, and an interest in exploring diverse avenues for research activities and impacts beyond academia, as described in the  IBES strategic plan .

Application Instructions

The application process:

The application is a two-step procedure. Step-one proposals are limited to 4,000 characters and must be received by September 1, 2026 at 5 PM EDT. The step-one proposal must identify one or more faculty mentors from the list of eligible  IBES faculty , and must succinctly summarize the background, objectives, and expected significance of the proposed research so that faculty mentors can judge the merits and strengths of the proposal. All step-one proposals will be reviewed, and applicants will be notified by September 28, 2026, whether the proposal was selected to proceed to Step Two. Step-two proposals must be received by October 1, 2026 at 5 PM EDT. Shortlisted candidates must be available for online interviews during the week of October 19, 2026.

How to apply:

Step-one proposals are due by September 1, 2026 at 5 PM EDT through  Interfolio . The step-one proposal must include:

• A current version of the candidate’s CV;
  

• one or more faculty mentors identified from the list of eligible  IBES faculty ;
  

• a succinct summary of the background, objectives, and expected significance of the proposed research in no more than 4,000 characters, including references and spaces. 

Applicants may contact prospective faculty mentors at any time during the application process. The selection committee will review step-one proposals and inform each candidate whether the proposal has been selected to proceed to step-two no later than September 28, 2026. 

Step-two proposals are due by October 1, 2026 at 5 PM EDT through  Interfolio  and must include: 

• A current version of the candidate’s CV;
  

• a statement describing how this position relates to the candidate’s career goals (500 word limit);
  

• a statement describing how the proposed research will contribute to the goals and objectives expressed in the  IBES strategic plan (500 word limit);
  

• a research proposal that describes the background, objectives, expected significance, and work-plan of the proposed research (1,500 word limit);
  

• three confidential letters of recommendation from advisors or colleagues. Referees will submit letters directly through Interfolio, which will supply a direct link when contact information is entered. 

The research proposal should include a timeline and project outcomes plan that clearly links the proposed research with the candidate’s career goals (e.g., a plan for book publication, proposal development, submission of peer-reviewed academic journal articles, published datasets/code or other online resource, conference proceedings, policy briefs, public scholarship, educational materials or other outcomes and products). Candidates should address how they would contribute to the research and/or teaching missions of our diverse and inclusive living-learning community.  

Questions about the application process should be directed to the IBES Director of Early Career Development and Training at  View email address on nature.com

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person’s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, in the administration of its policies, programs, and activities. The University recognizes and rewards individuals on the basis of qualifications and performance. The University maintains certain affirmative action programs in compliance with applicable law.