Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What distinguishes the Climate Fellows Program at the University of Virginia from others?
A: The Climate Fellows Program at the University of Virginia is unique in several ways:
- The research is focused on producing impact.
- The Institute seeks to diversify solutions driven by climate science.
- The Institute supports work as a cohort and recognizes postdocs as an essential piece of the social fabric at the University.
- Mentorship and professional training are priorities to support future career prospects.
- As the hub of environmental resilience and sustainability research at the University, the Institute has a special interest in interdisciplinary research.
Q: How much funding do fellows get?
A: Fellows are paid a competitive annual salary. The base salary for each year is advertised along with the job descriptions. The salary is non-negotiable.
Q: What other benefits are there?
A: Fellows will have the option to access up to $10,000 in research support over the two-year appointment. This may be used for any research needs such as attending workshops and conferences or buying necessary equipment.
Post-Doctoral Research Associates receive all the normal benefits of staff at the University of Virginia such as healthcare and retirement. More information can be found on the benefits section of the University Human Resources web page.
Q: I am not an American citizen; do you support visa sponsorships for these positions?
A: Climate Fellows can come from anywhere in the world as there is no citizenship requirement. The University will help sponsor candidate visas during the fellowship period.
Q: What projects are the fellows and the Environmental Institute working on currently?
A: Climate Fellows Postdocs currently work on these projects and research areas covering broad topics including climate action, climate impacts, and climate dynamics. New projects are added every year through 2025.
Email the Program Manager, Henry Boachi, to learn more about the latest projects.
Read about the current Climate and G2C Fellows here.
Q: Who will my supervisor be?
A: Climate fellows are mentored by at least two UVA faculty currently leading one of the research projects focused on in climate action, impacts or dynamics, and selected by the Environmental Institute.
Q: How long is the program?
A: Fellows are typically appointed for two years.
Q: Why should I come to the University of Virginia?
A: UVA is ranked as the fourth best public university in the United States and aspires to become a world leader in climate change analysis and solutions research. The University has a particular strength in translating research into action and is eager for scholars whose research can influence policy and address real needs.
Q: What are the criteria for postdoctoral fellows?
A: The three main criteria for postdocs are
1) the strength of research
2) an ability to collaborate across disciplines and
3) a commitment to pursuing broadly impactful climate change solutions.
Q: As a Climate Fellow, am I eligible to be a Principal Investigator for external grants?
A: Postdocs and research staff are generally not allowed to be PIs and write proposals unless they get an exemption. If the proposal supports the mission of the Environmental Institute, faculty can elect to work with fellows to pursue this option.
Q: Are there any opportunities to transfer to a more permanent position at UVA, such as a tenure-track position or research requirements?
A: The fellowship does not guarantee a pathway to a faculty position. However, the mentoring, as well as career and professional development opportunities offered to fellows strengthen their competitiveness for more permanent positions, whether at UVA or elsewhere.