International applicants are explicitly fully eligible and encouraged to apply. Candidates must be postdoctoral-level researchers capable of proposing independent interdisciplinary research aligned with energy or sustainability and spanning the work of at least two Northwestern faculty members.

The Northwestern Sustainability and Energy Fellows Program gives postdoctoral scholars substantial research independence to pursue interdisciplinary projects addressing energy and sustainability challenges. Fellows work with at least two Northwestern faculty mentors.

Benefits
The fellowship lasts three years and provides an annual salary of USD 75,000 plus benefits. Fellows also have access to up to USD 15,000 each year for research materials, travel and professional development. Additional opportunities include entrepreneurship training, intellectual-property strategy, venture-capital workshops and industry engagement.

Requirements
Applicants submit a one-page cover letter, one-page summary of past research accomplishments, two-page independent research proposal and CV of up to three pages in one PDF. Three support letters are required: a joint nomination letter from two Northwestern co-mentors, one research reference and one letter from the applicant\'s PhD adviser.

How to apply
Identify two Northwestern faculty co-mentors whose work supports the proposed project. Submit the combined application PDF through the official process and arrange for the three required support letters to be submitted directly. Applications close 2026-10-30 at 23:59 Central Time.