IonE Postdoctoral Fellowship

The IonE Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Minnesota's Institute on the Environment supports breakthrough interdisciplinary research to accelerate sustainable transitions. Fellows are community-engaged scholars who conduct solutions-oriented research supporting equitable and just sustainability decisions across areas including sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, food and water access, clean water systems, vibrant economies, and thriving ecosystems. The fellowship aims to develop the next generation of global leaders through transformative partnerships and impact-driven research. Fellows lead 1-2 projects from IonE's existing portfolio during their tenure, allowing rapid team integration and development of team science and project management skills. The program emphasizes building academic and non-academic networks and producing early research outputs. Fellows join a cohort receiving leadership training, mentoring, and professional development including DEIJ and community-engaged research methodologies, hands-on team science experience, and engagement in interdisciplinary activities. Each fellow receives mentoring from a team including a primary IonE-based mentor, other IonE scholars, and a community, government, or industry mentor. Fellows develop an individual Professional Development Plan and dedicate 20% of their time and funds to professional development activities such as seed projects, skill development, and conferences. The program integrates fellows into a community of 250+ interdisciplinary scholars, educators, and professionals within the IonE Affiliates network. The fellowship represents a redefinition of academia's role in service of society, preparing change agents through unique impact entrepreneurship and leadership development programs. Fellows define success by real-world impact and work collaboratively to address global sustainability challenges.