ELIGIBILITY
PhD in any disciplinary field, including interdisciplinary studies. Must have either expertise or expressed interest in developing expertise in a particular aspect of sustainability.
PhD anticipated in spring/summer 2026 or completed after December 31, 2020.
If graduating in 2026, degree must be conferred by July 31, 2026.
Relevant skills for at least one of the existing IonE projects.
Willingness to relocate to the Minneapolis/St. Paul area or a statement and willingness to regularly engage in person at IonE.
Ability to participate in Fall Orientation (September 14-16, 2026).
U.S. citizenship is not a consideration in decisions. Candidates must be U.S. work eligible; non-U.S. scholars must have or be able to obtain a visa.
APPLICATION REVIEW PROCESS
The evaluation process will include 3 phases: 1) application review, 2) 1-way interview of qualified candidates, and 3) 2-way zoom interview of finalists.
Initial applicants will be reviewed for eligibility requirements and assigned to at least three reviewers that will include the project PI(s) and additional IonE team members. These reviewers will evaluate the applicants in all fields according to their potential for success within IonE’s impact focused research portfolio. Special consideration given to potential contributions to the diversity and equal opportunity goals of IonE. Reviewers will decide which candidates are qualified to move forward to a semi-finalist stage. Candidates will be notified of their status for the semi-finalist stage by May 18.
The semi-finalist stage is a 1-way, asynchronous recorded video interview (Spark Hire). Each candidate will respond to 3-5 questions. Candidates will be given the questions ahead of time and have 3 minutes to answer each one; you will be given unlimited opportunities to re-record your response if you wish. The reviewers will review these responses and indicate which candidates will be selected as finalists to move forward into Zoom interviews. Candidates will be notified of their status for Phase 3 interviews by June 15.
ALL Zoom interviews will take place June 29-30. We will work with the finalists to schedule a 45-minute time slot for their 2-way Zoom interview; times are not guaranteed until scheduled, so we encourage all candidates to reserve [dates forthcoming]. on their calendars. We will provide finalists with the interview questions in advance.
After the Zoom interviews, principal investigators will submit their recommendations to the Knowledge Initiatives Director for final selection and notification. All candidates will be notified of their final status in early August 2026.
IMPORTANT DATES UPDATED (1/16/26)
January 26, 2026: Applications Open
February 10: Informational Webinar with Melissa Kenney, Deepak Ray, Jennifer Schmitt, Nat Springer
March 4: Informational Webinar: Meet the Postdocs! (1 of 2) Q&A Zoom Call
April 1: Informational Webinar: Meet the Postdocs! (2 of 2) Q&A Zoom Call
April 29, 2026: Applications Close
May 18: Candidates advancing to semi-finalist round will be notified.
May 20 - 27: Semi-finalist candidates record 1-way Spark Hire interview
June 15: Candidates will be notified of their status for finalist interviews.
June 29-30: Finalist interviews (we encourage all candidates to reserve dates once announced)
Start Date: September 14-16, 2026 Cohort 4 IonE Postdoctoral Fellows Orientation
* For more information see FAQs.