Klarman Postdoctoral Fellowships 2025–2026 at Cornell University
- Omran Aburayya
- Aug 19
- 3 min read
If you're an early-career scholar with a freshly conferred PhD and a vision for pioneering research, the Klarman Fellowships at Cornell University’s College of Arts & Sciences may be the perfect launchpad. Renowned as one of the nation’s most selective postdoctoral awards, this fellowship offers an unparalleled opportunity to pursue independent, boundary-crossing research—free from demanding teaching duties or constrained funding mandates. Supported by a generous stipend and let by a faculty mentor, this fellowship empowers innovation in any discipline across the college.
🎓 Fellowship Summary
Location: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY (College of Arts & Sciences)
Level: Postdoctoral research (non-teaching)
Target Group: Exceptional early-career scholars from global applicant pool—PhD conferred no earlier than May 1, 2024
Fields of Research: Open to all disciplines—natural, social, quantitative sciences, humanities, creative arts, and interdisciplinary research
Value & Coverage: Annual stipend of USD 80,000 plus Cornell benefits; USD 12,000 annual research fund; up to USD 2,000 in the first year may be used for moving expenses
Award Duration: Up to three years, with annual reappointment contingent on scholarly progress
Selection Cohort: Typically ten fellows appointed annually
Start Dates: Flexible between July 1 and September 1, 2026
📚 Fellowship Overview
The Klarman Fellowship stands out among postdoctoral awards for its freedom and support:
Full Independence for Research Innovation: Fellows can design bold, original research projects unencumbered by predetermined deliverables or heavy teaching loads
Cross-Disciplinary Exploration: All fields, including emerging interdisciplinary areas, are welcome—provided there is a Cornell Arts & Sciences faculty host to mentor the candidate
🎁 Fellowship Benefits
Generous Funding: USD 80,000 stipend plus benefits ensures financial security during the fellowship term; complemented by an annual USD 12,000 research fund, aiding research costs and relocation
Research Freedom: Minimal constraints, with limited teaching permitted only if it supports your professional development
Mentorship & Support: Each fellow is paired with a dedicated faculty mentor—and optional co-host—to guide their scholarly trajectory
Visibility & Community: Be part of a top-tier academic community in a prestigious, research-driven environment
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
Have earned their doctoral degree no earlier than May 1, 2024 (for the 2025–2026 round)
Be within two years of PhD conferral and not have held positions at Cornell for more than six months
Have tenured or tenure-track faculty sponsorship from the College of Arts & Sciences; co-hosts from other Cornell schools are optional
Understand that no concurrent employment or funded roles are permitted during the fellowship
📝 Application Procedure
Application Portal Opens: August 15, 2025
Deadline: October 15, 2025, 11:59 pm EDT—must include faculty host sponsorship and three recommendation letters
Interviews via video conference: Early December 2025
Decision announcements: Mid-December 2025 to mid-January 2026
Start of Fellowship: Between July 1 and September 1, 2026
📂 Documents required include: CV, accessible research proposal (max 2 pages), information on faculty host, contact details for referees, and verification of PhD completion
Why This Fellowship Matters?
The Klarman Fellowship is more than a postdoctoral award—it’s a catalyst for trajectory-setting research. It fosters scholarly originality, offers financial independence, and embeds fellows within a vibrant academic ecosystem, all while supporting intellectual risk-taking. Whether you're working in the humanities, sciences, or beyond, this fellowship equips you to shape your field from a position of strength.
⭐ Final Recommendations
Start Early: Engage potential faculty hosts well ahead of the August portal opening.
Craft an Impactful Proposal: Keep it interdisciplinary, clear, and compelling for reviewers from diverse fields.
Secure Strong Recommendations: At least one from your primary doctoral advisor, plus faculty host’s sponsorship.
Stay Organized: Meet deadlines, coordinate with your host and referees, and monitor communications from Cornell diligently.
