12 Professional Fellowships in Clean Energy and Sustainability

Jul 03, 2018

Last updated February 6, 2023

These fellowships are for scientists, engineers, and activists who work in the fields of sustainability or clean energy. Imagine having the resources to pursue your own research project to slow global warming, advocate for public policy that protects the environment, or engineer new ways to harness clean energy. Each fellowship offers unique opportunities to preserve our planet and combat the negative effects of climate change. If any of these opportunities match your background and aspirations, be sure to bookmark them to your ProFellow account!

1 Hotels Fellowship at E2

1 Hotels Fellows will work in partnership with Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2) Emerging Leaders Program to identify pressing environmental issues and needs across the country, and then organize and execute projects that help communicate and amplify the business and economic case for smart policies to address these issues. Fellowships are restricted to early or mid-career young professionals who currently work in sustainability, clean energy, water, infrastructure or related fields. Each fellow will receive a stipend of $20,000, plus other benefits.

Distinguished Staff Fellowship Program

The ORNL Distinguished Staff Fellowships are 3-year appointments awarded to outstanding early-career scientists and engineers with demonstrated success within their academic, professional, and technical areas, who have high potential to be future science leaders. These highly competitive fellowships are available across a variety of research disciplines, including biology and the environment, clean energy, fusion and fission, isotope science, materials science, national security, neutron science, and supercomputing. Applicants must have received their PhD in a STEM field within the last 5 years.

CivicSpark AmeriCorps

CivicSpark is a Governor’s Initiative AmeriCorps program in California dedicated to building capacity for local governments to address climate change, water, and land-use needs. Fellows have the opportunity to gain valuable experience in their field, build office professional skills, and develop a strong network, while creating a lasting impact in their service community during their 11 months of service. The program offers two fellowship tracks: CivicSpark Climate (50 Fellows) and CivicSpark Water (20 Fellows). Fellows receive a $16,000+ living allowance (before taxes) spread evenly over 11 months; Segal Education Award of $5,815 at the completion of service; and health insurance, among other benefits.

SEI Climate Corps Fellowship

An SEI Climate Corps Fellowship provides professional development opportunities for emerging leaders through implementation of sustainability and resiliency projects with local governments, nonprofits, and for-profit businesses. Along with extensive personal development and training, Fellows receive a modest stipend and other benefits. The Fellowship typically begins in early September and ends in June. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis: submit applications as soon as possible in order to receive priority placement consideration.

DLR-DAAD Research Fellowships

DLR-DAAD Research Fellowships in the fields of Space, Aeronautics, Energy and Transportation Research. A new program implemented by the Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt (DLR) and DAAD. DLR is Germany’s national research center for aeronautics and space. This special program is intended for highly-qualified foreign doctoral and postdoctoral students as well as senior scientists. DLR-DAAD Fellowships offer outstanding scientists and researchers the opportunity to conduct special research at the institutes of the DLR in Germany. Check ‘Current Offers’ for opportunities.

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Science and Technology Policy Fellowships (SunShot Initiative Fellowships)

EERE STP Fellowships are two-year opportunities for recent graduates and experienced scientists and engineers to participate in policy-related projects at DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy in Washington, D.C. There are three levels of Fellowships: Junior Fellows (Bachelor’s), Fellows (Masters or PhD) and Senior Fellows (Masters or PhD). Fellows receive a salary starting at $47,684, $58,000, and $76,378 respectively, health benefits, travel assistance, and relocation allowance. SunShot applications are reviewed (and offers are made) twice per year with rolling application deadlines of January 15th and June 15th.

Franklin Talent Exchange Program

The Franklin Talent Exchange Program (FTEP), formerly known as the Franklin Fellows Program, is a unique 1-year professional fellowship for senior and mid-level professionals to work as an expert or a consultant at the U.S. Department of State on a wide range of subjects that strategically align with foreign policy priorities in areas such economic growth, energy, agriculture, the ocean, the environment, and science and technology (STEM). The FTEP Fellowship is only for U.S. citizens who are able to get a security clearance and have a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience. FTEP Fellows are not compensated by the U.S. Department of State, they are sponsored by their employers. Check the website for positions and deadlines.

Green Corps Fellowship Program

The Green Corps Fellowship Program is the country’s most respected training program for environmental organizers. Green Corps offers a year-long, paid training program that prepares young professionals and recent graduates for a career in environmental organizing. The program involves eight weeks of intensive classroom training with environmental organizers and leaders and offers hands-on experience with 3-5 real campaigns across the country. After completing the program, fellows will be connected to groups that are looking to hire full-time staff. The target annual compensation for this position is $31,500 (but compensation may range between $31,500 and $39,000 depending on location).

Gulf Research Program: Early-Career Research Fellowships

The Gulf Research Program’s Early-Career Research Fellowship supports emerging scientific leaders as they take risks on research ideas not yet tested, pursue unique collaborations, and build a network of colleagues who share their interest in improving offshore energy system safety and the well-being of coastal communities and ecosystems. The program provides a grant of $76,000 to support the fellow for 2 years of research which can be used to cover costs, salaries and other professional expenses. Applicants must have received their final degree within the last 10 years and be employed at a research organization.

Rowland Fellowship in Energy Science & Engineering

The Rowland Fellowship in Energy Science & Engineering provides early career scientists with funding to establish an independent research program. An opportunity to pursue new research ideas without the need for external funding, with full institutional support, access to technical and scientific resources, and an opportunity to work with Harvard. Fellows must have completed their doctoral degrees prior to starting their term.  We welcome applications from newly conferred doctorates as well as from candidates with postdoctoral experience. The base stipend is $72k/year with increases based on years of experience beyond the PhD.

SolarCorps Fellowships

The national SolarCorps Fellowship Program is an opportunity for highly motivated and enthusiastic people to join GRID Alternatives for a one-year, paid term of service to their community. The Corporation for National and Community Service has provided partial funding for the program through AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps VISTA since 2006. Positions are available in areas such as construction, client outreach, and volunteer engagement, and include a stipend and healthcare. Apply for specific positions with rolling deadlines at the website.

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