Postdoc in Natural Carbon Capture in Yale University – USA

Summary

The Yale Center for Natural Carbon Capture (YCNCC) is accepting applications for its Postdoctoral Fellowship Program. The center, established in 2021, focuses on advancing fundamental and applied science to enhance natural Earth systems for reducing greenhouse gas concentrations. The program welcomes applicants with research interests in Ecosystem Capture, Geological Ocean Carbon Capture, and Industrial Carbon Utilization. Candidates must identify and contact a Yale faculty member to host their proposed project, as a letter of support from a faculty host is mandatory. Successful candidates will be appointed as postdoctoral associates for an initial period of one year, extendable to a second year, with a stipend of $68,500 per year, $6,000 in research funds, and health care benefits. The application deadline is December 1, 2026.

Key Facts

Department	Yale Center for Natural Carbon Capture (YCNCC)
Position Type	Postdoctoral Associate
Research Area	Natural Carbon Capture, Ecosystem Capture, Geological Ocean Carbon Capture, Industrial Carbon Utilization
Degree Required	PhD or equivalent degree in a relevant discipline
Experience	Less than four years of prior postdoctoral experience
Salary	$68,500 per year
Funding	Stipend based on current Yale postdoctoral salary scale, base research funds of $6000 per year, plus health care benefits and limited expenses for relocation.
Contract Duration	Initial period of one year, extendable for a second year upon satisfactory performance and available funding.
Deadline	2026-12-01
Required Documents	Full CV including complete bibliography, Research proposal (2 pages maximum, not including figures and references), 2 Letters of Recommendation (PDFs), 1 to 2 publications (in prep or submitted manuscripts permissible), Letter of support from a Yale faculty member (1 page maximum)
Employer Address	New Haven, CT
Employer Contact	Toby Bryce, Managing Director, [email protected]

About the Project

The Yale Center for Natural Carbon Capture (YCNCC) is seeking postdoctoral researchers to advance fundamental and applied science in enhancing natural Earth systems. The goal is to create safe, effective, and scalable methods for reducing greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere, with an emphasis on ecological and social co-benefits. Research interests should fall within three main areas: Ecosystem Capture, Geological Ocean Carbon Capture, and Industrial Carbon Utilization. Proposed projects should demonstrate how they will contribute to the center's mission.

Who Should Apply

This program is suitable for individuals holding a PhD or equivalent degree in a relevant discipline, with less than four years of prior postdoctoral experience. Applicants should have research interests aligned with Ecosystem Capture, Geological Ocean Carbon Capture, or Industrial Carbon Utilization. A key requirement is to secure a Yale faculty member willing to host and support the proposed research project.

Benefits

• Stipend based on current Yale postdoctoral salary scale (currently $68,500 per year)
• Base research funds of $6,000 per year
• Health care benefits
• Limited expenses for relocation

About the Employer

The Yale Center for Natural Carbon Capture (YCNCC) was established in 2021 to advance fundamental and applied science. Its mission is to enhance natural Earth systems to create safe, effective, and scalable methods for reducing greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere, with a strong emphasis on meaningful ecological and social co-benefits. The Center convenes faculty, research scientists, postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, and staff from various departments and schools across Yale to work collaboratively on natural solutions for climate mitigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary focus of the Yale Center for Natural Carbon Capture?

The Yale Center for Natural Carbon Capture (YCNCC) focuses on advancing fundamental and applied science to enhance natural Earth systems, creating safe, effective, and scalable methods for reducing greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere, with an emphasis on ecological and social co-benefits.

What are the key research areas for this fellowship program?

The key research areas for this program are Ecosystem Capture, Geological Ocean Carbon Capture, and Industrial Carbon Utilization.

Is a letter of support from a Yale faculty member required for the application?

Yes, applications lacking a letter of support from a potential Yale faculty host will not be considered.

What is the duration of the postdoctoral appointment?

The initial appointment is for one year and may be extended for a second year upon satisfactory performance and available funding.

What is the annual stipend for this position?

The annual stipend for this position is currently $68,500, along with $6,000 in base research funds, health care benefits, and limited relocation expenses.

When is the deadline for applications?

The deadline for applications is December 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.