New England Climate and Agriculture Graduate Fellowship (Summer 2021) 

American Farmland Trust is offering a paid fellowship for one graduate student interested in the relationship between climate change and agriculture.  This Fellow should have previous experience in research focused on agriculture, regenerative practices or soil health, climate change, or climate/soil health modeling. Applicants should have experience with data collection and analysis, academic writing, and a strong understanding of the impact that agriculture has on climate change, positive and negative. Prior experience working with or researching New England’s farming community and/or with agriculture on small farms is preferred. 

Fellowship details: 

AFT’s Climate and Agriculture Graduate Fellow will work closely with and collaborate with AFT New England staff on data analysis and/or research projects related to climate change, soil health, and regenerative agriculture practices adoption in New England. This may include conducting literature research, data collection and analysis, drafting findings reports, and developing presentations. 

This 10-week fellowship will begin on May 31, end on August 13, and will be conducted virtually, with occasional in-person meetings following all CDC social distancing guidelines, to ensure health and safety during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.  

The Fellow will work a self-directed schedule, (expected to be approximately 35 hours of work per week) and will receive a biweekly stipend of $2000 to $2500 depending on experience and qualifications. 

Eligibility: 

Applicants must be a graduate student (Masters or PhD) with advanced standing in an agriculture, soil science, environmental science, climate change, or related graduate program. We will also consider post-masters students who have graduated within the past 12 months of the fellowship (i.e., Spring 2020 or after), if the position fits directly within a student’s career or academic goals. 

Applicants must currently reside in the Northeast and be eligible to work in the U.S. 

To apply please submit the following to NewEnglandSoilHealth@farmland.org 

  • Cover letter 
  • Resume/Curriculum Vita 
  • A one-page research proposal detailing a project that investigates the relationships between soil health, agriculture, and climate change. This project should require no more than 20% of total fellowship hours.  
  • Writing sample, preferably in your area of expertise 
  • One letter of reference 
  • Unofficial undergraduate and graduate transcripts 

Applications will be evaluated starting immediately and will remain open until the Fellowship is filled.