About the Unit: The University of Chicago Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth is a groundbreaking effort uniting faculty from across the university to advance society’s understanding of our energy and climate future. The Institute combines faculty insights in energy markets and policy, climate systems engineering, and energy technology to produce world-changing ideas while also investing in the next generation of energy and climate thinkers, leaders, and innovators through novel educational programs. The Climate Impact Lab (CIL) is a core initiative of the Institute, bringing together leading climate scientists, economists, data engineers, and risk analysts to quantify the impacts of climate change and identify opportunities for adaptation sector-by-sector and community-by-community across the globe.
The Role:
The University of Chicago is seeking a full-time Post-Doctoral Scholar to build and co-lead a portfolio of applied research projects related to climate change impacts and adaptation. The Post-Doctoral Scholar will work closely with the Lab’s Faculty Head of Research, Executive Director, Research Directors, and other post-docs and will collaborate with other faculty members at the University of Chicago, other top universities, as well as government agency partners.
The Scholar will provide intellectual leadership and management for department’s strategic planning and analytical work. This includes producing research articles, contributing to the scientific content of research proposals and supporting research dissemination and policymaker outreach activities.
Research Training:
This Post-Doctoral role offers continued training in preparation for an independent research career. The Scholar will be encouraged to develop collaborative relationships with academic staff/faculty and visitors in the Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics, Harris School of Public Policy, the Booth School of Business, and other units around campus.
Responsibilities:
- Develops research ideas and leads design of new research projects
- Engages with government partners to develop project ideas and help ensure successful execution of research projects in the Lab’s current portfolio
- Provides scientific direction and leadership for new and existing projects
- Mentors research staff, and ensures the rigor and quality of research analysis
- Oversees research activities, including data collection and analysis
- Participates in drafting research proposals, funder reports, and presentations
- Co-authors research articles, reports, briefs, and manuscripts
- Presents research findings at meetings and conferences to research and practitioner/policymaker audiences
- Contributes to strategic decisions about new projects and initiatives
Education:
- PhD in economics or related field
Experience:
- Minimum of two years research experience preferred
- Experience working with interdisciplinary research teams and policymaker stakeholders preferred
Competencies:
- Expertise in applied microeconomics methods and all aspects of research design
- Topical expertise in energy and environmental economics, including familiarity with field literature
- Interest in finding and testing innovative solutions to environmental problems
- Proficiency in R, Python, Stata
Required Documents:
- Current curriculum vitae
- Job market paper
- Cover letter that includes a brief description of current research and outlines the areas of energy and environmental economics and applied public policy that are of primary interest
- Three letters of reference to be submitted directly to email.
Application process:
How to apply:
Candidates interested in applying should email Climate-HR@uchicago.edu with the subject line “Postdoctoral Scholar, CIL.” All required application materials must be attached to the email for full consideration. Please direct all questions about this position to Tamma Carleton (tcarleton@berkeley.edu).
Applicants must have completed the requirements for their PhD in economics or related field before starting the Post-Doctoral Scholar appointment. They may not be employed by another institution during the term of their University of Chicago appointment.
The appointment is for one year, with the expectation of a 1-year renewal based on performance and funding. Typical start date is July 5, 2026, with a salary offer of $90,000 per year, office space, and research and travel funding of $10,000 per year.
This position is benefits eligible – for information on benefits, please consult the University of Chicago Benefits Guide: https://mybenefits.nfp.com/UChicago/benefits-guide/.
Application materials will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University’s Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-834-3988 or email equalopportunity@uchicago.edu with their request.