Post Doctorate RA - Climate Change Economics

The Joint Global Change Research Institute (JGCRI) at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is soliciting applications for a postdoctoral position to work on topics related to economics of climate change and climate technology modeling. 

The successful applicant will lead the analysis using the Global Change Analysis Model (GCAM; http://jgcri.github.io/gcam-doc/index.html). Specifically, this researcher will focus on assess macroeconomic impacts of climate change as well as physical and transition risks associated with climate change mitigation. The successful candidate will lead the research on climate change economics, harmonize assumptions with other models, conduct GCAM modeling, and write papers/reports on the physical and transition risks associated with climate change mitigation.

In addition, the researcher will work on topics related to integrated assessment modeling – specifically, the application of GCAM for national and international decarbonization strategies, long-term energy-water-land transitions, deployment of low carbon technologies (e.g. renewables, CCS, DAC), and analyses of climate and emission pledges (e.g. nationally determined contributions). The researcher is expected to lead multiple peer-reviewed publications on this work; there will be many opportunities to work with the multi-disciplinary team within JGCRI as well as collaborators in other national labs and universities.

 

This is a full-time appointment with benefits (renewed annually for up to 3 years based on satisfactory performance). The research associate will contribute to cutting edge interdisciplinary research in close collaboration with senior researchers at JGCRI and will have opportunities to coauthor scientific journal articles. Project work will include at least some of the following: using and developing computer models, researching energy technologies and/or energy policies, working with large datasets, writing scripts in R and python, working with stakeholders, giving presentations, and writing reports and papers.

 

JGCRI researchers publish their findings in leading scientific journals and work with US Federal agencies, state governments, industry, foundations, and universities. JGCRI researchers are leaders in the international and national climate and global change research communities through prominent roles in science-based assessments of energy and agricultural systems and water resources. The work environment at JGCRI is highly collaborative and interdisciplinary, focused on solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges associated with energy, water and environment. Located in College Park, Maryland, JGCRI is a partnership between the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and the University of Maryland at College Park.

Minimum Qualifications:

Preferred Qualifications:

 

PhD in economics, public policy, applied mathematics, computational science, engineering, physical sciences, or related fields.

Excellent written and oral communication skills, critical thinking skills, and the ability to work in a team environment are necessary. Background in energy simulation modeling or related quantitative research is highly desirable. Research experience in the field of energy and environment, understanding of engineering concepts related to energy systems, and programing experience (particularly in C++, R or Python) are a strong plus. GPA of 3.5 or higher is preferred.

JGCRI REQUIRES THAT ALL APPLICANTS SUBMIT A RESUME AND A COVER LETTER, AS A SINGLE PDF DOCUMENT, describing how your education, skills and experience align with this position’s duties. Please attach your cover letter to your resume as one document when you submit your application online.