Post-doctoral Scholar - Energy & Environment Lab

About the unit

The University of Chicago Energy & Environment Lab (E&E Lab) partners with agencies at the federal, state and local level to identify, rigorously evaluate, and help scale programs and policies that reduce pollution and improve environmental outcomes, while ensuring access to reliable and affordable energy. The E&E Lab applies rigorous evaluation and modeling methods, including natural and field experiments, randomized controlled trials, behavioral economics, and machine learning, to help policymakers identify and generate evidence on innovative approaches and policy solutions to their most pressing environmental and energy challenges.

The role

The University of Chicago E&E Lab is seeking a full-time Post-Doctoral Scholar to help build and co-lead a portfolio of applied research projects related to environmental policy. The Post-Doctoral Scholar will work closely with the Lab’s Executive Director, Research Directors, other post-docs and the Pritzker Faculty Director (Prof. Michael Greenstone); and collaborate with other faculty members at the University of Chicago, other top universities, as well as government agency partners.

The postdoc will provide intellectual leadership and management for E&E’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

The Post-Doctoral role offers continued training in preparation for an independent research career. The Post-Doct 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 three 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 the field literature
• Interest in finding and testing innovative solutions to environmental problems
• Coding experience, including proficiency in R and/or Python
• Substantial experience with randomized controlled trials and/or machine learning strongly preferred
• Applicants must have completed the requirements for their PhD in economics or related field before starting the Post-Doctoral Scholar. They may not be employed by another institution during the term of their University of Chicago appointment.

The term of appointment is one year. Typical start date is August 1, 2026, with the expectation of renewal for two more years assuming good performance. The University of Chicago offers competitive salary and employee benefits.

Application materials will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Pay Range: $75,000 - $80,000

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible: Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

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 [email protected] with their request.