Brown University invites applications for a two-year Postdoctoral Research Associate in Climate Solutions at the Watson Institute for International & Public Affairs. We seek a scholar to help us address the political economy of the clean energy transition. The postdoc could help research topics such as: how climate change affects electrical grids in the United States, Europe, India, or elsewhere; the social reception of new energy infrastructure and stakeholder engagement in the clean energy transition; how states and market actors can work together to finance decarbonization; the industrial organization of renewable energy providers; policy instruments for electric vehicles or other modes of transportation; electrical grid stability in an age of climate change; the social & racial justice dimensions of electricity or energy; the diffusion of clean energy innovations; the politics of climate obstruction and delay; and carbon border adjustment mechanisms or supply chain challenges. Ability to conduct and write policy-oriented research, as well as academic research, is essential. There are no teaching responsibilities. 

The selected candidate will devote 33 percent time to projects at the Climate Solutions Lab, under the supervision of Professors Jeff Colgan, Jennifer Hadden, and Christopher Rea, and 67 percent time to their own (climate-related) research projects. The Watson Institute is especially interested in qualified candidates who can contribute, through their research, teaching, and/or service, to the diversity and excellence of the academic community.

Founded in 1764, Brown is a leading research university distinct for its student-centered learning and deep sense of purpose. Brown University students, faculty, and staff are driven by the idea that their work will have an impact on the world. Brown is a place where rigorous scholarship, complex problem-solving, and service to the public good are defined by collaboration, intellectual discovery, and working in ways that transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries.

Eligibility and terms

Scholars of all nationalities with a Ph.D. in political science, public policy, sociology, economics, or closely related disciplines will be considered.

Dissertation must be complete by June 30, 2025. Candidates must be untenured and within 7 years of Ph.D.

Fellows will receive an annual stipend of $75,000 for this benefits-eligible position. Additional funding will be made available for research expenses, academic travel, and research-related programming on campus.

Application requirements

Candidates should submit a cover letter of application, a CV, graduate transcript, three confidential letters of recommendation, and a short writing sample (approximately 15-25 pages) through Interfolio at [URL] 

Applications received by January 15, 2025 will receive full consideration.

Final notifications are expected to go out in Winter 2025. This two-year Postdoctoral Research Associate appointment will be effective July 1, 2025, and is not renewable.

For more information, please visit:

http://watson.brown.edu/climatesolutionslab 

or contact:

Jeff Colgan, Director

Climate Solutions Lab, Brown University

111 Thayer Street, Box 1970 Providence, RI 02912

jeff_colgan@brown.edu

As an EEO/AA employer, Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person?s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, and caste, which is protected by our University policies.

About Brown University

Located in historic Providence, Rhode Island and founded in 1764, Brown University is the seventh-oldest college in the United States. Brown is an independent, coeducational Ivy League institution comprising undergraduate and graduate programs, plus the Alpert Medical School, School of Engineering, School of Public Health, Executive Master of Healthcare Leadership and the IE Brown Executive MBA.

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