The Boston University Institute for Global Sustainability (BU-IGS) is recruiting for a one-year postdoctoral fellowship to establish energy justice indicators for offshore wind energy development. The postdoctoral fellow will conduct cutting edge research at the intersection of energy, climate change and social science with real-world impacts on policy, industry, and community empowerment. The fellowship offers the opportunity to publish, engage with leading researchers and practitioners, and develop expert knowledge in an emerging arena.

　　The position is supported by a grant from the US Department of Energy (https://www.bu.edu/igs/2023/12/11/doe-grant-for-pioneering-study-on-energy-justice-in-us-offshore-wind-development/) to a collaborative research team across Boston University, the University of Rhode Island, and the University of Delaware. The project is of importance to the Biden administration’s goal of deploying 30 gigawatts of offshore wind energy capacity by 2030, the Infrastructure Law, and the Justice 40 Initiative, which seeks to decrease energy burden, increase clean energy jobs and economic development, and build energy democracy in disadvantaged communities. The research team will partner with environmental justice communities surrounding coastal ports that are poised to serve as regional hubs for the offshore wind sector on the East Coast.

　　The postdoctoral fellow will contribute to a variety of research activities, for example community engagement and community visioning workshops, literature review, outreach and advisory mechanisms, development of methods and data collection instruments, and drafting of the suite of indicators. The project research team will provide mentorship and oversight, and the postdoctoral fellow will also join a vibrant team of faculty, staff, and students affiliated with BU-IGS. This is a hybrid position at the BU-IGS office at the center of the vibrant Boston University campus, with access to shared office space, meeting rooms, and research amenities.

　　This postdoctoral position offers:

　　Competitive salary commensurate with experience in the USD $65-70,000 range

　　Generous benefits package including healthcare options

　　Mentorship from a team of energy and social science scholars

　　Visibility and networking with non-academic partners

　　Opportunities for conference, workshop, and policy presentations

　　An accelerated career trajectory in energy, climate, and social sciences

　　Ideal start timing is fall of 2024. Rolling review of applicants begins February 1, 2024 until the position is filled.

　　BU-IGS values diverse backgrounds and perspectives and is committed to building a team that reflects our institute’s work at the intersection of sustainability, climate change, and equity and justice. We aim to build an environment where everyone thrives, and we seek to hire, support, develop, advance and retain diverse talent with a standard of inclusive excellence.

　　Required Skills

　　We seek candidates with exceptional research skills and training in the social sciences, climate governance, energy geography, public policy, environmental studies, sociology, anthropology, energy economics, science and technology studies, or related fields. Candidates should have strong methodological expertise in conducting literature reviews, data collection, and critically examining quantitative and qualitative data. Expertise in community engagement, the justice aspects of energy, or offshore wind is a competitive advantage for this position.

　　To apply, please email the following materials bundled as PDF attachments to Rebecca Pearl-Martinez, IGS Executive Director at [email protected] with subject “Postdoctoral Fellow Application”:

　　Cover letter articulating qualifications and motivation

　　CV detailing academic background, relevant research methods expertise, publications, and presentations

　　Optional at this time: sample of writing demonstrating research capabilities

　　Optional at this time: letters of recommendation

　　DO NOT APPLY THROUGH THE BU CAREERS WEBSITE.

　　We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor .

　　Required Experience