Postdoctoral Scholar

The Irving Institute for Energy and Society at Dartmouth College is dedicated to driving progress towards an affordable, sustainable, and reliable energy future for the betterment of society. The University of Chicago's Market Shaping Accelerator (MSA) brings together the world's leading market shaping experts with an aim to harness the momentum and interest in designing market shaping mechanisms that can credibly signal demand and spur innovation to help solve the world's most pressing climate challenges.

The Irving Institute for Energy and Society invites applications for a collaborative Postdoctoral Scholar position that would allow a scholar to split their time equally between independent research at the Irving Institute for Energy and Society at Dartmouth and applied work with the University of Chicago's MSA.

Independent Research (50%): At the Irving Institute, the Postdoctoral Scholar would engage in research aligned with the Institute's mission to advance interdisciplinary solutions to energy and climate challenges. Potential areas of focus may include:

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  • Market dynamics and policy incentives for renewable energy adoption
  • Technological innovation in energy systems, infrastructure, and conservation
  • Climate finance and risk assessment frameworks
  • Socioeconomic impacts of energy transitions
  
  
  
  

Market Shaping Accelerator (50%): At MSA, the Postdoctoral Scholar would apply their research insights to practical, high-impact projects that drive systemic change in climate and energy markets. Responsibilities may include:

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  • Designing and evaluating innovative financing mechanisms for clean energy deployment and climate systems (e.g., carbon dioxide removal)
  • Conducting market analysis to identify barriers and opportunities for climate technologies
  • Engaging with policymakers, industry stakeholders, and investors to scale climate solutions
  • Developing data-driven models to assess the effectiveness of market-shaping interventions
  
  
  
  

The objective is to leverage the scholar's expertise in energy and climate research while contributing to MSA's initiatives that drive market-based solutions to climate challenges. By working at the intersection of academia and applied policy, the Postdoctoral Scholar will gain hands-on experience in translating research into action. The Postdoctoral Scholar will collaborate with Christopher Snyder, Co-Faculty Director, MSA, and Professor in Economics at Dartmouth College. The Scholar will be hosted at the Irving Institute and have access to Dartmouth's faculty, resources, and networks, allowing them to pursue novel research questions and contribute to the broader academic discourse on climate and energy.

This is a one- or two-year research position beginning 1 June, 1 July, 1 August or 1 September, 2025. The Scholar will receive an annualized salary of up to $85,000 (paid in monthly installments) plus benefits, $5,000 annually to support computing, travel and research needs, and office space with access to other research needs or equipment.

Applicants must have completed a Ph.D. in Economics, Management Science, Environmental Science, Sustainable Development, or equivalent field no earlier than January 1, 2023, and must have their degree in hand by June 30, 2025.

Selection criteria include (1) experience in the literature on industrial organization, environmental economics, and/or innovation; (2) extensive experience in data processing, data science, behavioral science, and econometrics; (3) strong English verbal and written communication skills; (4) strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in collaborative environments, including with stakeholders and other non-technical parties (e.g., industry executives).

Applications are accepted through Interfolio. Evaluation of applications will begin on March 10, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled. A complete application packet consists of the following:

1. Personal statement (1,500 words). Outline your scholarly agenda, including completed research (including dissertation), and any other information related to your professional goals
2. Curriculum vitae
3. Three references with contact information
4. Relevant transcripts from graduate studies