Post-Doctoral Associate

About the role

The Center for Global Sustainability (CGS) at the University of Maryland (UMD) is hiring a Post-doctoral Associate with a focus on Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) in global and national mitigation strategies. The position will concentrate on either Conventional CDR approaches (e.g., land-use, afforestation/reforestation, wetlands preservation, and conservation) or Novel CDR approaches (e.g., direct air capture with CCS, enhanced weathering, and biochar).

The associate will collaborate with CGS faculty, researchers, and partners to develop innovative approaches for achieving ambitious climate and sustainability goals, highlighting the role of CDR alongside emissions reductions. Research will involve quantitative methods (e.g., analysis of IPCC scenarios) and may include modeling (e.g., GCAM) and analyses of energy systems, land use, and climate forcers shaping policy debates.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) approaches, focusing on either conventional or novel methods.
• Apply quantitative methods, including analysis of IPCC scenarios and modeling (e.g., GCAM).
• Collaborate with faculty, researchers, and external partners to advance climate and sustainability goals.
• Develop and communicate innovative policy-relevant insights on CDR and emissions reductions.
• Publish first-authored manuscripts and contribute to grant writing efforts.

Requirements

• Strong research, project management, writing, and communication skills.
• Ability to link analytical findings with policy applications.
• Excellent English language proficiency and writing skills.
• Strong coding skills in Python and/or R.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work in a team environment.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Qualifications

• Expertise in climate, energy, environment, and/or sustainability issues.
• Established track record studying one or more CDR approaches discussed in the State of CDR.
• Prior experience working with IPCC scenarios and associated models (e.g., GCAM) preferred.

Benefits

• Work closely with the research team in a collaborative environment.
• Develop skills in quantitative data analysis.
• Opportunities for first-authored manuscripts.
• Mentorship in grant writing.
• Faculty status at the University of Maryland.

Schedule

Eligible to telework, on average, 2 days per week.