Postdoctoral Research Scholar: Accelerating Asia's Decarbonization Through Trade and Investment Policies

Position overview

Position title: Postdoctoral Scholar Employee
Application Window: Open date: October 15, 2025
Most recent review date: Wednesday, Dec 17, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Final date: Thursday, Oct 15, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Position description

The Power Transformation Lab (https://pwrlab.org/) at the University of California San Diego is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Scholar to contribute to a two-year project focused on helping Southeast and South Asian countries balance trade and investment with their decarbonization goals. The successful candidate will work with a team of researchers from the UCSD School of Global Policy and Strategy and Griffith University, and with numerous civil society organizations in the region.

Research Focus

• Data collection and modeling of trade, Chinese and non-Chinese investments, and localization policies in target geographies, including Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India.
• Collecting and analyzing existing clean energy trade and localization policies in Southeast and South Asia.
• Exploring the evolution of Chinese investments and alternative investment flows in shifting global value chains (GVCs) and export opportunities.
• Evaluating and preparing case studies where localization policies have successfully advanced or hindered decarbonization efforts.
• Proposing policy and investment strategies that balance localization objectives with decarbonization goals.

Qualifications

• At the time of application candidates must either have a Ph.D. (or equivalent degree) or be ABD (all but dissertation) in economics, political science, public policy, or a related field.
• Applicants are required to hold a Ph.D. or received a Ph.D. degree by the start of the appointment.
• Background in trade policy and energy economics
• Prior expertise or knowledge in the regional foci (South Asia, Southeast Asia, China)

Application Requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter
• Statement of Research
• Job Market Paper (Optional)
• 3-5 required (contact information only)

About UC San Diego

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

Help contact

gps-ap@ucsd.edu