Predoctoral Research Associate - College of Engineering - Engineering and Public Policy

About the role

The Laboratory for Energy and Organizations (LEO) at Carnegie Mellon University invites applications for a Predoctoral Research Associate to conduct research on global supply chains for critical materials and clean energy technologies, with a particular focus on rare earth elements and permanent magnets. The position will be based in Carnegie Mellon’s Department of Engineering and Public Policy (EPP) and contribute to the Industrial Futures Project at the Wilton E. Scott Institute for Energy Innovation, complementing the work of the Industrial Decarbonization Analysis, Benchmarking, and Action (INDABA) Partnership on industrial transformation and decarbonization, with a focus on metals and materials industries and electrification. The Predoctoral Research Associate will work with Professor Valerie Karplus and other faculty, researchers, and students at Carnegie Mellon and collaborating institutions. The position is designed for an early-career researcher interested in developing substantial research experience at the intersection of global supply chains, clean energy, international trade, technological change, and public policy. Research will examine questions such as how rare earth supply chains are structured across countries, firms, and production stages; where important dependencies and concentrations arise; how clean energy deployment affects demand; and how technology, trade, industrial policy, and investment are changing these relationships. The researcher may also support background research, analysis, and report writing for a separate project on sourcing clean electricity for global corporate supply chains as needed.

Responsibilities

• Develop models to guide analysis and data manipulation; may use statistical packages or mathematical concepts to evaluate results.
• Document results; may present results to research team or other partners.
• May recommend additional research projects based on findings.
• Research, identify, and collect large-scale data sets or published works for research projects.
• Organize data and accurately replicate identified research.
• Work closely and collaboratively with faculty at CMU and other universities to write academic papers, present findings, or other assigned projects.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering, economics, public policy, data science, operations research, environmental science, international affairs, or a related field by the time the appointment begins.
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills.
• Experience working with data using Python, R, Stata, or comparable software.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• An interest in energy, industrial transformation, global supply chains, international trade, or technological innovation.
• A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

Benefits

Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance. Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!

Pay

Pay basis: hourly.

Schedule

Initial appointment: six months, 25–37.5 hours per week, with possibility of renewal. Preferred start date: October