Climate Policy Lab Fellowships
The Climate Policy Lab (CPL) at the Center for International Environment and Resource Policy (CIERP), The Fletcher School, Tufts University, seeks scholars to fill research positions this Spring or for the 2023 – 2024 Academic Year.
The following positions are available:
Read our Commitment to Accessibility, Diversity, and Inclusion
Learn about current CPL research areas.
Postdoctoral Research Fellows
We seek individuals with a highly independent research capacity, strong written and oral communication skills, and rich experience in cross-country comparisons. We are open to all areas of climate policy, but are particularly interested in the below topics, skills, and geographical areas:
System dynamics modeling
Energy innovation policy
Socio-economic green transition in Indonesia, South Africa, Vietnam, and the United States
Climate policy in Latin America
Our other research themes for which we would welcome postdoctoral research fellows include:
Low-carbon growth (green industrialization, industrial policy, green stimulus);
Energy-technology innovation (EVs, storage, digital, tech transfer, role of private sector and state-owned enterprises);
Climate finance (domestic and overseas policies, global institutions, development finance including China’s BRI);
Resilient development (water, migration, food systems);
Sustainable agriculture;
System dynamics and climate modeling (energy systems, mitigation scenarios, climate change adaptation); and
Climate policy process and performance (including in net zero and decarbonization strategies).
CPL has particular interest in emerging economies in Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
Research work will be conducted under the supervision of Professor Kelly Sims Gallagher, CPL Director, and Professor Travis Franck, CPL Climate Modeling and Policy Director. The postdoctoral fellow will work on individual projects as well as collaboratively with the CPL Director, Modeling Director, and other members of the CPL research team, including faculty, pre- and postdoctoral research fellows, staff, and student research assistants. Fellows are expected to attend and participate in our regularly scheduled team meetings and seminars. In addition, when appropriate and requested, they will be expected to represent CPL at public events and in academic fora, and to contribute to CPL’s engagements with funders, partnering research institutions, and policy makers.
Postdoctoral Research Fellows are expected to produce at least two publishable academic papers per year, compose blog posts and other short-form policy briefs based on research findings, attend all CPL events, present at least once in our research seminar series, and contribute to the organization and hosting of workshops and roundtables. Positions are for one year, with the possibility of renewal for an additional year subject to performance and continuation of funding.
Applications from political science, energy modeling, engineering systems, business, law, economics, system dynamics, and interdisciplinary backgrounds are welcome.
Salary is $62,000. Postdocs are also eligible for paid time off, health and dental insurance, and other benefits.
Qualifications
PhD in related field (dissertation defense completed) within the last five years;
Excellent analytical skills;
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (oral and writing);
Experienced in working with multicultural and multidisciplinary research teams;
Capacity to work independently as well as in team environments;
Value the sharing of information and continuous improvement in a cooperative atmosphere of constructive evaluation and learning.
Application Instructions
Interested individuals should submit the following no later than March 15, 2023:
A cover letter demonstrating their interest and research profile;
A current curriculum vitae;
Contact information for two references;
Writing sample: a research paper of 5,000-8,000 words
An employee in this position must complete all appropriate background checks at the time of hire, promotion, or transfer.
For questions about this position, please contact Travis Franck, Climate Policy Lab’s Climate Modeling and Policy Director at travis.franck@tufts.edu.
Chinese Visiting Scholars
The Climate Policy Lab (CPL) in the Center for Environment and Resource Policy (CIERP) at The Fletcher School at Tufts University is now accepting Chinese Visiting Scholar applications for the 2023-2024. This opportunity is directed to candidates interested in performing research related to best global practices in climate policies, gaining knowledge about how to promote clean and efficient energy and spurring innovation and sustainable prosperity. The program is aimed for scholars or practitioners who would like to spend one or two semesters during 2023-2024 in residence in Medford, MA as part of CPL's vibrant community of research and practice. The Visiting Scholar program is intended to build international relationships through an exchange of ideas and creation of a climate policy network. We welcome you to read more about the program below, and to consider joining us as a Visiting Scholar.
Applications will be accepted until April 30, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time
CPL is looking to host scholars, researchers, and professionals from China to work on topics related to climate change and clean energy policy. Visiting scholars are to conduct their research on-site and enjoy access to the intellectual resources of Tufts, The Fletcher School, as well as surrounding academic and research institutions to further their research. They are also expected to contribute to ongoing or emerging areas of research within the Climate Policy Lab, as appropriate.
CPL is particularly interested in welcoming researchers who focus on the following policy topics:
Policy design and implementation: Identification of most effective policy tools to meet the climate goals of each nation within the unique context of that country, consistent with the Paris Agreement;
Carbon pricing: Design and evaluation of carbon pricing instruments, both direct (e.g. tax) and indirect (e.g. fiscal policy), for sectors and economies;
Energy innovation and digital: Design and evaluation of policies that improve the menu of technological options for the future and reduce the cost of effective climate mitigation and resiliency technologies today;
Indicators and measurement: Development and use of indicators and metrics to quantitatively assess the performance of climate policies, sector-by-sector;
Resilient development: Identification and evaluation of synergistic policies for climate mitigation, adaptation, development, and disaster risk reduction;
Low-carbon growth and green industrialization: Design and evaluation of policies that promote equitable economic growth, job creation, and that do not cause environmental harm;
Climate finance: Design and evaluation of policies to mobilize finance for climate mitigation and adaptation.
We invite applications from people working on a broad range of opportunities and challenges related to climate and clean energy policy, which may overlap with ongoing work at CPL and may contribute knowledge to our community on new opportunities and approaches.
The Chinese Visiting Scholars Program provides a scholarly setting for the CPL researchers and Visiting Scholars to share ideas, knowledge, and methodologies, and work in collaborative and innovative ways. Visiting scholars work may include research studies, policy briefs, development of new analytical tools, new ideas for public policy process design and implementation, and publications, among others.
Timeframe
The minimum stay is three months and the maximum is nine months during the regular academic year. Fall-term appointments run from September 1 to the end of December. Spring-term appointments begin in January and end in May. Full academic year appointments run from September 1 to May 31.
Applicants and Selection
We welcome applications from Chinese research scholars and professionals working on climate and clean energy policy who wish to spend one or two semesters at Fletcher working on their own research and writing projects while also contributing to ongoing CPL research.
Visiting Scholars can come from universities, think tanks, research institutes, government, industrial enterprises, trade associations, or other organizations.
We encourage people to apply who feel that being a Visiting Scholar in our diverse community would enhance their research efforts and ultimately contribute to sound climate and clean energy policy.
CPL will select 2–4 Visiting Scholars per year.
Applicant Requirements
Background in climate or clean energy policy, with demonstrated relevant research and/or policy experience;
Have a clearly defined project and provide a description as to how the proposed research project connects to, and benefits from, the Climate Policy Lab and/or Fletcher's unique resources (including libraries, faculty, ongoing projects, special initiatives);
Commit to a period of three to nine months within an academic year;
Produce a working paper with the aim for it to be published as a peer reviewed journal article (for academic candidates);
Produce a policy discussion paper of around 5,000 words (for professional candidates);
If so inclined, produce other publications such as blogs and policy briefs;
Present a lecture in English on a topic related to his or her research in the CIERP Research Seminar Series;
Attend and participate in CIERP Research Seminars;
Attend CPL team meetings, as requested;
Attend other CIERP-organized events, per interest;
Write at least one CPL blog post per semester;
Be available for informal consultation by faculty, researchers, and students with related interests;
Fluency in both written and spoken English;
Complete all visa application steps with the assistance of the Tufts International Center.
Logistical Considerations
Program Provisions:
Mentorship by a Fletcher faculty member
Shared office space (in the Tufts Joyce Cummings Center)
Use of a computer for the duration of the appointment, if required
Round-trip travel expenses for one trip from the Scholar’s home location to Boston
A taxable living stipend of $5,000 per month while at Fletcher
Payment by CPL of the $2,500 per semester Visiting Scholar Fee at Fletcher
Payment or reimbursement by CPL of visa fees
Library borrowing privileges at Fletcher’s Ginn Library and all other Tufts Libraries; scholars may also apply for a borrowing card for Harvard’s libraries
Access to Tufts University facilities and events
Opportunities to audit classes and attend seminars at Fletcher and sometimes affiliated Tufts and non-Tufts schools
Living and working arrangements:
Visiting Scholars are expected to live in Medford or elsewhere in the Greater-Boston area. We will provide sources of information for housing options. Visiting Scholars are encouraged to participate in ongoing activities at the Lab and to engage actively with other researchers at the Center.
If you have questions not addressed through the above resources, please email mieke.wansem@tufts.edu.
Required Application Materials
Application documents should be submitted in English and should be emailed to mieke.wansem@tufts.edu. The following application materials need to be submitted:
Completed application form
Research proposal (limit 3 pages)
Curriculum vitae or resumé
An English writing sample (or translated from Chinese) – can be a recent report, briefing paper, or publication
Two letters of recommendation (please ask your recommenders to send them directly to the above email address as a PDF)
The research proposal should not exceed 1,500 words (maximum 3 pages) and should include information on:
A short description of the problem(s) or puzzles you are looking to address
Research question (one sentence or less)
Your research methodology
Approximate timeframe for your research
Your expected outputs
Planned outreach
Commitment to Accessibility, Diversity, and Inclusion
Accessibility
Tufts University values the diversity of our students, scholars, staff, and faculty; recognizing the important contribution each person makes to our unique community. Tufts is committed to providing equal access and support to all qualified people through the provision of reasonable accommodations so that each person may fully participate in the Tufts experience.
Diversity and Inclusion
Students, scholars, staff, and faculty at The Fletcher School bring an amazing diversity in backgrounds, experiences, and interests. This constitutes a great resource and adds much value to our collective learning experience. It is our goal that people from all backgrounds and perspectives benefit from and contribute to the Climate Policy Lab, regardless of gender, sexuality, ability, age, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, race, culture, nationality, religion, or professional/academic background.
We actively seek and welcome people of color, women, the LGBTQIA+ community, persons with disabilities, and people at intersections of these identities, from across the spectrum of disciplines and methods.
CPL scholars agree to abide by Tufts University rules about harassment, diversity, freedom of expression, and open dialogue regarding research and the presentation and discussion of ideas. Scholars will be expected to participate actively in CPL events and to honor rules about the confidentiality of informal discussions and exchange of ideas by scholars and guests to the university.
