Duke University, Sanford School of Public Policy - NRR

Position ID:
DukeUni-SSPP-NRR-AIRDEEP [#30210]
Position Title: 
Associate in Research – Deep Tech at Duke
Position Location:
Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States of America
Subject Area: 
Public Policy
Appl Deadline:
2025/08/31 11:59PMhelp popup (posted 2025/07/03, listed until 2025/09/30)
Position Description:
   

Position Description

Associate in Research – Deep Tech at Duke 

  The Deep Tech at Duke is a new initiative situated in the Sanford School of Public Policy at Duke University under the leadership of Prof. David Hoffman and Prof. Ronnie Chatterji. Deep Tech at Duke aims to produce thought leadership across a number of areas, including the horizontals of semiconductors, quantum computing, renewable energy technology, and synthetic biology. This position in particular will focus on the interaction between the electric load growth resulting from technology expansion and the need to decarbonize the global electric generation system, working in collaboration with colleagues at the Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment and Sustainability. Deep Tech at Duke is supported by the Office of the Provost and through gifts and grants from philanthropic foundations. A grant-funded opening for a Research Associate is available immediately in the Deep Tech Initiative, located in Durham, NC. This position is full-time (30 hours per week) for a one-year employment period from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, with the possibility for extension. 

Occupational Summary 

The successful candidate will be assisting Professors David Hoffman and Tim Profeta in research on the forecasting, planning, financing, and policy considerations surrounding servicing technology-based load growth with clean energy. The candidate will also work with the professors with the active engagement of public and private sector stakeholders surrounding these issues. 

The successful candidate will have a deep understanding of energy policy, climate finance, and its associated challenges - whether those are on a global-scale or tied to a specific region. The emphasis will be on helping the Deep Tech and Nicholas Institute team scope research to be responsive to time-sensitive generation decisions being made in the short-term. The successful candidate will need experience coordinating with multi-stakeholder research teams and identifying strategies to operationalize research aims.

Responsibilities

Specific tasks, among others, will include:

(i) Assist David Hoffman and Tim Profeta with research and writing of white papers, reports, and issue briefs emanating from the challenge described above.

(ii) Work with Hoffman and Profeta on direct engagement with public and private decision-makers with regard to the research.

(iii) Attend and participate in Nicholas Institute and Deep Tech Hub events supporting the stakeholder engagement.

Experience

Candidates should have research experience in energy and environment policy, utilizing either qualitative or quantitative research methods. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated history with projects that have worked at the intersection of these areas. Preference will be given to researchers who have experience working with multi-disciplinary project teams.


Minimum Qualifications

Graduate degree in law, the environment, or public policy. Permission to work legally in the U.S.

Skills

Required Skills

· The ability to work independently is a must.

· Strong writing, verbal, and interpersonal skills are necessary.

Desired Skills

· Evidence of effective project management

· The ability to collaborate and work well within teams.



Duke University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.


Application Materials Required:
Submit the following items online at this website to complete your application:
  • Cover letter
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Two references (no actual letters, just names and email addresses help popup)
And anything else requested in the position description.

Further Info:
https://sanford.duke.edu/
email address
919-613-7723
 
Sanford School of Public Policy
Duke University
Box 90239
DURHAM, NC 27708