Princeton University

The Energy Systems Analysis Group at the Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher or more senior research position. Individuals interested in systems-level analysis of challenges to deeply decarbonizing the global economy by 2050 are encouraged to apply. Applicants should have a PhD or equivalent experience in energy-climate modelling and analysis or a related field.

The individuals will join Rapid Switch, an international multi-disciplinary research collaboration that seeks to identify pathways to accelerate decarbonization of energy systems by assessing bottlenecks, and unintended consequences that can arise during large-scale rapid energy-system transitions and seeking to resolve these sector-by-sector and region-by-region. Many such challenges however, are characterized by deep uncertainty, with risks for which the timing, likelihood and/or consequence are difficult to quantify, making them inherently difficult to model.

The research to be conducted will build on Princeton's Net-Zero America study (NZA). That study adopted a Rapid Switch framing and developed uniquely-granular sectoral, temporal, and spatial analyses to illustrate what different net-zero transitions by 2050 for the U.S. would look like 'on the ground'. The study quantitatively elucidated important socio-technical, environmental, and capital mobilization challenges that can help inform more feasible pathways.

Integrated assessment models (IAMs), such as IMAGE, MESSAGEix, AIM/GCE, GCAM, REMIND-MAgPIE, WITCH-GLOBIOM, and ETSAP-TIAM, are widely used to construct regional and global decarbonization pathways and are influential in global climate mitigation policy. However, IAMs are often criticized because of their lack of attention to the feasibility of pathways identified. The successful candidate will explore how IAMs might be used (either on their own or in combination with bottom-up energy system models) to generate more robust mitigation strategies. These strategies might include optionality, so that nations can pivot to alternate pathways in the event that planned pathways become constrained. IAMs may be useful in helping to define the quantum, characteristics and timing of investments to provide such optionality. The selected candidate will collaborate with senior colleagues Chris Greig, Eric Larson, and Christos Maravelias in this work.

We seek candidates with interest and experience in applied, interdisciplinary research and with hands-on experience in the application of one or more recognized IAMs. Candidates should also have enthusiasm for engaging with other researchers at Princeton, along with external stakeholders, and carrying out interdisciplinary energy-system decarbonization studies for the purpose of better informing policy and investment decision-making. Candidates must have excellent English written and spoken communication skills.

We are interested in receiving applications from members of groups that historically have been underrepresented in science and engineering.
The appointment will be for one year with the possibility of renewal for a second year, based on performance and availability of funding. Successful candidates may start as early as Oct. 1, 2021. Depending on University travel and on-campus restrictions, it may be necessary to start remotely.

Interested applicants should apply online at https://www.princeton.edu/acad-positions/position/21602 and submit a CV, cover letter, and contact information for three references.

These positions are subject to the University's background check policy.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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