Environmental, climate, and energy justice at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and US Department of Energy

Overview of project:

This project will lay the foundation for a set of activities that infuse environmental, climate, and energy justice (ECEJ) considerations into the research, development, deployment, and commercial activities (RDD&CA) supported by the DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Water Power Technologies Office (WPTO) and the Water Power Program at NREL.

This overall project will include: conducting research, project design, informing efforts at the DOE and NREL, relationship building with key stakeholders and project management.  Outputs will include white papers, guidance documents, analysis reports, and journal publications.

Specific activities of the post-doctoral fellow will include, among others:

  • Analyzing important processes within core WPTO activities for ECEJ considerations
  • Create ECEJ-oriented metrics to guide technological development decisions
  • Working with DOE and NREL program managers to illuminate how ECEJ concerns can arise through the energy development process, from technological research to permitting, deployment, and long-term impacts

Principal Investigator and team: Darshan M.A. Karwat, Assistant Professor (School for the Future of Innovation in Society + The Polytechnic School in the Fulton Schools of Engineering)

Dr. Karwat is PI for re-Engineered, an interdisciplinary lab focused on building a culture of engineering that centers environmental protection, social justice, and peace.  This scope of this work—contingent on funding—is supported by the US Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), which is seeking to bring diverse voices and perspectives to creating federal efforts that promote environmental, climate, and energy justice.

Location: Negotiable, but ideally in Tempe, AZ

Salary: $58,000 – $61,500 plus benefits. This is a full-time, fiscal year appointment.

Duration: One-year, contingent on continued funding, satisfactory performance, and the needs of the university.

Anticipated start date: July 2023

Application deadline: Open until filled

Required qualifications and experience:

  • PhD in an area with expertise in energy resources and technology, like science and technology policy, public policy, social sciences, engineering, sustainability, economics, or related disciplines, with the degree completed by the start date. Must be within five years of doctoral degree award.
  • Research experience at the nexus of environmental justice, climate change, energy technology, and social justice.
  • Fluency in written and spoken English.

Desired qualifications: In addition to the above,

  • Mixed methods (qualitative and quantitative) research and data analysis skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to translate academic research into useable tools, metrics, and processes for decision-makers.
  • Experience working with diverse stakeholder groups including community groups, government officials, policymakers, non-profit groups, etc.
  • Program design and management experience.
  • Prior work experience with policy-makers and government officials.
  • Experience working on interdisciplinary teams and/or on community-based research projects.

How I’ll work with you: I will be committed to your success and will mentor you toward achieving your professional goals.  We will work on building a strategic plan for your time here at ASU aimed at setting you up for success as you move into your next position. 

To apply: Only electronic submissions will be reviewed. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications should be submitted at http://apply.interfolio.com/125352 and must include the following:

1.       A two-page cover letter (which includes your motivations, passions, and thoughts on what you are hoping to accomplish, along with descriptions related to the required and desired qualifications).

2.       Current CV

3.       Unofficial transcripts

4.       A statement addressing how your past and/or potential contributions to diversity and inclusion will advance ASU’s commitment to inclusive excellence.

5.       Names and contact information of three references.

Review of applications will begin June 5, 2023, and, if not filled, a review will occur every Friday thereafter until the search is closed. Official transcripts and a background check are required for employment. If you have questions, please email the search committee chair at [email protected].