Post Doctoral Fellow in Data Center and Energy Infrastructure Buildout

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Description

JOB DESCRIPTION:

• Helps design and conduct research within a specified field while receiving advanced training from a designated Principal Investigator to enhance professional skills and research independence needed for pursuit of a career.
• The specific area of research in which the trainee is mentored is determined by the department and laboratory of the Postdoc.
• Designs and evaluates experiments.
• Develops new ideas that promote current research.
• Prepares and publishes scientific manuscripts under the direction of the Principal Investigator.
• May be responsible for operation of specific equipment.
• May teach techniques to others, train, and supervise research staff.
• Positions are temporary appointments as a research trainee.
• The initial appointment is for one year, renewal expected if progress is satisfactory and funds are available.
• Appointments cannot exceed five years.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A doctoral degree or equivalent (Ph.D., M.D., ScD., D.V.M., DDS etc) in an appropriate field.
• Excellent scientific writing ability and strong oral communication skills.
• The ability to work effectively and collegially with colleagues.
• Additional qualifications as specified by the Principal Investigator.

Additional Information and Description about the Job:

Postdoctoral Fellow in Data Center and Energy Infrastructure Buildout Emory University, Department of Environmental Sciences

The Climate Transformations Lab (ClimTransform Lab), led by Dr. Jola Ajibade, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow to join an interdisciplinary research team at Emory University. This position is part of a groundbreaking project funded by the Sloan Foundation, examining the multi-dimensional impacts of data centers and energy infrastructure build-out in the US South (Georgia, Virginia, and Tennessee). The project aims to examine the implications of a rapid concentration of data centers and associated energy infrastructure in the US South for electricity cost, energy transition, labor relations, and environmental justice.

 

Position Overview:

• The successful candidate will contribute to an innovative study that integrates GIS mapping, data analytics, policy analysis, and community-based research methods into political ecology, just transitions, environmental justice, and labor justice conceptual frameworks.
• This work aims to inform justice-centered energy policies through academic publications and the development of practical tools for advocacy, community, and policymaking.
• The postdoctoral fellows will receive advanced training and mentorship from Dr. Ajibade (co-PI) and Kristin Phillips (PI) to support their professional development and research independence in preparation for a career in academia, policy, or advocacy.

Additional/Preferred qualifications or requirements:Key Responsibilities

• Conduct a systematic meta-analysis of data center and energy impacts.
• Lead GIS mapping of data center and expanded energy infrastructure locations. environmental and community impacts and associated social and environmental burdens.
• Create and maintain project website.
• Design and administer surveys targeting residents, energy practitioners, and labor experts.
• Facilitate interviews and focus group discussions with energy scholars, labor unions, and policymakers.
• Analyze and visualize data using qualitative and quantitative tools (e.g., R, Python, MAXQDA).
• Co-author peer-reviewed articles and contribute to developing the data center-EJ burden maps
• Disseminate findings through conferences, policy briefs, and media engagement.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary research of faculty and students.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Geography, Environmental Sciences, Economics, Anthropology, Sociology, Political Ecology, or a related field by the start date.
• Demonstrated expertise in data center studies, energy social sciences, U.S. utility systems, sustainability science, and/ or environmental justice research.
• Proficiency in GIS mapping and data analytics.
• Strong background in mixed quantitative and qualitative methods, including statistical analysis, econometrics, interviews, and policy analysis.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with