Position Description
The Climate Systems Engineering initiative (CSEi) at the University of Chicago invites applications for the 2027-29 cohort of CSEi Research Fellows, to be appointed at the rank of Research Fellow. We seek outstanding early career scholars interested in any aspect of climate systems engineering.
The University of Chicago is building a substantial research cluster, including the anticipated addition of ten new faculty lines, on the science, technology, and public policy of Climate Systems Engineering. Our goal is to advance understanding of the benefits, risks, and governance of technologies that might reduce the impacts of accumulated greenhouse gases, and to educate students who will face the challenges of managing industrial civilization on a fragile planet. The CSEi’s topical scope includes open-system carbon removal such as enhanced rock weathering, solar geoengineering, and interventions to limit the loss of glacial ice. The CSEi welcomes research from across fields including the sciences, humanities, social sciences, public policy, and law.
The CSEi Research Fellows program aims to develop the next generation of research leaders who will shape the future of climate systems engineering for the benefit of people and the planet. CSEi Research Fellows will work closely with UChicago faculty mentors, but their research and funding are independent. The program will help them develop strong research networks by facilitating collaboration among the Research Fellows cohort and by ensuring that they have ample opportunities to interact with the whole community of CSEi-affiliated faculty and research leaders. Securing a faculty mentor in advance is strongly preferred, and applicants are encouraged to reach out early to engage a mentor. UChicago faculty members from any discipline may potentially serve as mentors, regardless of whether they have prior experience with climate systems engineering.
To offer a sense of the range of opportunities for collaboration, leading faculty from a variety of fields have contributed statements about research interests and possibilities for collaboration. These statements, available on the CSEi website, are examples of how faculty research interests might overlap with climate systems engineering. Applicants may reach out to any UChicago faculty member about these or other topics.
This is a two-year position, starting between August 3 – September 16, 2027, that offers a $95K salary per year, dedicated workspace, and research and travel funding of $10,000 per year.
This position is benefits eligible - for information on benefits, please consult the University of Chicago Benefits Guide: https://mybenefits.nfp.com/UChicago/benefits-guide/.
Additionally, the University will provide a one-time payment of $4,000 for relocation assistance, payable at the end of the first month of employment at the University. Please note that this payment is taxable.
Teaching is not required, though an optional teaching opportunity during the second year of the fellowship may be available, subject to need and requisite approval. In-person interaction is a crucial part of the program, and Research Fellows are expected to participate actively in the life of the CSEi.
Qualifications
Required:
Completion of all requirements for a Ph.D. or other terminal degree appropriate to the field is required at the time of appointment.
Preferred:
0-3 years professional experience.
Pre-matching with a faculty mentor and enthusiastic recommendation from the mentor.
Academic and professional success in the early career stage (typically graduate school and the first three years after completion of degree) and the potential to make an important contribution to the field of climate systems engineering.
Residency
The fellowship requires residency in the Chicago area.
For UChicago applicants:
Applicants who are currently postdocs at UChicago or who received terminal degrees from UChicago are eligible, provided their research and mentor arrangements are distinct from their PhD or current postdoctoral research, taking them in new directions and forging new connections.
Application Instructions
Applications must be submitted online via Interfolio at: https://apply.interfolio.com/191139
The following materials are required:
C.V.
Statement of research objectives that explains how the research will advance understanding of climate systems engineering, and how the research relates to the applicant’s prior work and skills. (maximum 2 pages).
Writing sample consisting of a chapter, essay, or article.
Two letters of reference: please provide contact information for two letter writers.
Name of UChicago faculty member who has agreed to serve as mentor. If applying without a pre-matched mentor, please provide the names of faculty members whom you want to work with and an explanation of why you were not able to secure a mentor in advance.
Complete applications must be submitted via Interfolio by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on November 2, 2026.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-834-3988 or email equalopportunity@uchicago.edu with their request.