"Postdoctoral Research Associate in Climate Solutions, Thomas J. Watson Jr. School of International and Public Affairs 2026-2028"

The Watson School for International and Public Affairs at Brown University invites applications for a two-year joint Postdoctoral Research Associate position in climate solutions beginning in the Fall of 2026.

Participants in this program will join an interdisciplinary community of scholars engaged in theoretically and substantively important research addressing the most pressing global issues of our time. Watson’s unique structure - including scholars from a wide range of disciplines who are also appointed in partner departments - allows post-docs to benefit from both a broad academic community while remaining closely connected with top scholars within their discipline, thus allowing them to pursue research and participate fully in the intellectual life of the School. Postdoctoral Research Associates will also teach one seminar course per year of up to nineteen students as well as present a work in progress to an interdisciplinary group.

The selection process, open with regard to nationality and geographic area of research, is highly competitive. Applicants must have received their Ph.D. since September 1, 2024 or intend to receive their Ph.D. before July 1, 2026. Individuals who are currently – or have previously been – postdoctoral fellows or postdoctoral research associates in other programs are not eligible to apply. Watson Post-Docs will receive a competitive salary, for this benefits-eligible position. Additional funding may be made available for research expenses and research-related programming on campus.

Successful applicants are expected to be physically present on-campus. Remote or hybrid working arrangements are not permissible for this position.

This postdoctoral position offers early-career scholars the opportunity to pursue independent research while engaging with leading faculty across both the Watson School for International and Public Affairs and the political science department. An ideal applicant will focus on topics relating to the political economy of the clean energy transition. The postdoc could help research topics such as: the social reception of new energy infrastructure and stakeholder engagement in the clean energy transition; how states and market actors can work together to finance decarbonization; the politics of climate backlash, obstruction and delay; how climate change affects electrical grids in the United States, Europe, India, or elsewhere; the industrial organization of renewable energy providers; policy instruments for electric vehicles or other modes of transportation; the social & racial justice dimensions of electricity or energy; the diffusion of clean energy innovations; and carbon border adjustment mechanisms or supply chain challenges.

Ability to conduct and write policy-oriented research, as well as academic research, is essential. The successful candidate will have roughly two-thirds of their time for their own research and be asked to spend roughly a third of their time contributing to the Watson School (such as by teaching and/or working on a research project). Applicants applying any type of social science methodology (qualitative, quantitative or experimental) are welcome.

Selected candidates who have not completed all requirements for their doctoral degree by the position start date will be appointed as a Research Associate at a reduced salary until all degree requirements are completed.

Successful applicants will have opportunities to work collaboratively with faculty during their fellowship.

To receive full consideration, the following materials should be submitted by noon (EST) on Friday January 9th, 2026 to the application portal:

• A cover letter stating the applicant's academic field, status of their dissertation, and proposed research to be conducted during their fellowship period. The cover letter should not exceed 2,000 words and should make clear how the candidate will thrive in and contribute to Watson’s interdisciplinary environment. Candidates should address how they would contribute to the research and/or teaching missions of our diverse and inclusive university community.
• An up-to-date curriculum vitae.
• A copy of each graduate transcript.
• A writing sample, preferably an article or dissertation chapter
• Three confidential letters of recommendation from scholars familiar with the applicant’s research.

Review of applications will begin on January 9th; to receive full consideration applications should be received by that date. Awards will be announced by March 31, 2026 at the latest.

For further information regarding the Watson Postdoctoral Program, please visit the Watson School website (watson.brown.edu) or contact:

Professor Jeff Colgan, Director of the Climate Solutions Lab, Thomas J. Watson Jr. School for International and Public Affairs, Brown University, 111 Thayer Street, Box 1970 Providence, RI 02912. Jeff_Colgan@brown.edu.

For information about the application process, please email: Watson_Applications@brown.edu

For this position, Brown offers only the J-1 visa classification to scholars who need immigration sponsorship in order to enter the U.S. and commence lawful employment under the terms of their appointment.