Research Specialist, Penn Environmental Politics Lab

Job Description Summary

The Penn Environmental Politics Lab is hiring a research specialist to support a two-year research project, beginning in July 2026. This is a one-year appointment, with the option of extending the appointment for an additional year contingent upon funding. It is an ideal opportunity for recent graduates to work with leading faculty on a multi-method research project, invest in their research skills, and engage with the social science research community at Penn. The research specialist will be based at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia and will work primarily with the PI at Penn, with regular engagement from the full research team at Stanford University, University of Michigan, and Northwestern University.

Job Description

The US energy transition is unfolding against a backdrop of dramatic policy reversals, investment uncertainty, and deep political division. Our study, funded by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, examines how firms, workers, and communities respond to clean energy industrial policy in the current moment of flux. The research team is conducting a multi-method study that will include a process-tracing analysis of federal clean energy policymaking, analysis of how clean energy manufacturing firms mobilize politically in response to policy uncertainty, an original longitudinal panel survey of clean energy manufacturing workers, and qualitative case studies of six communities hosting clean energy manufacturing facilities. This position is supported by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation under Grant No. G-2026-79331.

Job Responsibilities

• Data collection and analysis: Conduct background research on clean-energy manufacturing sites and the communities hosting them; assist the research team in identifying interview respondents, preparing for interviews, conducting interviews, and analyzing interview data; and build and maintain relationships with research partners.
• Writing: Contribute to literature reviews, visual presentations, and writing across four integrated research efforts.
• Fieldwork: Travel to projects sites to conduct interviews, field observations, and survey respondent recruitment.
• Teaching support: Assist the research team with preparing materials, organizing student research teams, facilitating connections with research sites, and otherwise support an undergraduate research seminar associated with the study.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree and 0 to 1 year of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required. A bachelor's degree in political science, economics, public policy, sociology, environmental studies, urban planning, public health, or a related field is preferred.
• Demonstrated interest in American politics, energy or climate policy, labor, or industrial policy
• Strong research and writing skills, including experience locating and synthesizing information from diverse sources
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to build rapport with diverse interview respondents and partner organizations
• Organizational ability and comfort managing multiple tasks and timelines simultaneously
• Some background in qualitative and/or quantitative research methods
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite
• Proficiency with R, Stata, Python, NVivo, or other analysis software

How to Apply

For consideration, please submit a cover letter as well as a resume in the CV section of your application. You can upload multiple documents to the "Resume/CV" section. You may also submit an optional writing sample.

Your cover letter should outline your research interests and fit with the position. The letter should (A) outline prior experience that has led you to be interested in social science research; (B) describe relevant research experience and skills; (C) explain your research interests; and (D) explain how your goals overlap with our research. Letters should not exceed 3 single-spaced pages.

This is a one-year appointment, with the option of extending the appointment for an additional year contingent upon funding.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

School of Arts and Sciences

Pay Range

$44,500.00 - $45,500.00 Annual Rate