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 a strong publication record.
• Experience working with diverse stakeholders, especially marginalized communities, is highly desirable.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary environment.

 

About the Climate Transformations Lab

The Climate Transformations Lab examines climate and renewable energy transitions through the lens of justice and equity. We develop interdisciplinary, collaborative research that produces actionable policies and solutions for advancing energy justice and sustainability.

 

Position Details

• Application deadline: May 30
• Job Start Date: October 1, 2026
• Location: Atlanta, GA (Emory University campus)
• Term: 1-year full-time (renewable for a second year based on performance)
• Salary: $60,000

 

Application Materials

Interested candidates should submit:
* A cover letter describing their interests and relevant experience, including work on data centers in the U.S, energy systems, labor analysis, environmental justice analysis, GIS mapping, and participatory research with marginalized communities.
* Current CV
* A writing sample (preferably a peer-reviewed publication).
* Contact details for three professional references.

 

 

NOTE: This role will be granted the opportunity to work from home regularly but must be able to commute to Emory University on a flexible weekly schedule based upon business needs.  Schedule is based on agreed upon guidelines of department. This role requires residency in the state of GA. Emory reserves the right to change remote work status with notice to employee.

Additional Details : Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in university programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act, and applicable executive orders, federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal opportunity, and affirmative action (for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities). Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Civil Rights Compliance, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322. Telephone: 404-727-9867 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD).

Emory University is committed to ensuring equal access and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to seek a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Department of Accessibility Services at accessibility@emory.edu or call 404-727-9877 (Voice) | 404-712-2049 (TDD). We kindly ask that requests be made at least seven business days in advance to allow adequate time for coordination.