Post Doctoral Fellow in Data Center and Energy Infrastructure Buildout

Emory • Atlanta, GA

1d • $60,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary environment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with diverse stakeholders, especially marginalized communities, is highly desirable.

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees