Post-Doctoral Associate
Section: US: Other Academic (Visiting or Temporary)
Location: Cambridge, MA, United States
JEL Classifications:
Q5 — Environmental Economics
Q — Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics
Q4 — Energy
R — Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics
F — International Economics
L — Industrial Organization
Keywords: Energy Economics, Environmental Policy, Decarbonization, Energy Transition, Critical Minerals, Mining, International Trade, EV Subsidies
Application Requirements:
CV
Cover Letter
Job Market Paper
3 Letters of Reference
Position description:
The MIT Center for Energy and Environmental Policy Research (CEEPR) is seeking a motivated post-doctoral associate to work on the mining and processing of minerals related to the energy transition. The Postdoctoral Associate will work Christopher Knittel (Sloan School of Management and CEEPR). The project will develop empirical models of supply, demand, and international trade conditions for minerals required for the energy transition. These models will be based on both the economic incentives created by markets and the physical constraints of mining operations. The project will then use these models to understand the impact of different policies on market outcomes, such as EV subsidies, domestic content requirements, trade policies, amongst others.
Qualifications:
- Recent PhD in Economics (or related discipline) with a clear interest in mining and the energy transition
- Experience and competency in quantitative analysis, including applied econometrics
- Experience in applied theoretical modeling a plus
- Proficient at statistical software, e.g., STATA, R, Python
- Must be able to work in a team environment and interact with diverse stakeholders
- Strong communication skills (both written and verbal), including strong listening skills
- Strong organizational, time management and problem-solving skills, while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail
- Must be highly goal-driven and exhibit the ability to interact effectively with internal and external stakeholders at all levels of the organization
- Able to work within a collaborative setting with others to set clear priorities while managing multiple timelines and objectives
This position is Cambridge, MA. The successful candidate is expected to relocate. The review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Pay range minimum: $71,000
Pay range maximum: $90,000
We welcome people from all walks of life to bring their talent, ideas, and experience to our community. We value diversity and strongly encourage applications from individuals from all identities and backgrounds – like yours. If you want to be part of our exceptional, multicultural, collaborative, and inclusive community, then take a look at this opportunity.
Application Instructions:
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Early application is strongly recommended.
All interested applicants must apply here:
https://apply.interfolio.com/182291
In addition, please also email your application with the following PDF file attachments to ceepr@mit.edu with the subject line: 2026 MIT Postdoctoral (CM/Mining) application – [Your name]. All applications must include:
- a brief cover letter including date of availability, suitability and motivation for the role, including your interest in this project, qualifications or related experience, general research/goals statement;
- detailed curriculum vitae (CV);
- Job market paper or equivalent best academic paper (solo-authored preferred);
- official or unofficial copy of diploma(s)/university certificate(s); and
- three (3) reference letters to support the application.