Ph.D. position in Sustainable Energy Policy at the University of New Hampshire, USA (starting Fall 2024)

The Spandagos Lab at the University of New Hampshire is seeking a highly-motivated Ph.D. student interested in sustainable energy transitions and policy.

The Lab: The Spandagos Lab, located at the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment (NREN), addresses questions of US and international energy policy, including the connections between the social, economic, environmental, and technological components of the transition to a sustainable energy future- with a strong focus on addressing issues of environmental and energy justice. By combining engineering, economics, data science and social science methods, we develop interdisciplinary, state-of-the-art tools to effectively guide energy, environmental and technology policy towards a sustainable and just energy future for all people. In this way, we contribute to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals: Affordable and Clean Energy, Reduced Inequalities, Sustainable Cities and Communities, and Climate Action.

Key research themes include: 1) Equitable and just energy transitions, 2) Energy behaviors and technology adoption, and 3) Interdisciplinary models of socio-technical energy systems. The methods we use include but are not limited to machine learning, agent-based modeling, econometrics, behavioral experiments and surveys. Our work is often published in some of the most impactful scientific journals and featured on popular international media.

The Ph.D. position: The position will start in Fall 2024. The successful applicant will be admitted to the Ph.D. program in Natural Resources and Earth Systems Science (NRESS), an interdepartmental program which offers graduate students the opportunity to pursue interdisciplinary research to increase our understanding of the environment in the broadest context, advance solutions to pressing issues, and engage stakeholders. The Ph.D. student will develop unique project components that coincide with the key themes of the Spandagos Lab. The student will be expected to present results at scientific conferences and lead publications in high-impact scientific journals.

Funding: Stipend, health insurance, tuition, and all project operating costs will be provided. The student will be funded through a combination of Teaching and Research Assistantships.

Essential qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in engineering, economics, public policy, behavioral science, or any field relevant to energy, the environment, climate change and sustainability- with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Demonstrated interest in energy and environmental policy, the human dimensions of the energy transition, or in energy and environmental justice.
• High independence and a strong work ethic.
• Desire to conduct interdisciplinary work.

Desired qualifications include:

• A master’s degree in engineering, economics, public policy, behavioral science or any field relevant to energy, the environment, climate change and sustainability.
• Strong quantitative and/or modeling skills. Strong and demonstrated skills in a programming language such as Python, STATA, Matlab, R or GAMS are especially desired. Interest and/or experience in machine learning, agent-based modeling, energy systems modeling, or econometric methods are especially desired.
• Strong communication and writing skills.

Application instructions and timeline: To express interest, please email Constantine Spandagos (constantine.spandagos@unh.edu) and attach a single PDF file that includes the following:

1. a) Your academic CV.
2. b) A brief summary of your background, research experience and skills.
3. c) How you would contribute to the Lab’s work.
4. d) Contact information for three references (letters are not required at this stage).

We will curate a short-list and contact finalists for interviews in early 2024.

Diversity and inclusion are important values in our Lab. Applications from members of historically underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged.

Read the full job announcement