The Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC) produces data-driven research that advances society’s understanding of the global energy challenge and translates research insights into real-world impacts through strategic outreach and training for the next generation of global energy leaders. EPIC acts as an interdisciplinary hub for energy and environmental research across the University of Chicago. Combining the insights of economists, policy analysts and business experts with the technical expertise of engineers and scientists, EPIC’s faculty affiliates work together to bring robust, cross-cutting research to the forefront of the global energy debate.
Successful candidates will work with the Climate Impact Lab, a unique collaboration of experts —economists, climate scientists, and computational scientists — working to build data-driven estimates of the local and global costs of climate change. Our research involves using econometric methods and globally comprehensive data to quantify the impacts of climate change sector-by-sector, community-by-community around the world. It will allow decision-makers in the public and private sectors to understand the risks climate change presents and mitigate those risks through smarter investments and public policy. The research has also been used to produce the world’s first empirically-derived estimate of the social cost of carbon, the cost to society from each ton of carbon dioxide emitted. This figure will be continuously updated as research progresses and can serve as the basis for energy and climate policies.
- Develops and enhances climate and impact research tools.
- Manages and optimizes data storage systems.
- Trains and supports research assistants in tool usage.
- Organizes and maintains lab code.
- Provides input on research and assists in producing materials for policymakers.
- Supports analyses of large datasets across various computing environments.
- Acts as a point of contact for code management and data storage queries.
- Contributes to research on climate change impacts.
- With researcher guidance assists in developing objectives, designing sampling, randomization, and data collection procedures to achieve study objectives.
- Analyzes data and prepares tables for interim and final reports. Designs tables and statistical procedures for specific research studies.
- Performs other related tasks as needed.
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Certifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
- Research-related work in economics, climate science, data science, computer science, or a similar quantitative field is highly desirable.
- Statistics or econometrics training.
- Strong background in Python; data analysis tools (pandas, xarray), climate data storage formats (e.g. NetCDF, Zarr).
- Familiarity with version control (git).
- Experience with geospatial and temporal data visualization.
- Strong background in distributed computing tools (dask).
- High-performance computing clusters.
- Linux command line/bash scripting.
- Familiarity with R and/or STATA.
- Strong communication skills.
- Strong multi-disciplinary collaboration skills.
- Training team members with software tools.
- Exceptional interpersonal skills and work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
- Manage and prioritize diverse job tasks, perform effectively in a fast-paced environment, and meet deadlines in a timely manner while maintaining professionalism and product quality.
- Excellent organizational skills, flexibility, and attention to detail.
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