Energy and Environmental Economics Predoctoral Fellow (Junior/Assistant Specialist) | UC Berkeley Opportunity Lab
The UC Berkeley Opportunity Lab is hiring a full-time predoctoral fellow (junior or assistant specialist) to work on one or more projects in the field of energy and environmental economics under the supervision of Professor Reed Walker and 1-2 other faculty members working in this field at UC Berkeley. This is a full-time position with a negotiable start date between June 2025 and September 2025. The position will be funded for two academic years.
Position Overview
The UC Berkeley Opportunity Lab is hiring a full-time predoctoral fellow (junior or assistant specialist) to work on one or more projects in the field of energy and environmental economics under the supervision of Professor Reed Walker and 1-2 other faculty members working in this field at UC Berkeley. This is a full-time position with a negotiable start date between June 2025 and September 2025. The position will be funded for two academic years.
The job will entail close collaboration during all stages of empirical research with faculty members at Berkeley, working in areas of energy and environmental economics. Current projects are focused on exploring the social costs of environmental externalities such as air pollution and how regulations to limit these externalities contribute to gains and/or losses to the economy.
Responsibilities
Job responsibilities span all stages of research, including managing projects,
collecting and analyzing data, creating presentations, and editing manuscripts. Typical research
projects involve the analysis of confidential, administrative environmental, and energy data from the United States Census Bureau. Independent thinking, attention to detail, a thorough understanding of economics, and self-motivation are highly valued in performing these functions.
Qualifications
BA/BS in Economics, Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or another closely related discipline; previous experience as a research analyst or pursuing independent research is preferred; computer-programming skills are necessary; ability to analyze data and write reports required. Preference will be given to candidates who aim to broaden their research experience before pursuing a graduate degree in economics. This position is intended to serve as a bridge between college and graduate school for students interested in empirical economics.
The RA appointment will be at the UC Berkeley Opportunity Lab, housed within the Center for Effective Global Action. The RA will benefit from a community of researchers at O-Lab, CEGA, the Energy Institute at Haas, and throughout the university.
The job is ideal for someone with an enthusiasm for empirical research, and the ability and interest to learn new skills and take initiative as a project develops. We welcome candidates with strong technical backgrounds who are looking for more exposure to economics.
Salary & Benefits
This is a full-time, 2-year contract position that is eligible for full UC benefits with the anticipation of extension based on available funding and satisfactory performance.
The UC academic salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at appointment. A reasonable estimate for this position is $64,100–$75,700. CEGA typically compensates predocs as follows:
- [Step 1] $64,100: Bachelor’s degree and 0-1 years equivalent professional experience
- [Step 2] $67,400: Bachelor’s degree and 1-2 years equivalent professional experience
- [Step 3] $72,300: Bachelor’s degree and 2-4 years equivalent professional experience or Masters degree and 0-2 years equivalent professional experience
- [Step 4] $75,700: Bachelor’s degree and 4-6 years equivalent professional experience or Masters degree and 2-4 years equivalent professional experience
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University visit:
https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html.
The first date of review for this opening is February 18, 2025. The Final date of review is March 24, 2025. Please address inquiries to the Center for Effective Global Action (CEGA), University of California Berkeley, cega-hr@berkeley.edu
How to Apply
- In order for the application to be considered complete, please upload a cover letter, a current CV, and an unofficial transcript (attached in the same document as your cover letter). Your cover letter should describe your interest in the position; your familiarity with programming languages (e.g., Stata, SAS, SQL, Matlab, ArcGIS); your prior experience as a research assistant and/or with independent research projects; a previous experience that involved working in a team environment; the date on which you are available to start work; and a copy of your transcript. You will also be required to submit a Statement of Research and a Statement on Contributions to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
- Applications will be reviewed as they are received. This posting will be removed when the position has been filled.
