Postdoctoral Research Associate - College of Engineering - Engineering and Public Policy

Carnegie Mellon University is a private, global research university that stands among the world’s most renowned education institutions. With ground-breaking brain science, path-breaking performances, creative start-ups, big data, big ambitions, hands-on learning, and a whole lot of robots, CMU doesn’t imagine the future, we invent it. If you’re passionate about joining a community that challenges the curious to deliver work that matters, your journey starts here!

The Department of Engineering and Public Policy (EPP) is a unique department in the College of Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University which addresses important problems in technology and policy. We educate technically skilled students to be leaders in policy-focused research; we work on policy problems in which the technology matters.

Carnegie Mellon University’s Department of Engineering and Public Policy is seeking an exceptional postdoctoral researcher to advance cutting-edge, policy-relevant analysis of the U.S. energy system through open-source modeling and collaborative research. The successful applicant will play a central role in developing and applying Tools for Energy Model Optimization and Analysis (Temoa), a widely used open-source energy systems optimization framework, and contributing to the Open Energy Outlook, an ongoing effort to provide transparent, scenario-based insights into the long-term evolution of the U.S. energy system under deep uncertainty. This position sits at the intersection of energy systems modeling, open science, and policy analysis. The postdoctoral researcher will not only conduct high-impact, model-based research, but also help shape the evolution of Temoa as a community platform and contribute to building the Open Energy Outlook as a trusted, transparent, analytically rigorous source of information on future U.S. energy pathways.

Core Responsibilities:

• Lead the development, maintenance, and extension of the Temoa modeling framework, including its core architecture and documentation.
• Maintenance of an input database representing the U.S. energy system.
• Help coordinate modeling and analysis activities across a large, interdisciplinary team and contribute to open-source software management, including version control, issue tracking, and community engagement.
• Conducting original research using energy systems optimization models to inform pressing U.S. energy and climate policy questions. This includes helping to design and implement model scenarios, with careful attention to uncertainty, technology evolution, and policy dynamics.
• Other duties as assigned.

Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University. We are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in engineering, operations research, economics, or a related field.
• Strong expertise in energy systems modeling, particularly optimization-based
  approaches, and demonstrated experience with scientific programming and data analysis using
  tools such as Python, Pyomo, Pandas, or R.
• Experience with open-source software development practices, including GitHub, is essential. The ideal candidate will be able to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with large-scale energy system
  models or integrated assessment models, as well as familiarity with U.S. energy systems,
  climate policy, and technology pathways.
• Experience managing complex datasets and relational databases is also desirable. An interest in advancing open, transparent, and reproducible approaches to energy analysis is highly valued

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance. 

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

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