Predoctoral 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 technology matters.

The Laboratory for Energy and Organizations (LEO) at Carnegie Mellon University invites applications for a Predoctoral Research Associate to conduct research on global supply chains for critical materials and clean energy technologies, with a particular focus on rare earth elements and permanent magnets. The position will be based in Carnegie Mellon’s Department of Engineering and Public Policy (EPP) and contribute to the Industrial Futures Project at the Wilton E. Scott Institute for Energy Innovation, complementing the work of the Industrial Decarbonization Analysis, Benchmarking, and Action (INDABA) Partnership on industrial transformation and decarbonization, with a focus on metals and materials industries and electrification. 

Research Focus:

The Predoctoral Research Associate will work with Professor Valerie Karplus and other faculty, researchers, and students at Carnegie Mellon and collaborating institutions. The position is designed for an early-career researcher interested in developing substantial research experience at the intersection of global supply chains, clean energy, international trade, technological change, and public policy. 

Research will examine questions such as how rare earth supply chains are structured across countries, firms, and production stages; where important dependencies and concentrations arise; how clean energy deployment affects demand; and how technology, trade, industrial policy, and investment are changing these relationships. The researcher may also support background research, analysis, and report writing for a separate project on sourcing clean electricity for global corporate supply chains as needed. 

Core Responsibilities: 

• Develop models to guide analysis and data manipulation; May use statistical packages or mathematical concepts to evaluate results.  
• Documents results; May present results to research team or other partners. 
• May recommend additional research projects based on findings.  
• Research, identify, and collect large-scale data sets or published works for research projects.  
• Organize data and accurately replicate identified research. 
• Works closely and collaboratively with faculty at CMU and other universities to write academic papers, present findings or other assigned projects. 
• 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: 

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering, economics, public policy, data science, operations research, environmental science, international affairs, or a related field by the time the appointment begins Strong quantitative and analytical skills.
• Experience working with data using Python, R, Stata, or comparable software.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• An interest in energy, industrial transformation, global supply chains, international trade, or technological innovation.
• A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

Details and Application:

The position will be in-person and based at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The earliest and preferred start date is October 1, 2026, with some flexibility in the start date for the successful candidate. The initial appointment will be for six months at 25–37.5 hours per week, with the possibility of renewal. 

Applicants should submit: 

• A cover letter describing their research interests, relevant experience, and interest in the position
• A curriculum vitae or résumé
• An academic transcript
• A writing sample or representative research product 
• Two letters of reference, ideally from faculty members or research supervisors familiar with the applicant’s research abilities. 

Applications should be submitted by September 30, 2026 and will be reviewed as soon as they are received.

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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