Post Doctoral Fellow in Data Center and Energy Infrastructure Buildout

Emory University is a leading research university that fosters excellence and attracts world-class talent to innovate today and prepare leaders for the future. We welcome candidates who can contribute to the excellence of our academic community.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

• Helps design and conduct research within a specified field while receiving advanced training from a designated Principal Investigator to enhance professional skills and research independence needed for pursuit of a career.
• The specific area of research in which the trainee is mentored is determined by the department and laboratory of the Postdoc.
• Designs and evaluates experiments.
• Develops new ideas that promote current research.
• Prepares and publishes scientific manuscripts under the direction of the Principal Investigator.
• May be responsible for operation of specific equipment.
• May teach techniques to others train and supervise research staff.
• Positions are temporary appointments as a research trainee.
• The initial appointment is for one year renewal expected if progress is satisfactory and funds are available.
• Appointments cannot exceed five years.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A doctoral degree or equivalent (Ph.D. M.D. ScD. D.V.M. DDS etc) in an appropriate field.
• Excellent scientific writing ability and strong oral communication skills.
• The ability to work effectively and collegially with colleagues.
• Additional qualifications as specified by the Principal Investigator.

Additional Information and Description about the Job:

Postdoctoral Fellow in Data Center and Energy Infrastructure Buildout
Emory University Department of Environmental Sciences

The Climate Transformations Lab (ClimTransform Lab) led by Dr. Jola Ajibade invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow to join an interdisciplinary research team at Emory University. This position is part of a groundbreaking project funded by the Sloan Foundation examining the multi-dimensional impacts of data centers and energy infrastructure build-out in the US South (Georgia Virginia and Tennessee).The project aims to examine the implications of a rapid concentration of data centers and associated energy infrastructure in the US South for electricity cost energy transition labor relations and environmental justice.

Position Overview:

• The successful candidate will contribute to an innovative study that integrates GIS mapping data analytics policy analysis and community-based research methods into political ecology just transitions environmental justice and labor justice conceptual frameworks.
• This work aims to inform justice-centered energy policies through academic publications and the development of practical tools for advocacy community and policymaking.
• The postdoctoral fellows will receive advanced training and mentorship from Dr. Ajibade (co-PI) and Kristin Phillips (PI) to support their professional development and research independence in preparation for a career in academia policy or advocacy.

Additional/Preferred qualifications or requirements:
Key Responsibilities

• Conduct a systematic meta-analysis of data center and energy impacts.
• Lead GIS mapping of data center and expanded energy infrastructure locations. environmental and community impacts and associated social and environmental burdens.
• Create and maintain project website.
• Design and administer surveys targeting residents energy practitioners and labor experts.
• Facilitate interviews and focus group discussions with energy scholars labor unions and policymakers.
• Analyze and visualize data using qualitative and quantitative tools (e.g. R Python MAXQDA).
• Co-author peer-reviewed articles and contribute to developing the data center-EJ burden maps
• Disseminate findings through conferences policy briefs and media engagement.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary research of faculty and students.

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Geography Environmental Sciences Economics Anthropology Sociology Political Ecology or a related field by the start date.
• Demonstrated expertise in data center studies energy social sciences U.S. utility systems sustainability science and/ or environmental justice research.
• Proficiency in GIS mapping and data analytics.
• Strong background in mixed quantitative and qualitative methods including statistical analysis econometrics interviews and policy analysis.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a strong publication record.
• Experience working with diverse stakeholders especially marginalized communities is highly desirable.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary environment.

About the Climate Transformations Lab

The Climate Transformations Lab examines climate and renewable energy transitions through the lens of justice and equity. We develop interdisciplinary collaborative research that produces actionable policies and solutions for advancing energy justice and sustainability.

Position Details

• Application deadline: May 30
• Job Start Date: October 1 2026
• Location: Atlanta GA (Emory University campus)
• Term: 1-year full-time (renewable for a second year based on performance)
• Salary: $60000

Application Materials

Interested candidates should submit:
* A cover letter describing their interests and relevant experience including work on data centers in the U.S energy systems labor analysis environmental justice analysis GIS mapping and participatory research with marginalized communities.
* Current CV
* A writing sample (preferably a peer-reviewed publication).
* Contact details for three professional references.

NOTE: This role will be granted the opportunity to work from home regularly but must be able to commute to Emory University on a flexible weekly schedule based upon business needs. Schedule is based on agreed upon guidelines of department. This role requires residency in the state of GA. Emory reserves the right to change remote work status with notice to employee.