Postdoctoral Associate

MIT • Cambridge, MA

10d

About The Position

The Postdoctoral Associate will advance interdisciplinary research and innovation addressing urgent energy and climate challenges as part of the MIT Climate Project. The role will identify emerging scientific and technological opportunities, assess technical feasibility and potential impact, and collaborate with MIT faculty and staff to shape research priorities, programs, and strategies. Initial areas of focus include extreme heat resilience and green steel production. The position emphasizes scientific and technical strategy rather than laboratory research. The postdoctoral associate will be considered an Energy and Climate Fellow.

The appointment is for one year and may be renewed for a second year based on performance, research priorities, and funding. Applicants must submit a cover letter outlining their interest in the MIT Climate Project and a response of no more than 500 words identifying an important but underexplored scientific or technological opportunity in energy or climate, explaining its importance and how they would assess its technical promise and route to real-world impact, including proposed analyses and relevant disciplines or partners.

Requirements

• PhD in science, engineering, or a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct rigorous, independent analysis.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to initiate and lead interdisciplinary projects.
• Strong commitment to addressing climate change.
• Entrepreneurial mindset, including initiative, ownership, and ability to navigate ambiguity.

Nice To Haves

• Experience at the intersection of research, innovation, and commercialization.
• Familiarity with energy, climate, or sustainability.
• Expertise in thermal sciences, cooling technologies, building systems, metallurgy, green steel production, or related fields.

Responsibilities

• Identify emerging scientific and technological opportunities related to energy and climate.
• Assess technical feasibility and potential impact.
• Collaborate with MIT faculty and staff to shape research priorities, programs, and strategies.
• Conduct technical assessments and evaluate research proposals.
• Identify pathways to technology demonstration and adoption.
• Engage researchers, industry, government, and other stakeholders to advance climate solutions.
• Prepare technical briefs, research roadmaps, and recommendations.
• Contribute to workshops and collaborative initiatives.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree