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

Carnegie Mellon University • Pittsburgh, PA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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.

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.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous retirement savings program with employer contributions
• Tuition benefits
• Ample paid time off
• Observed holidays
• Life and accidental death and disability insurance
• Free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass
• Access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs
• Fitness center access

What This Job Offers

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