Postdoctoral Researcher – Energy Economics Analyst

Argonne National Laboratory • Lemont, IL

5d

About The Position

The Decision and Infrastructure Sciences Division in Argonne’s Nuclear Technologies and National Security (NTNS) Directorate is seeking a highly qualified and motivated Postdoctoral Researcher specializing in energy economics and supply chain analysis. This role is pivotal in evaluating the economic competitiveness of the U.S. in the production and manufacturing of energy-related materials and technologies, and in advancing data-driven risk monitoring approaches for supply chain resilience. The candidate will assist with data collection, analysis, and scenario modeling for a DOE-sponsored assessment of energy critical materials. The candidate will also assist with evaluating the impacts of new mining activity on domestic supply chains that rely on critical materials (such as rare earth magnets, lithium-ion batteries, etc.), evaluating the competitiveness of mining projects, and developing economic models that support DOE priorities. The successful candidate will apply methods from economics, supply chain risk analysis, and data-driven modeling (including AI/ML where appropriate) to help inform decision-making for energy deployment and national competitiveness. In this role you will: Conduct and contribute to research and model development to enhance the resilience of domestic and global energy supply chains. Lead technical and policy analysis to inform decision-makers on manufacturing and energy supply chain strategies. Apply advanced analytics and methods to analyze trade, production, and geopolitical data to identify risk in critical supply chains. Develop and maintain analytical models, datasets, and risk monitoring tools in collaboration with DOE national laboratories and federal partners. Prepare detailed reports and briefings on methodologies, analyses, and findings. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams across DOE National Laboratories. Publish impactful research in peer-reviewed journals and support related projects within the team. Enhance professional skills, including communication, networking, and leadership.

Requirements

• This level of knowledge is typically achieved through a formal education in economics, operations research, public policy, environmental science, engineering, or a related field at the PhD level with zero to five years of employment experience.
• Technical background in economics with a focus on the mineral and energy sectors.
• Proven scholarly work or industry experience in economic and supply chain analysis, computational modeling, or policy analysis.
• Proficiency in scientific programming languages (e.g., Python, R) and data analysis libraries (e.g., pandas, NumPy, scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch).
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in scientific and engineering contexts.
• Ability to integrate diverse knowledge and perspectives to drive innovation.
• Experience working independently and collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork.

Nice To Haves

• Background in economic theories and their application to energy, mining, and manufacturing sectors.
• Proficiency in economic analysis techniques such as econometrics and cost modeling.
• Demonstrated experience in supply chain mapping, risk assessment, and scenario analysis for critical energy and technology sectors.

Responsibilities

• Conduct and contribute to research and model development to enhance the resilience of domestic and global energy supply chains.
• Lead technical and policy analysis to inform decision-makers on manufacturing and energy supply chain strategies.
• Apply advanced analytics and methods to analyze trade, production, and geopolitical data to identify risk in critical supply chains.
• Develop and maintain analytical models, datasets, and risk monitoring tools in collaboration with DOE national laboratories and federal partners.
• Prepare detailed reports and briefings on methodologies, analyses, and findings.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams across DOE National Laboratories.
• Publish impactful research in peer-reviewed journals and support related projects within the team.
• Enhance professional skills, including communication, networking, and leadership.

Benefits

• Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.
• Click here to view Argonne employee benefits!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees