Policy Research Fellow (# 363979)

The University of Minnesota seeks a Policy Research Fellow to conduct interdisciplinary research on energy and environmental policy, focusing on water policy and environmental justice. Responsibilities include leading peer-reviewed publications, managing research databases, and teaching Public Affairs courses. The position requires a Ph.D. and prior teaching experience. This one-year role offers opportunities for professional development and collaboration with community partners, starting August 26, 2024.
About the position

The University of Minnesota's Center for Science, Technology and the Environmental Policy (CSTEP) in the Humphrey School of Public Affairs is seeking a Policy Research Fellow to engage in interdisciplinary and community-focused research on energy and environmental policy. The mission of CSTEP is to enhance local capacity to tackle socio-economic inequalities by utilizing the resources and expertise of the research university to meet community priorities in the energy and environmental sectors. The Research Fellow will work closely with Dr. Bonnie Keeler and collaborate with CSTEP faculty, research staff, external stakeholders, community members, and students. This role will focus on water policy, environmental justice, and community engagement, with responsibilities that include leading academic manuscripts for publication, reviewing and synthesizing literature, conducting original qualitative and spatial research, maintaining relationships with research and community partners, and contributing to both internal and external research-based reports. The ideal candidate will thrive in a dynamic team environment, working alongside interdisciplinary researchers and stakeholders. There will be ample opportunities for the candidate to pursue personal interests, expand their professional network, and develop skills in environmental leadership and program management. This is a one-year position, starting on August 26, 2024, or when filled. The primary duties include leading peer-reviewed manuscripts based on externally funded research on the Mississippi River, developing reports and presentation materials, managing research databases, drafting policy briefs, and compiling research for grant proposals and public-facing outlets. Additionally, the Fellow will support CSTEP operations, liaise with community partners, plan meetings, and coordinate undergraduate and graduate researchers. The Fellow will also serve as the instructor of record for two Public Affairs courses totaling 4.5 credits during the 2024-2025 academic year.

Responsibilities
• Lead one or more peer-reviewed manuscripts based on the externally funded research grant on the Mississippi River.
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• Develop reports and presentation materials for internal use and external distribution.
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• Manage databases of existing research and draft policy briefs.
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• Compile research for grant proposals and public-facing outlets.
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• Support the operations of CSTEP research activities, including liaising with community partners and planning meetings.
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• Facilitate research and coordinate undergraduate and graduate researchers.
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• Serve as the instructor of record for two Public Affairs courses totaling 4.5 credits.

Requirements
• Ph.D. in Environmental Studies, Natural Resources, Communication Studies, Public Policy, or other interdisciplinary program with 1 or more years of research training.
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• Prior teaching experience at the graduate or undergraduate level.

Nice-to-haves
• Research interests related to environmental communication, sustainability, environmental justice, or environmental policy.
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• Cross-cultural competency and the ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups of people.
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• Creativity, enthusiasm, positive attitude, and ability to work effectively as part of a team.
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• Excellent project management skills, organization, and attention to detail.
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• Ability to work quickly and efficiently, manage deadlines, and pick up new skills and areas of expertise.
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• Interest in mentoring undergraduate and graduate students.

Benefits
• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
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• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
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• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
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• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
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• University HSA contributions
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• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
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• Employee wellbeing program
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• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
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• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
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• Financial counseling services
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• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
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• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area