The Center for Global Sustainability (CGS) works to catalyze more effective action on climate and sustainability challenges by integrating collaborative engagement across diverse communities with our ability to generate high-quality analysis. Our deep team of scholar-practitioners has significant and diverse experience in implementing real policy and decision making at the highest levels, and simultaneously in leading field in research. CGS works to build global capacity for analysis to support climate ambition, to understand cleaner energy technology pathways, to enhance resilience to climate change, and to support new approaches to energy and climate finance.
Available Positions
The Center for Global Sustainability (CGS, cgs.umd.edu) at the University of Maryland is looking for research assistant(s) with excellent research, coordination, and communication skills. The mission of CGS is, through our research and policy engagement, to change the way that governments, diverse organizations, and people around the world envision and implement new possibilities for ambitious climate action. Our team has significant and diverse experience in both delivering field-leading research and informing, supporting, and implementing policy in national and international contexts.
These will be paid hourly positions up to 40 hours/week over the fall. The research assistants will work with CGS and our collaborators, as appropriate, to apply robust and innovative research approaches to understanding national climate ambition, energy transition, climate finance, nonCO2 mitigation, and other topics at the center of climate policy and sustainability debates.
Specific projects may include but are not limited to the following:
- Near- and long-term low carbon development strategies of key countries
- All-of-society climate mitigation strategies in the United States
- Accelerated fossil transition pathways in key countries, potentially including but not limited to subnational strategies
- Co-benefits of climate change mitigation, such as air quality and human health, economic development, and other national priorities
- Scenarios for analyzing climate and transition risks to the economy and financial system
- Decarbonization strategies for industry, transportation, and other sectors
- Methane and other non-CO2 reduction strategies at national or subnational levels
- Agricultural and other land-related mitigation options
Specific tasks may include the following:
- Conduct background research and analysis of climate, energy, environment, and sustainable development policies
- Collect, analyze and visualize data
- Contribute to writing reports and potential research papers
- Support research communications, data visualization, and content creation for all of CGS’s digital mediums
Specific required skills are:
- Knowledge in climate, energy, and sustainability issues and policies
- Excellent English language proficiency required, particularly written
- Dedication and strong ability to learn quickly
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to work in a team environment
- Background in quantitative analysis, data collection and management
Specific preferred skills include:
- Coding skills in R, Python and/or STATA
- Geospatial analysis and/or econometric skills
- Ability to read and interpret legislation
To apply, please send a CV/resume, brief cover letter, and availability to work (part-time or full-time) to cgs@umd.edu. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the positions are filled. The priority deadline for the Fall is August 9, 2024.