The Boston University Global Development Policy (GDP) Center seeks an Academic Researcher/Senior Academic Researcher to lead our Energy and Climate work stream at the Global China Initiative (GCI). The Global China Initiative advances policy-oriented research on China’s overseas economic activity and engagement with international institutions to enable financial stability, human well-being, and environmental sustainability. Within GCI, research is conducted across four programs: Energy and Climate, Forestry, Agriculture and Indigenous Rights (FAIR), China and the International Financial Architecture (CHIFA), and Data Analysis for Transparency and Accountability (D.A.T.A.).
Specifically, the mission of the energy and climate team is to produce policy oriented, evidence based and theoretical driven research to decarbonize Chinese overseas economic activity; accelerate inclusive low-carbon and facilitate green structural transformation in developing countries. An ideal candidate must have a strong background in energy and climate research with regards to Chinese overseas engagement, particularly in the following areas:
- China’s role in just energy transition in developing countries;
- Composition and impacts of China’s overseas energy projects;
- Political and economic factors determining energy choices by China and countries that borrow or receive financing from China.
The primary responsibilities of the Academic Researcher/Senior Academic include
- Conducting peer reviewed rigorous research on topics related to: China’s global energy finance and implications for climate change; the role of development finance in catalyzing energy transition in developing countries; policy proposals for greening China’s overseas economic engagement; and other relevant areas as determined by GCI.
- Developing and managing an energy and climate research portfolio in collaboration with by BU faculty members, non-resident scholars, and pre/post docs. This requires a strong ability to identify innovative and strategic questions for policy design and the ability to manage researchers who lead/operationalize the projects.
- Engaging with policy makers in China and elsewhere abroad on the policy implications of GCI’s research, as well as engaging in strategic communications through traditional and digital media platforms in English and Chinese.
- Leading the planning and execution of research across project life cycle, including conceptualization, data collection and analysis, drafting, revision, journal submission, policy engagement and so on, for both researcher’s own project as well as others under the energy and climate team.
- Representing GCI at policy events and conferences to advance our research findings.
This is an in-person position at Boston University.
Skills
Qualifications:
- Advanced degree in public policy, engineering, economics, political science, or related fields; PhD required for the Senior Academic Researcher position.
- Track record of high-impact publications on topics related to energy and climate change.
- Strong quantitative and qualitative research skills in economics, energy, and finance in general, and knowledge of Chinese economy, climate policy, and overseas engagement.
- Interest in global development policy and China’s role in energy transition in developing countries.
- Strong writing skills, including technical writing as well as the ability to summarize technical research with a wider audience of media and policymakers.
- Demonstrated project and program management experience.
- Mandarin language skills required.
Boston University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and life insurance; retirement savings plans with matching contributions; generous paid time off and holidays; tuition remission for employees and eligible family members; wellness programs; transportation and commuting benefits; access to backup childcare and an on-site children’s center; and statutory protections such as Workers’ Compensation and Social Security contributions.
To apply, please send a cover letter and CV to Lin Zhu at lindz@bu.edu with the subject line <<First Name Last Name – GCI E&C Researcher>>
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
