Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Baker School of Policy and Public Affairs - UTK

The Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) is a distinguished academic institution dedicated to advancing public policy research, education, and outreach. It is well recognized for its interdisciplinary approach, integrating social science disciplines to address complex policy challenges. The school has a robust focus on environmental and energy policy, contributing to meaningful dialogue and solutions at the state, national, and global levels. The Baker School’s Center for Energy, Transportation, and Environmental Policy (CETEP) exemplifies its commitment to addressing critical issues related to natural resource use and environmental stewardship. CETEP unites faculty members, research associates, post-doctoral researchers, and external collaborators from industry, government, and nonprofit sectors to develop scientifically sound and economically informed policy recommendations. This network is also closely linked with eminent institutions like Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), enhancing the scope and impact of its research.

This postdoctoral position centers around the economics and policy of critical minerals, an area of growing importance due to the strategic role these minerals play in various industries, including technology, energy transition, and national security. The successful candidate will collaborate with Charles Sims at the Baker School and Georg Schaur at the Department of Economics at UTK, working alongside industry partners and researchers from Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The research focus includes analyzing the costs to the United States associated with dependence on foreign sources of critical minerals and evaluating the impact of industrial policies on domestic investment in mining, processing, and recycling of these critical resources. This role offers the opportunity for the postdoctoral scholar to establish a personalized research agenda in one or both of these vital areas. Candidates will engage in rigorous analysis, contribute to interdisciplinary research efforts, and help shape policies aimed at enhancing domestic mineral resilience and sustainability.

The position is located in Knoxville, Tennessee, and offers a competitive salary along with a comprehensive benefits package consistent with University of Tennessee employment. It is ideal for recent Ph.D. recipients or doctoral candidates nearing completion who have a strong background in economics, agricultural and resource economics, or related fields. Successful candidates are expected to possess excellent programming and data management skills as well as articulate written communication abilities. Experience or strong interest in critical minerals enhances candidacy, although is not mandatory. As part of the Baker School’s vibrant academic community, the postdoctoral fellow will benefit from connection to a cohort of researchers focused on environmental and energy challenges, gaining access to valuable resources and collaborative networks committed to public policy innovation.