The Center for Global Sustainability (CGS) at the University of Maryland is seeking Research Assistants: PAID Opportunity, 40hrs a week
Summer Program: Climate Mitigation and Sustainability Research Assistant(s)
The Center for Global Sustainability (CGS) at the University of Maryland is seeking Research Assistants for the summer program, offering a paid, hourly position for up to 40 hours per week.
The program will run for the summer, with positions available for students with strong research, coordination, and communication skills. The research assistants will be involved in important projects at the intersection of climate policy, energy transition, climate finance, and sustainability.
CGS is committed to changing the way governments, organizations, and individuals approach ambitious climate action. With an established record of conducting innovative research and engaging in impactful policy work, CGS works toward transforming global systems for a sustainable future.
This summer program provides an excellent opportunity for early-career professionals and students to engage in cutting-edge research and contribute to global solutions on climate change.
Key Responsibilities:
The research assistants will work with CGS and its collaborators on a range of high-impact projects, including but not limited to the following areas:
- Climate and Energy Transition Strategies:
- Analyze low-carbon development strategies for key countries and regions, both near- and long-term.
- Contribute to the research on fossil transition pathways and identify strategies for accelerated change.
- Support research on decarbonization strategies in key sectors such as industry, transportation, and energy.
- Climate Change Mitigation:
- Study all-of-society strategies for climate mitigation in the U.S. and other nations, working on various national climate goals.
- Investigate co-benefits of climate mitigation, such as improvements in air quality, human health, and economic development.
- Contribute to research on methane reduction and other non-CO2 mitigation strategies at the national or subnational levels.
- Climate Finance and Risk Analysis:
- Support research on climate finance and its role in achieving ambitious climate goals.
- Contribute to developing scenarios for analyzing climate and transition risks to economies and financial systems.
- Work on projects related to land-use mitigation strategies, focusing on agriculture and other land-related activities.
- Specific Tasks and Contributions:
- Conduct background research on climate, energy, and sustainability policies in multiple countries.
- Collect, analyze, and visualize data to support research findings.
- Help write reports and research papers, assisting in articulating key findings and policy recommendations.
- Support research communications, creating data visualizations and content for CGS’s digital platforms.
Skills and Qualifications:
Required Skills:
- Knowledge of climate, energy, and sustainability issues, including policies, strategies, and global climate agreements.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly.
- Strong research and analytical skills, with experience in data collection and management.
- A dedicated attitude with the ability to learn quickly and contribute effectively to team discussions.
- Teamwork skills and the ability to collaborate across disciplines and departments.
Preferred Skills:
- Coding skills in R, Python, and/or STATA, enabling the analysis of complex data sets.
- Experience in geospatial analysis and/or econometric modeling.
- Ability to read, interpret, and analyze climate-related legislation and regulatory frameworks.
Compensation and Duration:
This is a paid, hourly position, offering up to 40 hours per week over the summer. The duration of the internship is flexible, but applicants must be available for the full summer term. The program will provide students with hands-on experience in climate research, policy analysis, and data visualization.
Application Process:
Interested candidates should apply by filling out the application form available on the University of Maryland’s website.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with a priority deadline of April 30, 2025. Successful applicants will be notified and offered positions based on their qualifications and experience.
About the Center for Global Sustainability:
The Center for Global Sustainability (CGS) at the University of Maryland was established in 2016 to support research and policy engagement in the areas of climate change, energy transition, and sustainability. The center’s goal is to foster ambitious climate action through its research, policy contributions, and partnerships with governments, organizations, and academic institutions globally. CGS is particularly focused on supporting nations like the U.S., China, India, Indonesia, and Brazil in creating national and subnational strategies for achieving climate goals.
The center is housed within the University of Maryland School of Public Policy, which offers interdisciplinary education and promotes collaboration between researchers and practitioners across all levels of government and industry. The school’s mission is to integrate practice with research and produce leaders equipped to solve global challenges.
Diversity and Inclusion Statement:
The University of Maryland is an equal opportunity employer that welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds. The university is committed to fostering an inclusive environment, and all qualified applicants will be considered regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, or other personal attributes. The Center for Global Sustainability is particularly committed to advancing justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in its work and through collaborative research efforts.
The University of Maryland, located in College Park, MD, is a world-class institution with strengths in climate, energy, and environmental policy, and is a leader in research with a focus on solutions to global challenges.
For more information and to apply, visit: Center for Global Sustainability.
This summer opportunity offers valuable experience in climate research, data analysis, and policy development, contributing to impactful work that shapes the future of global sustainability and climate action.
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