What are the responsibilities and job description for the Post-doctoral Research Associate - Corporate Decarbonization position at Inside Higher Ed?
Department
UNC Inst for the Environment - 635200
Posting Open Date
04/14/2026
Open Until Filled
Yes
Position Type
Postdoctoral Scholar
Position Title
Post-doctoral Research Associate - Corporate Decarbonization
Vacancy ID
PDS004830
Full-time/Part-time
Full-Time Temporary
Hours Per Week
40
Fte
1
Work Location:
Chapel Hill, NC
Position Location:
North Carolina, US
Hiring Range
$65,000 - $72,000 annually
Proposed Start Date
06/01/2026
Estimated Duration Of Appointment
12 Months
Be a Tar Heel!:
A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities and is among is the top ten research universities in the nation for federal research expenditures as well as for federally funded social and behavioral sciences research and development.Here at Carolina, our highly skilled postdocs play a vital role in our research enterprise and towards our overall commitment to research excellence. Across many disciplines, postdocs contribute to the intellectual vitality of the University. They provide innovative ideas and perspectives, foster a stimulating research environment and advance knowledge within their fields. Postdocs are crucial members of our scientific research workforce, contributors to our research outputs and an important reason why Carolina is one of the leading public research institutions in the country.UNC-Chapel Hill offers postdocs comprehensive medical and vision coverage, paid leave, and benefits and services that support professional development and a healthy work/life balance. Chapel Hill regularly ranks as one of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, a reputation guided by the diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.
Primary Purpose Of Organizational Unit
The UNC Institute for the Environment (IE) has a multifaceted mission: (1) To strengthen environmental research capacity across UNC by supporting a multi-disciplinary community of scholars that enhances collaboration, increases sharing of knowledge, and identifies solutions to the world’s critical environmental problems. (2) To work in partnership across UNC and with external partners to coordinate and deliver 21st century educational programs that provide students with the experience and skills to thrive in a growing global economy. (3) To put new environmental knowledge into action by engaging and serving communities, here in North Carolina and around the world. (4) To fuel and harness the university’s sustainability activities through the Sustainable Carolina Initiative
Position Summary
This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement that may include a partially remote work location, consistent with System Office policy. UNC Chapel Hill employees are generally required to reside within a reasonable commuting distance of their assigned duty station.
The Data-Driven EnviroLab (DDL) is an interdisciplinary and international research initiative based at UNC’s IE that is redefining how data is used to tackle the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. Analyzing the global environment at multiple geographical and jurisdictional levels – from cities, countries, and regions to local communities and corporations – we turn complex, large-scale, and often messy datasets into actionable insights that shape policy, drive accountability, and create real-world impact. We operate with a commitment to evidence-based, equitable solutions, building connections across disciplines, sectors, and geographies while giving special attention to underrepresented communities and data-scarce regions in the Global South. DDL was founded and is led by Associate Professor Angel Hsu.
The DDL is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate – Corporate Decarbonization to contribute to our work on corporate decarbonization. This position is designed for a scholar with an emerging research agenda on corporate climate action, decarbonization strategies, and the role of businesses in advancing the net-zero transition. We are especially interested in candidates who are excited to work with leading companies and use real-world collaboration to refine, stress-test, and strengthen research.
The successful candidate will investigate how corporations contribute to decarbonization both within their own operations and across the broader systems in which they operate, including examining how companies shape climate outcomes through governance, procurement, investment, innovation, engagement with policymakers, etc. As a researcher in the DDL, the candidate will work closely with the lab PI, team members and external collaborators. We are seeking someone who can demonstrate collaboration, strong/proactive communication, and project management skills. This position is also well suited for a scholar who wants to combine academic rigor with practical engagement with real-world decisionmakers
The position is initially for 1 year with the possibility of extension pending funding and performance.
Minimum Education And Experience Requirements
PhD in Environmental Studies/Policy, Organizational Studies, Management, Business, Political science, Sociology, Economics, or related disciplines, especially in the social sciences.
Required Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience
For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services click here
UNC Inst for the Environment - 635200
Posting Open Date
04/14/2026
Open Until Filled
Yes
Position Type
Postdoctoral Scholar
Position Title
Post-doctoral Research Associate - Corporate Decarbonization
Vacancy ID
PDS004830
Full-time/Part-time
Full-Time Temporary
Hours Per Week
40
Fte
1
Work Location:
Chapel Hill, NC
Position Location:
North Carolina, US
Hiring Range
$65,000 - $72,000 annually
Proposed Start Date
06/01/2026
Estimated Duration Of Appointment
12 Months
Be a Tar Heel!:
A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities and is among is the top ten research universities in the nation for federal research expenditures as well as for federally funded social and behavioral sciences research and development.Here at Carolina, our highly skilled postdocs play a vital role in our research enterprise and towards our overall commitment to research excellence. Across many disciplines, postdocs contribute to the intellectual vitality of the University. They provide innovative ideas and perspectives, foster a stimulating research environment and advance knowledge within their fields. Postdocs are crucial members of our scientific research workforce, contributors to our research outputs and an important reason why Carolina is one of the leading public research institutions in the country.UNC-Chapel Hill offers postdocs comprehensive medical and vision coverage, paid leave, and benefits and services that support professional development and a healthy work/life balance. Chapel Hill regularly ranks as one of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, a reputation guided by the diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.
Primary Purpose Of Organizational Unit
The UNC Institute for the Environment (IE) has a multifaceted mission: (1) To strengthen environmental research capacity across UNC by supporting a multi-disciplinary community of scholars that enhances collaboration, increases sharing of knowledge, and identifies solutions to the world’s critical environmental problems. (2) To work in partnership across UNC and with external partners to coordinate and deliver 21st century educational programs that provide students with the experience and skills to thrive in a growing global economy. (3) To put new environmental knowledge into action by engaging and serving communities, here in North Carolina and around the world. (4) To fuel and harness the university’s sustainability activities through the Sustainable Carolina Initiative
Position Summary
This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement that may include a partially remote work location, consistent with System Office policy. UNC Chapel Hill employees are generally required to reside within a reasonable commuting distance of their assigned duty station.
The Data-Driven EnviroLab (DDL) is an interdisciplinary and international research initiative based at UNC’s IE that is redefining how data is used to tackle the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. Analyzing the global environment at multiple geographical and jurisdictional levels – from cities, countries, and regions to local communities and corporations – we turn complex, large-scale, and often messy datasets into actionable insights that shape policy, drive accountability, and create real-world impact. We operate with a commitment to evidence-based, equitable solutions, building connections across disciplines, sectors, and geographies while giving special attention to underrepresented communities and data-scarce regions in the Global South. DDL was founded and is led by Associate Professor Angel Hsu.
The DDL is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate – Corporate Decarbonization to contribute to our work on corporate decarbonization. This position is designed for a scholar with an emerging research agenda on corporate climate action, decarbonization strategies, and the role of businesses in advancing the net-zero transition. We are especially interested in candidates who are excited to work with leading companies and use real-world collaboration to refine, stress-test, and strengthen research.
The successful candidate will investigate how corporations contribute to decarbonization both within their own operations and across the broader systems in which they operate, including examining how companies shape climate outcomes through governance, procurement, investment, innovation, engagement with policymakers, etc. As a researcher in the DDL, the candidate will work closely with the lab PI, team members and external collaborators. We are seeking someone who can demonstrate collaboration, strong/proactive communication, and project management skills. This position is also well suited for a scholar who wants to combine academic rigor with practical engagement with real-world decisionmakers
The position is initially for 1 year with the possibility of extension pending funding and performance.
Minimum Education And Experience Requirements
PhD in Environmental Studies/Policy, Organizational Studies, Management, Business, Political science, Sociology, Economics, or related disciplines, especially in the social sciences.
Required Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience
- PhD in Environmental Studies/Policy, Organizational Studies, Management, Business, Political science, Sociology, Economics, or related disciplines, or a closely related field.
- Experience in conducting research on corporate sustainability.
- Experience and familiarity with existing environmental and/or climate governance frameworks and evaluation criteria.
- Able to think critically, proactively and work both independently and in an interdisciplinary team environment.
- Background in corporate climate action, CSR, ESG reporting, carbon accounting, or net-zero emissions planning.
- Excellent organization and time management skills.
For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services click here
Salary : $65,000 - $72,000