Research Scientist

Position: Research Scientist 1
REQUIRED:

PhD in Geological Engineering or Geoscience or a related field and two years of experience in a research environment, preferably in data analysis; and knowledgeable in areas of petroleum engineering, disinformation tracking, and site analysis.

This is a one-year position with a possibility of extension.

6/22/2026

RESEARCH SCIENTIST 1, Civil and Environmental Engineering, will critically analyze the role of industrial carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) in reducing greenhouse gas emissions; and interact with other researchers at MIT on diverse issues related to climate change, energy systems and the carbon cycle. The research will address questions including:
Why have integrated assessment models consistently over-predicted the growth of CCS? Can CCS subsidies increase emissions? What does evidence suggest about the true costs and energy requirements of CCS? What industries might be amenable to application of CCS? How has industry funding affected academic promotion of CCS? What are safety risks of CCS? What are effects of CCS on air and water quality?

and how is the relation of CCS site location to demographics? The research scientist will also collaborate in other projects related to climate change, energy systems, and the carbon cycle; conduct in-depth research and analysis to assess the local and global impacts of CCS on communities, including the advocacy mechanisms that influence CCS policy funding and development; compile, curate, and manage relevant datasets to support comprehensive research and analysis efforts;

develop, document, and publish shareable computer code on platforms such as Git Hub to facilitate analyses and enhance reproducibility; prepare and disseminate research findings through peer-reviewed publications and other appropriate channels, including opinion pieces and policy briefs; and collaborate with colleagues and external partners to support and advance related research initiatives.