Policy Analyst, Nicholas Institute Energy, Environment & Sustainability

Policy Analyst, Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability

Location:

Durham, NC, US, 27710

Requisition Number: 266889

Regular or Temporary:
Regular

Date:
Feb 25, 2026

Duke University: Duke is one of America’s leading research universities, with more than 15,000 students and about 40,000 employees. It is located in Durham, North Carolina, and is the third largest private employer in North Carolina.

Overview: As the Policy Analyst, you’ll join the Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability (NIEES)—a university-wide institute that advances actionable, interdisciplinary research to inform climate solutions, environmental policy, and equitable energy transitions.

• Conduct policy, institutional, and political‑economy research on coal asset repurposing, just transition strategies, and energy transformation across diverse international contexts.
• Analyze policy and political‑economy issues related to critical mineral mining and processing in Global South countries.
• Review and synthesize academic literature, policy documents, regulatory frameworks, and techno‑economic analyses.
• Support development of reports, briefs, memos, and guidelines for policymakers, state‑owned enterprises, and international partners.
• Assist in designing step‑by‑step policy and planning frameworks for coal asset repurposing that integrate socio‑economic and community considerations.
• Support stakeholder engagement, including workshops, consultations, and convenings with policymakers, utilities, communities, and researchers.
• Prepare background materials, synthesis notes, and workshop summaries.
• Communicate research findings through written products, presentations, and internal briefings.

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, environmental studies, energy studies, economics, international development, or a related field.
• Preferred: 2–4 years of experience in research or policy/data analysis related to just energy transitions, including familiarity with Global South energy systems, state‑owned enterprises, or transition challenges.

• Knowledge of energy policy, climate policy, just transition models, or electricity sector governance.
• Strong research and analytical skills with the ability to translate complex information into clear, actionable insights.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills suited for academic, policy, and international audiences.
• Experience working in multidisciplinary or cross‑cultural research environments.
• Strong organizational and project‑management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced research environment.
• Experience engaging policymakers, utilities, civil society organizations, or international partners.
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed.

Anticipated Pay Range: USD $51,510.00 to USD $96,900.00. Salary considerations include scope and responsibilities, candidate experience, education, skills, internal equity, and market factors.

Your total compensation goes beyond the base salary. Duke provides comprehensive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family‑friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

Essential Physical

Job Functions:

Certain jobs at Duke University may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and accommodation requests will be provided by the hiring department.

Nearest Major Market: Durham

Nearest Secondary Market: Raleigh

Duke is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. All members of the community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Read more about Duke’s commitment to affirmative action and nondiscrimination e.edu/eeo.