Policy Analyst, Nicholas Institute Energy, Environment & Sustainability

What You’ll Do

• 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.

At Duke, you’re not just joining a world‑renowned university – you’re stepping into a community that turns ideas into impact. Here, your work doesn’t sit on a shelf. It informs real policy decisions, shapes global conversations on energy and climate, and contributes to solutions that matter for communities today and for generations to come.

The Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability is where collaboration thrives and bold thinking is encouraged. You’ll work alongside researchers, students, and partners from around the world who are passionate about building a more just, sustainable, and resilient future. Duke offers the resources of a top‑tier research institution, the support of a mission‑driven team, and the freedom to pursue innovative, interdisciplinary work that drives meaningful change.

If you’re looking for a place where purpose meets possibility – you’ll find it here.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Apply now and help us build a stronger, smarter, and more connected future.

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. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard.

All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Anticipated Pay Range: Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD…