Post-doctoral Research Associate

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The Center for Urban Policy Research (CUPR) seeks a Postdoctoral Associate to support externally funded projects aimed at accelerating building and grid decarbonization for a sustainable energy transition. CUPR has multiple ongoing projects funded by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, the US Department of Energy, the US Environmental Protection Agency, the National Science Foundation, and others, including research design, fieldwork, data science, simulation modeling, writing, and presentations.

The overarching goal of the Postdoctoral Associate will be to systematically investigate, evaluate, and address both technical and non‑technical (political, behavioral, social) obstacles to building and grid decarbonization. The successful candidate will work with a team of approximately 20 researchers in the built environment group at CUPR and will contribute research skills and training at the intersection of engineering and public policy with knowledge and experience of buildings and energy systems.

Specific postdoc duties will depend on the successful candidate’s skills and interests as matched to project needs, with time allowance to pursue independent, discretionary work.

• Use advanced energy modeling to analyze energy efficiency, demand flexibility, and electrification measures in the building stock.
• Use advanced community scale energy models to analyze high performance buildings and geothermal energy systems.
• Assess technical and non‑technical barriers to the adoption of renewable energy technologies, including geothermal energy.
• Conduct analyses of existing codes, standards, and policies related to building decarbonization.
• Author peer‑reviewed publications and public reports on research findings.
• Maintain a database of research materials, datasets, and codebooks.
• Assist in developing proposals for external funding.

Recruitment/Posting

Title:

Post‑doctoral Research Associate

Department:
Urban Policy Research Center

Position Status:
Full Time

Posting Number: 24FA0954

Posting Close Date: 01/07/2026

A minimum of $61,085. The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university’s broader compensation structure.

We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.

• Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
• Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
• Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax‑deferred savings options
• Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
• Life insurance coverage
• Employee discount programs

Minimum

Education and Experience:

Candidates shall have completed all requirements for a PhD in building sciences, engineering, architecture, urban planning, energy economics, public informatics, or a related field prior to being hired.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Professional knowledge in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, civil engineering, architecture, urban planning, or related to building sciences and energy systems.
• Advanced experience with whole building energy modeling tools such as Energy Plus, Open Studio, or Design Builder and community scale building energy tools such as Urban Opt.
• Strong quantitative research skills, with the ability to leverage these methods for decarbonization strategies.
• Fluency in task automation, data…