Postdoctoral Research Scholar: Accelerating Asia's Decarbonization Trade and Investment

Postdoctoral Research Scholar:
Accelerating Asia's Decarbonization Through Trade and Investment Policies

Position title:

Postdoctoral Scholar Employee
Salary range: $69,073 - $79,881

Application Window
Open date:
October 15, 2025
Most recent review date:
Wednesday, Dec 17, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Final date:
Thursday, Oct 15, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

The Power Transformation Lab at the University of California San Diego is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Scholar to contribute to a two-year project focused on helping Southeast and South Asian countries balance trade and investment with their decarbonization goals. The successful candidate will work with a team of researchers from the UCSD School of Global Policy and Strategy and Griffith University, and with numerous civil society organizations in the region.

Research Focus

• Data collection and modeling of trade, Chinese and non-Chinese investments, and localization policies in target geographies, including Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India.
• Collecting and analyzing existing clean energy trade and localization policies in Southeast and South Asia.
• Exploring the evolution of Chinese investments and alternative investment flows in shifting global value chains (GVCs) and export opportunities.
• Evaluating and preparing case studies where localization policies have successfully advanced or hindered decarbonization efforts.
• Proposing policy and investment strategies that balance localization objectives with decarbonization goals.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application):

• Candidates must either have a Ph.D. (or equivalent) or be ABD in economics, political science, public policy, or a related field.

Additional qualifications (required at start):

• Applicants are required to hold a Ph.D. or have received a Ph.D. degree by the start of the appointment.

Preferred qualifications:

• Background in trade policy and energy economics.

• Prior expertise or knowledge in the regional foci (South Asia, Southeast Asia, China).

Application Requirements

• Curriculum Vitae – Your most recently updated CV.
• Cover Letter.
• Statement of Research.
• Job Market Paper (Optional).
• References—a minimum of 3, maximum of 5 (contact information only).

Apply link: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./JPF
04380

Help contact: gps-ap

Job location:

San Diego, CA

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

As a university employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.