Research Fellow

Organizational Profile

RFF’s mission is to improve environmental, energy, and natural resource decisions through impartial economic research and policy engagement. RFF’s widely trusted research insights and policy solutions advance a healthy environment and thriving economy, equitably supporting people and communities, and helping solve the climate crisis.

Our work centers on the design of smart strategies to achieve net-zero emissions of greenhouse gases and enhance resilience to climate change risks. We also emphasize issues related to equity, adaptation to structural transitions arising from decarbonization, and climate and policy impacts at the community level. Our experts bring the brightest thinking to bear on our future, while having shaped many of the world’s most successful environmental decisions and policies over the past 70 years.

Summary

Resources for the Future is seeking early career, PhD-Level researchers in economics or a related field who have a strong desire to engage with policy audiences and make a lasting impact on environmental decisions. Successful RFF Fellows conduct high-quality, publishable research; develop and lead new research projects; and actively participate in communication of research results and other forms of policy engagement.

We seek candidates with expertise in climate policies related to emission reductions and carbon dioxide removal, innovation and climate technology adoption, emissions accounting, climate finance, and climate risks and resilience, as well as candidates with expertise in environmental issues related to the industrial, fuels, electricity, forestry, and agricultural sectors.

This role is located in Washington, DC with opportunities for remote work arrangements

Visit our FAQ page to find out what it’s like to work at a world-class, policy-oriented research organization in the heart of Washington, DC.

Responsibilities

• Conceive and manage research projects and produce original research suitable for publication in peer reviewed literature, policy publications, and RFF publications.
• Provide analysis of policy issues and engage with decision makers and stakeholders.
• Participate in public-facing events and write briefs, blogs, and short articles for non-academic audiences.
• Contribute to fundraising efforts that reach government, foundation, corporate, individual, and other donors
• Participate in RFF institutional activities, including team meetings, staff presentations, and presentations to members of the RFF Board and President’s Council

Qualifications

• A PhD in economics or a closely related field within the past 5 years or on track to receive a PhD by August 2025.
• We also welcome applications from candidates with other types of graduate degree (e.g., MA, JD, or PhDs less-closely related to economics) and who have 5-10 years of post-degree professional experience in climate policy research and engagement.
• Outstanding oral and written communications skills.
• Willingness to participate in public-facing events, write for non-academic policy audiences, and engage in fundraising activities.

Application Procedures

All applicants should use RFF’s on-line application process at www.rff.org/careers to be formally considered for a position.

Full and best consideration will be given to applications completed by November 1, 2024. Applications received until November 21 will still be reviewed. 

The following items should be submitted, in addition to a completed online application: 1) A letter detailing interest in the position; 2) Current resume/curriculum vitae (CV); 3)The applicant’s job market paper or most representative research product (1-2 other papers may be submitted as well). Applicants should also arrange for 3 letters of reference to be provided by November15, 2024. Letters of reference should be emailed to fellowhiring@rff.org (Please include candidate name in email subject line). Initial interviews will be scheduled after December 1 (but not during the January ASSA meetings), in accordance with this year’s job market guidelines.

The expected start date is no later than September 2025.

Should you experience any difficulty in applying online or have other questions, please email fellowhiring@rff.org.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision through Cigna
• 35 hour work week
• Flexible summer hours (4 day work week June-Sept)
• Flexible work arrangement policy (hybrid work)
• 11 paid holidays
• Office closed the week between Christmas and New Years Day
• 4 weeks PTO to start, increases to 5 weeks after 5 years, in addition to 15 paid sick days per year
• State of the Art Fitness Facility on site and free for all employees with regular group classes
• Deli on site
• Parking on site
• RFF contributes up to 15% of your salary to a 401(a) retirement account, depending on employee age in addition to a 403(b)
• Commuter benefit plans (pre-tax metro and parking

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, some standing, walking, sitting, bending, and carrying of light items such as books and papers is required.
 

Working Conditions

The work may involve everyday light risks and discomforts, which may require normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices, meetings, and training rooms, etc. The work area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This position description may not describe all duties, responsibilities and skills associated with this position. It is intended to portray the major aspects of the job and is not meant to be all inclusive. Other duties or skills may be required.
 

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

RFF (Resources for the Future) is committed to the letter and spirit of diversity, equity, and inclusion. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or national and ethnic origin in hiring and employment, nor in the administration or other programs.  RFF’s Vision for a Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Future. 

RFF has made the safety of our staff and community a top priority. As a part of that commitment, all staff and visitors are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, as defined by the CDC. RFF will require all staff and visitors to submit proof of complete vaccination against COVID-19 to work in our office.   

Visit our FAQ page to find out what it’s like to work at a world-class, policy-oriented research organization in the heart of Washington, DC.