Postdoctoral Scholar - Energy Innovation Fellow

Energy Innovation Fellow at Northwestern University

Job Summary:

The Energy Innovation Fellow will work under the supervision of Professor Hari Osofsky to support the launch and growth of the Northwestern University Energy Innovation Lab. The Lab brings together leading academics across disciplines with bipartisan business, government, and NGO leaders to advance needed energy innovation. Its initial projects focus on rapidly emerging issues at the intersection of energy and AI, including (1) data center optimization, (2) investment in data centers and across the energy system, (3) geopolitics (US, China, EU, and other key countries), and (4) the interface of energy and AI with the private space industry. The fellow will contribute to collaborative and independent research, develop constructive policy and legal solutions, and help advance partnerships, programming, and public dialogue. This one-year renewable fellowship is designed to prepare candidates for careers in legal academia, energy law, or policy leadership.

Please direct all inquiries to hariosofsky@law.northwestern.edu

Specific Responsibilities:

• Conduct interdisciplinary legal research and analysis on issues related to energy law, AI, data centers, space, and emerging technologies.
• Collaborate with Professor Osofsky and other researchers on joint projects, publications, and Lab initiatives.
• Develop and pursue independent research projects suitable for publication and presentation.
• Contribute to the design and execution of Lab workshops, conferences, and public programming.
• Build and engage with networks of academics, policymakers, business leaders, and NGOs in energy and technology fields.
• Draft policy proposals, reports, and other written materials to support constructive solutions.
• Present research findings at academic seminars, conferences, and Lab-sponsored events.
• Support communications and outreach that foster broader engagement with the Lab's work.
• Assist with the strategic development and administration of Lab activities and partnerships.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Law degree (e.g., JD, LLM, LLB, JSD, PhD, MSL, etc) with coursework or training in U.S. energy law.
• Strong legal research, analytical, and writing skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, take initiative, and manage multiple projects.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate effectively on interdisciplinary teams

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior research, professional, or academic experience in energy law and policy.
• Demonstrated interest in energy, AI, data centers, space, or emerging technologies.
• Career interest in legal academia; energy, AI, or space law; or law or policy leadership.

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.