Resources for the Future

Position Title/Short Description

Full Text of JOE Listing:

Organizational Profile

RFF’s mission is to improve environmental, energy, and natural resource decisions through impartial, evidence-based economic research and policy engagement. We are committed to being the most widely trusted source of research insights and policy solutions leading to a healthy environment and a thriving economy. We envision a future where climate change no longer threatens our well-being and where smart environmental decisions help to uplift communities around the world.  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.  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. Our people are the key to our success. We hope you will join us. 

Our work broadly centers on the economics and design of smart strategies to achieve overall net-zero emissions of greenhouse gases, and to confront climate change risks and build resilience. We also increasingly emphasize issues related to equity, economic transition, and disaggregated climate and policy impacts.  

Summary

Resources for the Future is seeking early career PhD-Level researchers in economics or a closely related field with a desire to make a lasting impact on environmental decisions and policy.  Successful candidates will have the opportunity to work with one of the world’s largest collections of experts in environmental and natural resource economics and an extensive range of partners in NGO, government, academic, and private sector institutions.   

Within these broad themes, RFF is particularly interested in adding expertise in policy design and modeling to accomplish overall net-zero emissions; increase adoption of innovative mitigation technologies (including carbon storage); and to encourage investment in low-carbon infrastructure. This includes actions at the federal, state and local level, as well as in the private sector.  

Exceptional candidates with expertise in other areas related to climate change will also be considered.  

RFF is committed to being a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community.  Achieving that goal is essential to achieving our mission—and it is simply the right thing to do, as described in RFF’s Vision for a Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Future.  We especially encourage candidates with diverse backgrounds and life experiences to apply. 

RFF offers a competitive salary and benefits and a stimulating work environment.  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.
 
Application Procedures

RFF invites applications from researchers who received their PhD degree within the past 5 years OR who will receive their PhD in economics or a closely related field by August 2023.  Expected start dates may vary from July 1 through September 2023.  
 

All applicants should use RFF’s on-line application process at www.rff.org/careers to be formally considered for a position.  We request the following items to be submitted, in addition to a completed application, by November 27, 2022:  

1) A letter detailing interest in the position. 

2) Current resume/curriculum vitae (CV); 

3) The applicant’s job market paper (1-2 other papers may be submitted as well).  

Applicants should also arrange for 3 letters of reference to be provided by November 27, 2022. Letters of reference should be emailed to fellowhiring@rff.org (please include candidate name in email subject line). Initial interviews will be scheduled during and around the January ASSA meetings in accordance with this year’s COVID and other job market guidelines. 
 
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
4 weeks PTO to start, increases to 5 weeks after 5 years, in addition to 13 paid sick days per year
Gym on site
Deli on site
Parking on site
RFF contributes up to 15% of your salary to a 403(b) retirement account, depending on employee age in addition to a 401(a)
Commuter benefit plans (pre-tax metro and parking
 

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 and 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.