What are the responsibilities and job description for the Summer Research Assistant position at University of Notre Dame?
Summer Research Assistant
University of Notre Dame
University of Notre Dame
The University of Notre Dame (ND.jobs) is accepting applications for a Summer Research Assistant.
Applications will be accepted until 02/04/2025.
Researcher will support literature review and survey/interview research for the project "Worker and Host Community Experience of Fossil Plant Closure Announcements (United States)" under Professor Emily Grubert in the Keough School's Pulte Institute. Primary tasks will be literature review work; support for IRB processes; support for survey distribution; survey data analysis (mixed quantitative/qualitative); possible interview data analysis (qualitative). Ability to continue work in the fall semester is preferred. Starting work in the spring semester is possible. Summer commitment of 20-40 hours/week. Position can be in-person, hybrid, or remote; travel possible but not required.
The project being supported is described below:
Objective: to evaluate the impact of announced closures for US fossil-fired power plants on community planning and transition expectations and outcomes
The project being supported is described below:
Objective: to evaluate the impact of announced closures for US fossil-fired power plants on community planning and transition expectations and outcomes
Background
Decarbonizing the US energy sector effectively requires retiring or radically retooling fossil fuel-based infrastructure that supports about 80% of marketed energy, including hundreds of fossil fuel-fired power plants. US fossil fuel-fired power plants (mostly burning coal or natural gas, with some petroleum-derived fuels) are relatively old, such that a 2035 deadline for full power sector decarbonization would only strand about 15% of capacity-years (active as of 2018) relative to typical lifespans (Grubert 2020). Just transition scholarship across sectors suggests that planning ahead for closures can promote less disruptive outcomes (Haggerty et al. 2018), yet US policy and funding focuses primarily on plants that have already closed - when impacts on labor, tax revenue, and other locally relevant outcomes have already occurred. Policies specifying closure deadlines to facilitate smoother transition have seen uptake internationally (e.g., Germany) and at the subnational level in the US (e.g., Illinois), but are not widespread in the US.
Approach
This project aims to characterize and evaluate how, and the degree to which, announced closure deadlines at fossil fuel-fired power plants in the US affects local planning and transition outcomes. The study will use interviews, surveys, and analysis of relevant datasets (e.g., EIA information; state policy records; local news) in at least three fossil-fired power plant host communities to ask: what expectations do or did residents and workers have for the longevity of the plant? What do or did they expect the closure process to look like? What suggestions do they have for improved transition? Host communities will be chosen to include at least one plant that closed on short notice (likely <1 year advance notice); at least one plant with an announced closure deadline at least 5 years away; and at least one plant with no specified closure date, but subject to an implied closure deadline at least 5 years away (e.g., through a legal requirement that the electricity sector reach zero emissions or similar). The specific plants will be chosen at the time of study initiation to ensure the most up-to-date information is available, and will likely include both coal and natural-gas fired power plants. This work builds on prior efforts to understand the social impacts of uncertainty related to energy infrastructure decisions (Grubert and Skinner 2017). In addition to this comparative case study, data from the project will potentially facilitate an unusual longitudinal analysis of host community experiences for sites where the plant has not yet closed.
Minimum Qualifications:
current Notre Dame masters or PhD student; graduation date no earlier than Fall 2025
Preferred Qualifications:
experience with survey and/or interview research; familiarity with human subjects research; CITI qualifications
ABOUT NOTRE DAME:
The University of Notre Dame, founded in 1842 by Rev. Edward F. Sorin, C.S.C., of the Congregation of Holy Cross, is an independent, national Catholic university located in Notre Dame, Ind. For the fifth consecutive year, the University of Notre Dame has received Honor Roll distinctions as one of the top 10 higher education workplaces in the country in the Chronicle of Higher Education's annual "Great Colleges to Work For" survey...and we are proud of it!
This appointment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Applicants will be asked to identify all felony convictions and/or pending felony charges. Felony convictions do not automatically bar an individual from employment. Each case will be examined separately to determine the appropriateness of employment in the particular position. Failure to be forthcoming or dishonesty with respect to felony disclosures can result in the disqualification of a candidate. The full procedure can be viewed at https://facultyhandbook.nd.edu/?id=link-73597.
Equal Opportunity Employment StatementThe University of Notre Dame seeks to attract, develop, and retain the highest quality faculty, staff and administration. The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and is committed to building a culturally diverse workplace. We strongly encourage applications from female and minority candidates and those candidates attracted to a university with a Catholic identity. Moreover, Notre Dame prohibits discrimination against veterans or disabled qualified individuals, and requires affirmative action by covered contractors to employ and advance veterans and qualified individuals with disabilities in compliance with 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-300.5(a).
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Please apply online at http://ND.jobs to Job # S251820. For additional information about working at the University of Notre Dame and various benefits available to employees, please visit http://hr.nd.edu/why-nd. The University of Notre Dame supports the needs of dual career couples and has a Dual Career Assistance Program in place to assist relocating spouses and significant others with their job search.
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