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Postdoc Urban Climate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Post Doctoral Associate

New Brunswick, NJ · On-site

$50K - $68K/yr

... Postdoctoral Associate to conduct research on applied climatology. The this position will work ... processes, urban heat and health, or agricultural impacts. This position offers the candidate ...

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Postdoc Urban Climate information

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$13

$21

$62

How much do postdoc urban climate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for postdoc urban climate in the United States is $21.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Postdoc Urban Climate vs Postdoc Environmental Science?

AspectPostdoc Urban ClimatePostdoc Environmental Science
Required CredentialsPhD in Climate Science, Urban Planning, or related fieldsPhD in Environmental Science, Ecology, or related fields
Work EnvironmentResearch institutions, universities, urban planning agenciesResearch labs, universities, environmental organizations
Employer & Industry UsageUrban climate research, city planning, climate adaptation projectsEnvironmental research, conservation, policy analysis

Postdoc Urban Climate focuses on studying climate patterns, urban heat islands, and climate adaptation strategies within city environments. In contrast, Postdoc Environmental Science covers broader environmental issues, including ecosystems, pollution, and conservation. Both roles require advanced research skills and PhDs, but they differ in their specific focus areas and work settings. Understanding these distinctions helps candidates align their expertise with the right research opportunities.

What are some typical challenges faced by Postdocs specializing in Urban Climate research?

Postdocs in Urban Climate often navigate challenges such as integrating complex datasets from diverse sources, balancing independent research with collaborative projects, and securing funding for their work. The role frequently requires adaptability when working with interdisciplinary teams, including urban planners, meteorologists, and policymakers. Additionally, translating scientific findings into actionable recommendations for urban stakeholders can be both rewarding and demanding, requiring strong communication skills and an ability to bridge science and practice.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Postdoc in Urban Climate, and why are they important?

A Postdoc in Urban Climate typically requires a PhD in atmospheric sciences, environmental engineering, or a related field, with strong expertise in climate modeling and data analysis. Familiarity with technical tools such as GIS software, climate simulation models (e.g., WRF), and programming languages like Python or R is essential. Outstanding analytical thinking, scientific communication, and collaboration skills help distinguish top candidates. These competencies enable effective research, data-driven insights, and impactful contributions to understanding and addressing urban climate challenges.

What are Postdoc Urban Climate positions?

Postdoc Urban Climate positions are research-focused roles for individuals who have recently completed their doctoral studies and are specializing in the study of urban climates. These positions typically involve conducting advanced research on how urbanization affects local weather, microclimates, air quality, and sustainability. Postdocs in this field may analyze data, develop models, and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to address challenges like urban heat islands and climate adaptation in cities. The goal is to advance scientific understanding and inform policy or urban planning decisions related to climate resilience.
Infographic showing various Postdoc Urban Climate job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,777 per year, or $21 per hour.
Postdoctoral Research Fellow: Sustainable Buildings and Urban Development in the Era of Climate C...

Postdoctoral Research Fellow: Sustainable Buildings and Urban Development in the Era of Climate C...

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA • On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Harvard University rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

131st of 535 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position
Details
Title
Postdoctoral Research Fellow: Sustainable Buildings and Urban Development in the Era of Climate Change
School
Harvard Graduate School of Design
Department/Area
Center for Green Buildings and Cities
Position Description
Harvard University is launching the Sustainable Buildings and Urban Future Cluster-a bold, interdisciplinary research initiative designed to address the climate crisis through transformative innovation in the built environment. This pioneering effort brings together Harvard scholars and practitioners across chemistry, materials science, fluid mechanics, AI, computer science, architecture, and engineering to develop scalable, data-informed solutions in sustainable design, construction, and energy management.
The Cluster aims to modernize-and ultimately revolutionize-energy management by building on and scaling the HouseZero® concept-Harvard's prototype for ultra-efficient, naturally ventilated smart buildings-into interconnected communities. This unique initiative integrates three synergistic research thrusts:
  1. Advanced thermal storage and sensing materials
  2. Intelligent, building-scale integration of sensing and control systems
  3. Cooperative, urban-scale energy management

Together, these research directions seek to reimagine how buildings and cities operate-optimizing energy use, enhancing human well-being, and reducing carbon emissions at scale.
We are seeking multiple Postdoctoral Researchers to join this collaborative effort. These three-year positions, starting September 1, 2025, are hosted by the Harvard Center for Green Buildings and Cities and funded by the Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability. While the project is scheduled to launch in September, hiring may occur earlier, and selected candidates may have the opportunity to begin their appointments ahead of the official start date. Each postdoctoral researcher will work with one or more principal investigators (PIs) aligned with their domain expertise, while contributing to a highly integrated, interdisciplinary research team.
Key research areas include:
  • Development of low-carbon materials and tunable thermal energy storage materials integrated with smart sensors and advanced algorithms
  • Creation of Digital Twins for energy-efficient building and urban operation
  • Exploration of novel Human-Building Interaction interfaces
  • Design of cooperative energy-sharing systems across multiple buildings
  • Integration of data-driven and physics-informed learning algorithms for scalable energy management and control
  • Engagement with industry stakeholders to guide practical implementation and scale-up strategies

Ideal candidates will have expertise in one or more of the following areas:
  • Sustainable building systems or materials science
  • Power system modeling, control systems, or HVAC alternatives
  • IoT and sensor networks in the built environment
  • AI or data-driven modeling and control for building and urban systems
  • Human-centered or interaction design for smart systems

Postdoctoral researchers will collaborate closely with faculty from the Graduate School of Design, the John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, and the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, as well as with industry experts. experts from industry. This is a rare opportunity to contribute to a high-impact, interdisciplinary initiative at the forefront of climate innovation.
Leading faculty:
  • Joanna Aizenberg, Amy Smith Berylson Professor of Materials Science
  • Petros Koumoutsakos, Herbert S. Winokur Jr. Professor of Computing in Science and Engineering
  • Na Li, Winokur Family Professor in Electrical Engineering and Applied Mathematics
  • Le Xie, Gordon McKay Professor of Electrical Engineering
  • Ali Malkawi, Professor of Architectural Technology
  • Jarad Mason, Associate Professor of Chemistry & Chemical Biology
  • Vijay Janapa Reddi, John L. Loeb Associate Professor in Electrical Engineering

To apply, please submit a CV, a cover letter, a research statement, two example research papers, and the names of three references. In the cover letter, please list at least two co-PIs from the above list you would like to work with. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Final hiring decisions will be contingent on availability of funding.
Join us in redefining how we live, build, and share energy in a changing world.
Basic Qualifications
The positions are intended for individuals who hold a Ph.D. or Doctorate Degree in a related area.
Additional Qualifications
Special Instructions
If visa sponsorship is needed, Harvard retains the discretion to determine which visa status is appropriate and whether a visa sponsorship application will ultimately be submitted, including payment of any applicable fees.
Contact Information
Bob Marino
Contact Email
rmarino@gsd.harvard.edu
Salary Range
$65,000 - $75,000
Minimum Number of References Required
3
Maximum Number of References Allowed
3
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