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Sustainability Phd Position Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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$91K - $112K/yr

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Sustainability Phd Position information

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$57.5K

$103.7K

$154.5K

How much do sustainability phd position jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for sustainability phd position in the United States is $103,684.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,500.00 and $112,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a Sustainability PhD Position, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Sustainability PhD Position, you need a strong academic background in environmental science, engineering, or a related field, as well as proven research experience. Familiarity with statistical analysis software (such as R or SPSS), data modeling tools, and experience with peer-reviewed publication processes are typically required. Excellent critical thinking, project management, and communication skills help candidates excel in collaborative and interdisciplinary research environments. These skills are vital for advancing knowledge, addressing complex sustainability challenges, and effectively sharing research findings with academic and industry audiences.

What are some common research challenges faced by Sustainability PhD candidates, and how are they typically addressed within academic teams?

Sustainability PhD candidates often encounter challenges such as defining a clear, impactful research focus due to the interdisciplinary nature of the field, and accessing reliable data across environmental, social, and economic domains. These challenges are typically addressed by collaborating closely with advisors, interdisciplinary faculty, and research groups, who provide guidance on methodology, data sources, and theoretical frameworks. Regular team meetings and seminars foster idea exchange, while workshops and conferences offer opportunities to refine research questions and methodologies. This collaborative environment helps candidates navigate complex issues and produce rigorous, relevant research.

What are Sustainability PhD positions?

Sustainability PhD positions are advanced academic research roles that focus on studying and finding solutions for environmental, social, and economic challenges related to sustainability. These positions are typically offered by universities or research institutions and involve conducting original research, publishing findings, and sometimes teaching. Students in these positions work on interdisciplinary topics such as climate change, renewable energy, sustainable development, and resource management. The goal is to contribute new knowledge and innovations that help create a more sustainable future. Admission usually requires a relevant master's degree and a strong academic background.

What is the difference between Sustainability Phd Position vs Sustainability Analyst?

AspectSustainability Phd PositionSustainability Analyst
Required CredentialsPhD in Sustainability, Environmental Science, or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Environmental Science, Sustainability, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch-focused, academic or research institutionsCorporate, consulting firms, or NGOs
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research centers, government agenciesBusinesses, consulting firms, NGOs
Common Search & ComparisonAcademic research, advanced sustainability projectsPractical sustainability implementation, reporting

The Sustainability Phd Position is primarily research-oriented, requiring a doctoral degree and focusing on academic or scientific research. In contrast, a Sustainability Analyst typically holds a bachelor's or master's degree and works in practical, industry-focused roles such as data analysis, reporting, and strategy implementation. Both roles are vital in the sustainability field but serve different career paths and work environments.

More about Sustainability Phd Position jobs
What cities are hiring for Sustainability Phd Position jobs? Cities with the most Sustainability Phd Position job openings:
What states have the most Sustainability Phd Position jobs? States with the most job openings for Sustainability Phd Position jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Sustainability Phd Position jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Sustainability Phd Position jobs are:
Infographic showing various Sustainability Phd Position job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, and 30% Part Time. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $103,684 per year, or $49.8 per hour.
Energy, Environment, and Sustainability Researchers

Energy, Environment, and Sustainability Researchers

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)

Troy, NY

$80K - $138K/yr

Other

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

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Energy, Environment, and Sustainability Researchers

Apply now Job no: 495508
Work type: Full Time, Part Time, Seasonal or Temporary
Location: Troy, NY
Categories: Research: Energy, Environment, and Sustainability, Researchers and Research Support

Who we are

Why Rensselaer? Join Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's dynamic global community of changemaker including some of the world's leading researchers, students, alumni, and faculty who ask the important questions and devise the scientific and technological innovations that make the world a better place for all of humanity.

Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY, Rensselaer is home to five schools, 32 research centers, three makerspaces, an observatory, one of the world's fastest supercomputers, and IBM's Quantum System One - the first university-based quantum computer in the world. 

Over the past decade, the research portfolio at Rensselaer has been completely transformed. As a top-tier technological research university, Rensselaer has invested in strategic partnerships, talented researchers, and sophisticated research platforms to address the most pressing global challenges of the 21st century.

Today, the Rensselaer research enterprise comprises $104 million in annual research expenditures, supports a diverse range of research centers and platforms, and ensures the advancement of interdisciplinary research in six key areas:

  • Life Science & Biotechnology (Bioscience, Bio Manufacturing, Bioscience, Diagnosis)
  • Future Computing (Data / AI, High Performance Computing, Quantum, Bits/Neurons/Qubits)
  • Energy, Environment, and Sustainability (Energy Solutions, Built Environment, Freshwater, Sustainability)
  • Materials & Manufacturing (Mat. Discovery, Mat. Processing, Advanced Manufacturing, Robotics)
  • Micro-electronics (Mat. & Metrology, Hardware Co-design, Computational Microelectronics, Hetero-integration)
  • Fundamental Knowledge (AstroX, Origins, Cognitive & Social, Financial) 

The Office for Research collaborates with important external partners in the federal and state government, foundations and in industry to expand the impact our work and to support our world-class researchers as they improve lives, advance society, and change the world.

The mission of the Office for Research is to drive and support the Research Enterprise, increase Rensselaer impact and visibility, and communicate to the national and international community that Rensselaer researchers are defining the frontiers of discovery and innovation.

Rensselaer faculty and alumni include more than 145 National Academy members, six members of the National Inventors Hall of Fame, six National Medal of Technology winners, five National Medal of Science winners, # astronauts, and a Nobel Prize winner in Physics. With nearly 200 years of experience advancing scientific and technological knowledge, Rensselaer remains focused on addressing global challenges with a spirit of ingenuity and collaboration. To learn more, please visit www.rpi.edu.

Are you ready to change the world? Apply now!

Job Summary

Some of the areas that may be hiring researchers and research support positions in the Energy, Environment, and Sustainability area include:

  • https://research.rpi.edu/research-centers/institute-energy-built-environment-and-smart-systems-ebess
  • https://research.rpi.edu/research-centers/center-architecture-science-and-ecology-case
  • https://research.rpi.edu/research-centers/center-future-energy-systems-cfes
  • https://research.rpi.edu/research-centers/darrin-fresh-water-institute-dfwi
  • https://research.rpi.edu/research-centers/baruch-center-biochemical-solar-energy-research
  • https://research.rpi.edu/research-centers/center-flow-physics-and-control-cefpac
  • https://research.rpi.edu/research-centers/center-ultra-wide-area-resilient-electric-energy-transmission-networks-curent

Note: The availability of positions is dependent on the availability of sponsored funding. Not all areas will have all positions, and some areas may be fully staffed. 

Qualifications

  • Postdoctoral Research Associate -
    • Candidates must have finished all requirements for their PhD or foreign equivalent at the beginning of their appointment
  • Research Associate or (Sr.) Research Scientist - 
    • Opportunities exist for those with a relevant advanced degree, publication record, and/or significant additional years of paid professional experience in a related position. Individuals who possess these qualifications and who have the potential to, or a demonstrated track record of being able to build collaborative external partnerships are especially desirable
  • (Sr.) Research Specialist - 
    • Positions require a relevant bachelor's degree / foreign equivalent or higher
  • (Sr.) Research Engineer - 
  • Research Assistant -
    • candidates must possess an associate's degree / foreign equivalent or relevant combination of experience, education and training

Pay transparency data:

Pay transparency disclosure:  The actual salary/wage that is provided to selected candidates will be determined based on factors that include the available budget, internal equity, and the needs of the department, and the final candidate's qualifications, experience, education, and other job-related credentials. The following hiring ranges are provided as Rensselaer's good faith estimate of the expected hiring range at the time of posting.

Postdoctoral Research Associate: $62,354 - $65,000 / yr
Research Associate: $64,000 - $66,000 / yr
Research Scientist: $66,000 - $95,000 / yr
Sr. Research Scientist: $80,000 - $138,000 / yr
***

Research Specialist: $18.00 - $26.44 / hr
Sr. Research Specialist: $62,354 - 66,000 / yr
***

Research Engineer: $66,000 - $86,000 / yr
Sr. Research Engineer: $87,000 - $95,000 / yr
***

Research Assistant: $16.00 - $22.00 / hr

Application instructions

Follow the on-screen prompts to create an application. Please be ready to upload any required documents, such as your resume and cover letter

If you need assistance with the online application process, please contact careers@rpi.edu 

Job Posted Date

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Total Compensation and Benefits Information

Rensselaer's Total Compensation Program is designed to provide stable pay growth, a comprehensive and affordable benefits package, and a comprehensive and affordable retiree medical and prescription plan. Rensselaer is recognized locally and nationally for the depth and breadth of its compensation and benefits program. Our goal is to provide you and your family with a comprehensive health and welfare program as an umbrella of financial security and protection during your employment. For more information, please visit Benefits | Human Resources (rpi.edu).
 

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is committed to the cultivation of a community that is welcoming, inclusive, and above all values learning. We welcome candidates who bring a variety of perspectives to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's work and campus communities. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or other characteristic protected by law.

Advertised: 07 Jan 2026 Eastern Standard Time
Applications close:

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