Open-Rank Postdoctoral Research Scholar/Associate Research Scholar

Open-Rank Postdoctoral Research Scholar/Associate Research Scholar

The Sabin Center for Climate Change Law seeks to enhance and expand the Center’s work with U.S. cities on climate change mitigation, adaptation and equity issues. The incumbent will help advance the Cities Climate Law Initiative’s collaboration with the Smart Surfaces Coalition. The incumbent will play a pivotal role helping pilot new programs to introduce “Smart Surfaces” to enable cities to thrive despite climate threats; save billions of dollars; create jobs; decrease heat; reduce flood risk; slow global warming; and improve city livability, health, and equity.

In particular, working with the Sabin Center’s Executive Director, Cities Climate Law Initiative Senior
Fellow, and Coalition partners, the incumbent will:

• conduct independent research, literature reviews, and benchmarking studies on a wide variety of legal issues related to Smart Surfaces;
• work on a wide variety of research and writing projects concerning Smart Surfaces, including in partnership with local governments, other universities, and nongovernmental organizations;
• draft bill, rule, and other implementation language for Smart Surfaces projects and programs in participating cities and metro areas;
• manage relationships with the Smart Surfaces Coalition and other project partners and participate in joint projects and/or provide legal research in collaboration with these partners;
• help organize conferences, seminars, and collaborative publications;
• contribute to conceptualization, management, and implementation of an online database of Smart Surfaces–supportive laws; and
• assist with oversight of interns and research assistants.

This position is funded for three years.

You can learn more about the Cities Climate Law Initiative here.

Minimum Qualifications:

• J.D. or equivalent legal degree
• 2–5 years of professional legal experience with a government agency, NGO, law firm, corporation, or law school center
• Admission to the bar in at least one U.S. state
• Strong academic qualifications and a demonstrated interest in climate change, cities, and municipal, environmental, or energy law and policy will be expected, as will be a commitment to climate justice and equity

To apply for this position, please visit:
http://apply.interfolio.com/123629

Hiring Salary Range: $75,000–$85,000

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not
limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training.
The above hiring range represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of
possible compensation at the time of posting.

Columbia University is an equal opportunity employer / disability / veteran.