Energy, Environment, and Sustainability Researchers

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

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:

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: $ $26.44 / hr
Sr. Research Specialist: $62, ,000 / yr
***

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

Research Assistant: $ $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  

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 ).

Rensselaer 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'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.

---