Project: Transitioning through Uncertainty—Sociopolitical Feedbacks from Clean Energy Manufacturing Investments
University of Pennsylvania, Department of Political Science | Philadelphia, PA
Program Overview
The Penn Environmental Politics Lab seeks a pre-doctoral research fellow to support a two-year research project, beginning in July 2026. The program provides an exceptional young scholar with an opportunity to work with leading faculty on a multi-method research project, invest in their research skills, take classes at Penn, and engage with the social science research community at Penn.
The fellow will be based at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia and will work primarily with PI Parrish Bergquist, with regular engagement with the full research team at Stanford University, University of Michigan, and Northwestern University. The predoctoral fellow will receive ongoing mentorship from the faculty research team, including advice and support on PhD applications. We expect individuals to work in this role for 1-2 years before starting PhD studies in the social sciences.
About the Research
The US energy transition is unfolding against a backdrop of dramatic policy reversals, investment uncertainty, and deep political division. Our study, funded by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, examines how firms, workers, and communities respond to clean energy industrial policy in the current moment of flux. The research team—PI Parrish Bergquist (University of Pennsylvania), and Co-Investigators Sara Constantino (Stanford University), Michael Shepherd (University of Michigan), and Elizabeth Thom (Northwestern University)—is conducting a multi-method study that will include a process-tracing analysis of federal clean energy policymaking, analysis of how clean energy manufacturing firms mobilize politically in response to policy uncertainty, an original longitudinal panel survey of clean energy manufacturing workers, and qualitative case studies of six communities hosting clean energy manufacturing facilities.
How to Apply
Applicants must have recently completed a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in political science, economics, public policy, sociology, environmental studies, urban planning, public health, or a related field. The program provides hands-on research experience to early career researchers and a pathway for students to make the transition to competitive PhD programs. As such we particularly welcome applicants who are seriously considering doctoral programs in political science, economics, public policy, urban planning, environmental studies, or related social scientific fields; who are committed to rigorous social science research; and who have demonstrated interest in American politics, energy and climate, labor, industrial policy, or related areas.
Interested applicants should send the following materials to PI Parrish Bergquist via email (pberg@upenn.edu).
- CV or resume
- Transcript(s)
- Writing sample
- A letter outlining the applicant’s research interests and fit with the goals of the fellowship. The letter should (A) outline prior experience that has led you to be interested in social science research; (B) describe relevant research experience and skills; (C) explain your research interests; and (D) explain how your goals overlap with our research and the goals of this fellowship. Letters should not exceed three single-spaced pages.
- Contact information for two academic or professional references
Compensation and Benefits
This is a fully funded fellowship. Fellows will receive:
- Stipend commensurate with University of Pennsylvania graduate student salaries, currently set at $44,000/year
- Full health insurance, equivalent to Penn’s student health insurance plan
- Course enrollment: Tuition for one course per semester at Penn
This position is supported by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation under Grant No. G-2026-79331.
