Energy Policy Professor

Energy Policy Professor

Institute for Energy and the Environment (IEE)

Contract, tenure-track

Full-time, Exempt

Residential Faculty

Benefits-Eligible

Salary: $90,000-$119,000

Vermont Law and Graduate School is committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness. We grow and learn better together with a diverse group of faculty, staff, and students. In recruiting for faculty and staff, we seek unique backgrounds to enrich and challenge our community.

About the Institute for Energy and the Environment:

Through its Institute for Energy and Environment, VLGS leads the nation in equipping students for the clean energy transition. Our energy law and policy program offers the country’s largest selection of clean energy courses, esteemed experiential learning opportunities in renewable energy, new clean transportation classes and research options, and seamless integration with a world-class environmental law and policy program.

The IEE is a renowned resource – nationally and globally – focused on the energy policy of the future. The institute combines a research associate program, which serves as a center for graduate research on the transition to a clean energy future, with a vibrant student-staffed energy clinic, which works on legal and business models for community energy development. Our unique year-round  Energy Clinic works on the cutting edge of renewable energy development, including powering VLGS with over 50% local solar energy.

The IEE Research and Energy Clinic teams continue their work on the important issues of clean transportation, climate justice, community solar ownership, energy in agriculture, cybersecurity policy, accountability for fossil fuel resources, community benefits in offshore wind, and more. 

Position Summary:

Vermont Law and Graduate School and the Maverick Lloyd School for the Environment invite applications for one open rank tenure-track appointment in Energy Policy. VLGS graduate degrees include: Master of Energy Regulation and Law, Master of Climate and Environmental Policy, Master of Public Policy, LL.M in Energy Law, and LL.M in Environmental Law. 

We seek candidates with expertise in renewable energy policy, energy/environmental economics, energy/climate justice, energy systems engineering and management, data science, or climate/clean technology. 

Teaching load may include residential and online classes. 

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Research and Programmatic Oversight:

• Support and expand the research program of the Institute for Energy and the Environment
• Lead and support cutting-edge research and other programmatic initiatives in energy technology, policy, sustainability, law, energy justice, and environmental impact.
• Ensure research programs align with emerging industry trends and institutional priorities.
• Facilitate collaboration among researchers, advocates, and industry stakeholders to promote innovative solutions and practical applications.

Skills and Experience:

• Extensive knowledge of the energy industry, including current trends, technologies, and policy issues. 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the capacity to engage effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities, with a strong focus on achieving impactful results.

Academic and Administrative Engagement:

• Enhance academic programs and curricula related to energy law and policy. 
• Assist in supporting experiential opportunities for energy law and graduate students, including in collaboration with the faculty of the VLGS Energy Clinic. 

Community and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Assist in building and maintaining relationships with industry leaders, policymakers, community organizations, and alumni. 
• Represent the Institute at conferences, workshops, and public forums.
• Promote the Institute’s research findings and educational achievements to various stakeholders.

Additional Attributes:

• A commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment.

Expected start date is July 1, 2026. 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D or equivalent terminal degree in a relevant field (e.g., Economics, Energy System Management, Energy Science, Public Policy, etc.).  
• Expertise in energy policy, with additional knowledge in energy economics, energy finance, energy systems engineering and management, systems modeling, or public policy.

Additional Qualifications

• Applied professional experience in the energy industry.
• International professional or academic experience. 

Applicants must complete an online application and electronically submit (1) a cover letter; (2) a curriculum vitae; (3) a research agenda; and (4) the names and contact information of three references. VLGS will contact references only for finalists. VLGS strongly encourages applications from those who would bring increased diversity to our community. Direct inquiries about the position to Faculty Appointments Committee Chair, Anna Connolly at [email protected]. Please do not email your application materials. The positions will remain open until filled.   

*Document upload note: if you are attempting to attach a document and receive an error that the file size is too large, the pdf must be compressed before uploading to your application. This can be done via a free web program, or a program such as Adobe Acrobat. If you are still receiving errors uploading your attachment, please email directly to HR Business Partner, Christine Moyer, [email protected]. 

As part of our commitment to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, candidates who meet the qualifications for this position and who require accommodations to apply should contact Human Resources at [email protected]. Vermont Law and Graduate School strives to raise the bar for being an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, place of birth, marital status, disability, veteran's status, HIV status, pregnancy, genetic information, health insurance status, and crime victim status.