Professor of Practice (or Associate Professor of Practice) for the Kleinman Center - University of Pennsylvania

The Kleinman Center for Energy Policy at the Stuart Weitzman School of Design, University of Pennsylvania, seeks a distinguished practitioner with experience designing, implementing, and evaluating energy policy and/or just energy transitions to join our faculty as a Professor (or Associate Professor) of Practice in Energy Policy.



The Professor (or Associate Professor) of Practice in Energy Policy will teach in the center’s energy policy graduate curriculum and mentor students; write policy digests and opinion pieces; participate in workshops and seminars, engage with media, and advance the center’s public policy impact.



The preferred candidate should have an international reputation in the field of energy policy, though their disciplinary training may be from any cognate field. It is preferred that candidates have post-secondary teaching experience and a demonstrated commitment to student success. We seek candidates who express a strong interest in advancing a sustainable and just energy transition by working collaboratively across disciplines, and by translating and connecting academic scholarship to public policy outcomes. Those who emphasize energy justice and equity in their professional work are particularly encouraged to apply.



The Kleinman Center for Energy Policy creates the conditions for policy innovation that support a just and efficient transition to sustainable energy by fostering impactful research, developing the next generation of energy leaders, and providing a home for stakeholders to explore complex issues. Founded in 2014, the center has published hundreds of policy digests, reports, and opinion pieces; convened thousands of participants in events, workshops, and seminars; hosted dozens of international visiting scholars and senior fellows; and taught numerous classes to Penn graduate students. For more information, the 2023–2024 Annual Report is available here: https://kleinmanenergy.upenn.edu/about/annual-report/ .



In addition to the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy, the Weitzman School of Design includes the departments of Historic Preservation, City & Regional Planning, Landscape Architecture, Architecture, and Fine Arts, providing potential for collaboration with other disciplines and departments within the school. The center also works closely with faculty and students across Penn’s other 11 schools, including those from the Wharton School of Business, Penn Carey Law, School of Engineering & Applied Science, School of Arts & Sciences, Annenberg School of Communication, and School of Social Policy & Practice. Preferred candidates should be prepared to meaningfully engage colleagues from across these schools and welcome students from a wide array of academic programs in their classrooms.



The ranks of Associate Professor of Practice and Professor of Practice are reserved for distinguished professionals who wish to combine education and practice. They bring their understanding of practice to the school and use their teaching to explore new ideas and theories. This position is a three-year term and can be renewed. It is not tenure-track or tenure-eligible. Graduate-level annual teaching commitments may vary at this rank (full- or part- time). Professors of Practice are also expected to participate in center events including lectures, seminars, symposia, and workshops.



Candidates must hold an advanced degree and have a demonstrated ability to connect their disciplinary training to the energy transition. While applicants may draw from any field, the ideal candidate will have scholarly training and/or professional experience in economics, public policy, political science, law, planning, business, or finance. Candidates must have experience working in either the public or private sector; experience working within the academy is welcome. Preference will be given to individuals with a distinguished publication, policy, or business record and a reputation for making significant contributions to the energy transition.



















Applicants should submit the following items via the online Interfolio site:





+ Cover letter noting relevant professional work, accomplishments, and any teaching experience



+ Curriculum vitae



+ Brief statement of teaching interests and capabilities



+ Brief statement that demonstrates past and future capabilities in connecting scholarship to public policy outcomes



+ Names and contact information for three professional and/or academic references who may be contacted at a later date





The Weitzman School is committed to building a culturally diverse intellectual community and encourages applications from women, BIPOC candidates, and candidates with other underrepresented positionalities.



Applications should be addressed to the Chair of the Search Committee for Professor (or Associate Professor) of Practice, Energy Policy.



Review of applications will begin on December 1, 2024, and will continue until the position is filled. The appointed professor is expected to begin on July 1, 2025 and begin teaching that fall.



Questions should be directed to Sanya Carley, Mark Alan Hughes Faculty Director of the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy at: scarley@design.upenn.edu. Please reference “Professor of Practice” in the subject line on any email inquiry.




The University of Pennsylvania values diversity and seeks talented students, faculty and staff with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected class. Questions or concerns about this should be directed to the Executive Director of the Office of Affirmative Action (http://www.upenn.edu/affirm-action/) and Equal Opportunity Programs, University of Pennsylvania, 421 Franklin Building, 3451 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6205; or (215) 898-6993 (Voice) or (215) 898-7803 (TDD).