Careers at GIS
Meet the needs of a fast-growing world with us.
The Golisano Institute for Sustainability (GIS) is a leading sustainability research and education organization at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). Our institute is focused on finding novel ways to translate interdisciplinary research and education into the ideas, technologies, and connections that are helping decision-makers to meet the world’s growing needs.
Help the world move forward on sustainability with us.
Our six industry-facing applied research centers focus on sustainable manufacturing, energy, transportation, and buildings. Each year, more than 100 companies, government agencies, and other organizations engage GIS’s research centers to put technology and innovation to work for a sustainable future.
Solve for sustainability with us.
Simple, easy answers don’t work when it comes to solving complex environmental challenges. That’s why we are systems-level thinkers. Our goal at every step is to find sustainable and profitable pathways that allow more people to live better lives while managing the finite resources of our planet.
Get things done with us.
We are innovative problem-solvers and doers. Behind our work are some of today’s brightest minds in sustainable development. Our industry-seasoned engineers, technicians, and researchers work hand-in-hand with the institute’s internationally renowned academic faculty to advance the ideas and technologies shaping what sustainability will look like tomorrow.
Work—and grow—with us.
We are the perfect fit for professionals from across industry and academia in search of a uniquely dynamic, hands-on working environment that is driven at every level by problem-solving. Our faculty, researchers, and staff value the many opportunities to contribute their talents and hone their skills that our growing, project-based organization offers.
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Staff Positions
Associate Director 9829BR
The NYS Pollution Prevention Institute (NYSP2I) at the Golisano Institute for Sustainability at Rochester Institute of Technology is seeking an Associate Director who will oversee, guide and help implement the various institute technical programs that provide hands-on pollution prevention (P2) technical assistance to industry in a variety of sectors, help accelerate green technology to market, and provide sustainable supply chain assistance to New York state companies. Reporting to the NYSP2I director, the Associate Director will oversee the Institute’s technical programs, ensuring their strategic direction and implementation deliver measurable results in support of the Institute’s mission. This position will lead a team of engineers, scientists, and program managers. The Associate Director will respond to requests from the director to provide data related to programs and to support strategic decisions. Responsibilities will also include managing and mentoring staff, ideating solutions, overseeing and conducting applied research and development projects, as well as seeking supplemental funding from state and federal entities to support these efforts.
Senior Engineer - Energy Systems 9620BR
The Senior Engineer–Energy Systems position will primarily support industrial/manufacturing client programs of the New York State Pollution Prevention Institute (NYSP2I) at the Golisano Institute for Sustainability at RIT. The Senior Engineer will use their technical expertise and industry experience to facilitate the reduction of energy consumption in manufacturing and other industrial environments.
Pollution Prevention Engineer I 9830BR
The Engineer I – Pollution Prevention Engineer (with LCA Focus) will support NYSP2I’s technical programs by conducting applied research and/or delivering hands-on technical assistance to New York State manufacturers and organizations. This role spans multiple program areas—Direct Assistance (DA), Sustainable Supply Chain (SSC), and Green Technology Accelerator Center (GTAC)—with approximately 50% of time dedicated to supporting life cycle assessments (LCA), greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories, and environmental reporting protocols (ERPs). The engineer will conduct on-site assessments, perform material and energy balances, identify pollution prevention opportunities, support sustainability certifications, and contribute to technical reports, training, and outreach. The Engineer I will work under the guidance of senior engineers and program managers to fulfill NYSP2I’s commitments under the NYSDEC grant and advance the Institute’s mission of driving environmental and economic improvements statewide.
Senior Staff Assistant 9996BR
This position reports directly to the Head of the Sustainability Department of Golisano Institute for Sustainability (GIS) and provides critical administrative and student support to the Institute, the department faculty, and the department’s graduate programs. In addition, the Senior Staff Assistant carries out necessary tasks associated with the process of hiring faculty, operational staff, adjuncts, research assistants, co-op’s and student office workers.
Lead Pollution Prevention Engineer 9834BR
Reporting to the NYSP2I Associate Director, the Lead Engineer will lead NYSP2I’s Sustainable Manufacturing Assistance program, providing strategic direction, technical oversight, and program coordination to advance pollution prevention initiatives across New York State. This role supervises senior engineers, guides project execution, ensures alignment with NYSP2I goals, and represents the DA program internally and externally. The Lead Engineer will be instrumental in scaling the DA program to meet NYSDEC deliverables, enhance technical quality, drive impactful sustainability outcomes for New York manufacturers, , and expand NYSP2I’s impact through outreach, education, and technical resource development..