Building Operations and Decarbonization Researcher

The Building Operations and Decarbonization Researcher will lead programs in support of commercial building emissions reductions, energy management and information systems (EMIS), and building commissioning and demand flexibility. They will bring a proven track record of technical leadership in the complex research topics encompassing commercial sector operational emissions, technical assistance to building owners and sustainability leads, EMIS, existing building commissioning, controls and demand flexibility, and utility efficiency programs. The researcher will drive the analysis and articulation of technical results, develop program‐related publications and case studies, and disseminate results. They will advise sponsor agencies on policy and technical issues, maintaining strong relationships with funders, and industry collaborators The Researcher will also manage direct supervisees, matrixed project staff and oversee the work of an experienced team of consultants.

This role entails technical leadership and management of a complex assistance program for commercial building portfolio owners to develop and implement comprehensive GHG emissions reduction plans in support of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Better Climate Challenge. It involves the development of emissions reduction guidance and tools, supporting the efforts of a cohort of technical assistance managers (TAMs), and managing webinar and workshop development processes. In addition, the Researcher will lead projects in existing building commissioning, demand flexibility, and advanced controls and analytics technology. These aspects of the work will involve a broad set of deployment-focused activities spanning stakeholder engagement (utility programs, efficiency technology and services, building owners and operators), cost/benefit assessments, and field studies.     

What You Will Do, At Level 4:

• Lead projects of significant scope with substantial scale and complexity.
• Develop and maintain staffing plans across projects; identify and lead recruitment efforts.
• Independently establish and assures adherence to budgets, schedules, work plans and performance requirements.
• Communicate goals, progress, and accomplishments to key internal and external stakeholders.
• Identify and secure partnerships (subcontracted or informal) with key external stakeholders.
• Lead the development of resolutions to significant, unique problems.
• Exercise independent judgment in methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining results.
• Determine objectives of work and interact with funding agencies to develop and maintain scopes of work.
• Manage or oversee subcontractor management, including scope, budget, contracting, and tracking.
• Manage or oversee monthly and quarterly reporting as required by sponsors.
• Lead and collaborate on proposal development, including communication with sponsors, budget negotiation, coordination of tasks, and preparation of proposal materials.
• Communicate with external organizations and potential partners to represent the team’s work.
• Develop outward-facing research products, including peer-reviewed papers, reports, oral presentations, and guidance resources, case studies, and other materials.
• Develop long‐range objectives and strategic plans for core research areas, and play an active role in developing similar at department/division level.
• Serve as project leader and supervise staff.
• Has full PI status upon completion of required training.

What You Will Do, At Level 5:

• Provide technical and managerial oversight on all research activities in portfolio
• Oversee and coordinate timely conveyance of all project deliverables; assuring adherence to budgets, schedules, work plans and performance requirements
• Manage project staff; including scope, budget, contracting, and tracking
• Advise key stakeholders to represent the team’s work
• Direct the design of outward facing research products, including peer-reviewed papers, reports, oral presentations, and guidance resources, case studies, and other materials
• Secure new and continuing project assignments with commensurate funding
• Directly supervise senior project staff

What is Required, At Level 4:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field, with a minimum of 12 years related experience; or equivalent work experience including technical work in commercial building operational efficiency or decarbonization.
• Demonstrated experience in all aspects of technical project planning, execution, technical leadership, communication and energy engineering.
• Experience with budgeting principles and proposal and scope development.
• Experience managing large research projects or programs.
• Ability to synthesize project results into clear and compelling documents for varying audiences.
• Clear and concise writing skills.
• Expertise in HVAC system operations, advanced control strategies, EMIS, and commercial building decarbonization planning strategies and measures.
• Familiarity and experience with utility efficiency programs, existing building commissioning commissioning, and demand flexibility. 
• Deep knowledge of commercial buildings operations and management practices, including key stakeholders, their roles, motivation, and common barriers.
• Advanced interpersonal skills to work with peers, supervisors, supervisees, and clients. 
• Proven ability to work independently given knowledge of broad program goals and objectives.
• Experience with engineering data analysis.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including peer-reviewed papers, and technical reports; ability to present information on complex subjects in a form appropriate for clients and non‐technical audiences; high work standards and solid decision‐making skills.
• Skills in organizing a team of experts to deliver a consistent and high quality product.

What is Required, At Level 5:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field, with a minimum of 15 years related experience; or equivalent work experience including technical work in commercial building operational efficiency or decarbonization.

Desired Qualifications, At Level 4:

• Ph.D. in engineering or related field, with a minimum of 5 years related experience; or Master’s degree in engineering or related field with a minimum of 8 years related experience; 

Desired Qualifications, At Level 5:

• Ph.D. in engineering or related field, with a minimum of 8 years related experience; or Master’s degree in engineering or related field with a minimum of 12 years related experience; or 

For full consideration, please apply with the following application materials: 

• CV 
• Cover Letter
• List of Publications

Notes:

• This is a full-time, 1 year, term appointment with the possibility of extension or conversion to Career appointment based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs.
• This position will be hired at a level commensurate with the business needs and the skills, knowledge, and abilities of the successful candidate.
• Level 4: The full salary range for this position is $164,880.00 - $247,332.00. The budgeted salary range that the Lab reasonably expects to pay for this position is $174,032.40 - $192,351.60 Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualification and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, and certifications, and also aligned with the internal peer group.
• Level 5: The full salary range for this position is $195,168.00 - $292,752.00. The budgeted salary range that the Lab reasonably expects to pay for this position is$206,009.40 - $227,694.60. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualification and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, and certifications, and also aligned with the internal peer group." Please note that the supv is working on getting a RWA approved so potential remote work posting language will be used.
• This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• This position is eligible for a flexible work mode, with onsite or hybrid work being the preferred modes, though full-time telework or remote work modes may be considered. Hybrid work is a combination of teleworking and performing work on-site at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. Individuals working a hybrid schedule must reside within 150 miles of Berkeley Lab. Work schedules are dependent on business needs.

Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov

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