Energy/Environmental Technology Researcher

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s (LBNL) Building Technology and Urban Systems Division has an opening for an Energy/Environmental Technology Researcher to join the team.

The Whole Building Systems (WBS) department conducts research on the design, construction and operation of residential and commercial buildings. WBS focuses on whole-building approaches to energy performance, indoor air quality, economics and the use of integrated, systematic approaches to solving key buildings-related R&D questions. 

In this exciting role, you will support the Whole Building Systems (WBS) department of the Building Technology and Urban Systems (BTUS) division. The Energy / Environmental Technology Researcher (EETR1) will apply scientific theories/methods of conducting energy, market, and/or engineering research that informs/supports the market adoption of the development and / or deployment of clean energy technologies. 

You will apply principles and concepts from energy/market/engineering analysis and provide technical support to applied research activities advancing clean energy technology development, deployment, and adoption. You will contribute to studies focused on home electrification and decarbonization. Specific activities will include assessment of low power electrification strategies and grid impacts of home electrification in both single and multifamily residential buildings. 

Additional work may include studies of non-energy benefits of home electrification including IAQ/Heath, comfort, equity and resiliency. 

What You Will Do:

• Conduct research on home energy and power consumption, retrofits and decarbonization with a focus on reducing costs through low power electrification and analysis of grid impacts.
• Assess the non-energy benefits of home electrification/decarbonization. This includes IAQ/Health-related topics as well as thermal comfort, mental health and home resiliency.
• Participate in field data collection and data processing to advance LBNL studies of decarbonization in residential buildings.
• Build databases and carry out statistical analyses that are relevant to quantifying the relationships between building decarbonization strategies, GHG emissions, costs, public health, and equity issues. 
• Communicate research results through technical reports, journal manuscripts, web pages, etc. and oral presentations at meetings.
• Exercise judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate analytical methods.
• Provide resolutions to problems of moderately complex scope.
• Participate in professional scientific activities, e.g., reviews of papers, research proposals, etc.
• Collaborate with internal personnel and some external contacts.

Additional Responsibilities as needed:

• Support and contribute to the development of research project ideas and proposals.
• Interact with federal and California state energy and environmental agencies including but not limited to the Department of Energy, the US Environmental Protection Agency, the California Energy Commission (CEC), and California Air Resources Board (ARB).
• As opportunities arise and time allows, provide support to other projects and groups within the Energy Technologies Area of LBNL. 
• May supervise the activities of nonexempt personnel.

What is Required:

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent knowledge) in engineering, physics, environmental, or related field. Preferably with a minimum of two years professional technical experience or additional education related to the position duties.
• Demonstrated knowledge of building energy use and decarbonization strategies, with an emphasis on residential buildings.
• Experience in the use of statistical analysis software and using predictive models, such as regression, classification, and other machine learning tasks.     
• Ability to independently execute tasks that require critical thinking.
• Demonstrated ability to write high-quality technical publications.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong understanding of concepts and methods relevant to energy, environmental, market and/or technical research and analysis of energy/environmental equipment or systems.
• Strong experience in developing analytical methods and numerical models, including use of computational tools such as Python, R, or Excel.
• General knowledge of building science principles and technologies that impact energy use, power consumption and IAQ in buildings. 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including a demonstrated ability to present analytical methods and results to a non-specialist audience. 
• Ability to function well in meeting tight deadlines and adapting to rapidly changing work demands.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work well in both a team environment and independently.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience analyzing building power data, such as utility metering data or building submetering data.
• Experience with research involving human subjects.
• Experience with field measurements of Energy, IEQ, IAQ, and health metrics.
• Familiarity with energy conservation policies, practices, and technologies. 
• Familiarity with basic principles and tools for data management.
• General knowledge of survey instruments and database design/management.
• General knowledge of building codes and standards, practices and technologies.

Notes:

• This is a full-time, 2 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.
• The full salary range for this position is $93,696.00 - $140,568.00. The budgeted salary range that the Lab reasonably expects to pay for this position is $98,918.00 - $109,330.00 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.
• 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. 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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