Policy Researcher III

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s (LBNL) Energy Markets and Policy Department has an opening for a Policy Researcher to join the team.

The Energy Markets and Policy Department conducts technical, economic, and policy analysis of energy topics centered on the U.S. electricity sector. Our research seeks to inform public and private decision-making on public-interest issues related to renewable energy, energy efficiency, demand flexibility, electricity system planning, electricity reliability and resilience, and utility regulation.

In this exciting role, you will lead research projects involving policy and technical aspects of energy, economic, and market issues to inform the development of energy/environmental policies (e.g., in support of a U.S. Department of Energy policy program). Working with an interdisciplinary team of researchers, you will exert significant latitude in determining objectives and needs of projects or advanced analyses and determine appropriate methods to satisfy technical objectives.  You will direct research tasks and provide technical assistance to government decision-makers and stakeholders on complex issues and contribute to the development of departmental organizational goals and objectives. 

The position will provide technical guidance and support to staff and may also supervise staff.

What You Will Do:

• Develop and direct advanced research projects on electric distribution system planning, assessing national progress toward decarbonization goals and targets, and distributed energy resources (DERs) topics.
• Resolve complex issues for development and implementation of state and local policies and regulations and utility programs.
• Develop and apply sophisticated analytical methods and direct analysis of data as required for in-depth evaluation of technical and policy topics that informs the development of energy / environmental policies.
• Identify and define research needs and develop short- and long-term research priorities.  Prepare proposals and budgets to secure funding from DOE and other sponsors to perform the research.
• Lead execution of projects. Develop, assign, conduct, and manage work scopes, budgets, and tasks to ensure completion of projects on time and on budget, and review and provide feedback on staff work.
• Provide technical assistance to state and local policymakers, state energy offices, utilities, and public utility commissions on DERs, distribution system planning and grid resilience.
• Manage subcontracts with external consultants.
• Present complex technical concepts, methods and results to policy makers and stakeholders at conferences and meetings.
• Lead development and drafting of technical reports and other written products.
• Eligible for Principal Investigator status upon completion of required training.
• Must be available to travel as needed, domestically, typically 5-10 trips per year.

Additional Responsibilities as needed:

• May supervise the activities of exempt and nonexempt personnel.

What is Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent knowledge) in Energy & Resources, Public Policy, Economics, Business Administration, City & Regional Planning, Environmental Studies, Engineering, or a related discipline and a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience with increasing responsibility in program administration, planning, and conducting research projects, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience with electric utility regulation.
• Demonstrated experience with DER technologies and programs.
• Broad familiarity with policies, programs, regulations, and initiatives to decarbonize the energy sector.
• Demonstrated experience with leading partnerships and managing day-to-day interactions with clients/funders, government agencies, industry partners and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience with project management; knowledgeable and skilled in program/project planning, resource management (budget and staff) and scheduling.
• Demonstrated abilities to determine program requirements, estimate budget requirements, arrange for subcontracts where necessary, develop organizational and program plans.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including proven ability to identify and obtain information from diverse sources, conduct interviews, lead the production of high-quality, policy-relevant reports, and collaborate with other researchers.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver high quality results on time and within budget.
• Proficiency with MS Office suite.
• Familiarity with interdisciplinary research methods and data analysis tools and techniques.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to lead, motivate, and provide clear technical and policy guidance to a project team.
• Ability to both work independently with minimal supervision and work effectively with a team.
• Proven ability to work on innovative R&D projects, including ability to work independently with minimal supervision as well as work effectively with a multidisciplinary team. 
• Demonstrated familiarity with energy efficiency, demand response, electric power systems, and distributed resource programs and technologies.  
• Demonstrated experience with energy system planning.

Desired Qualifications:

• Masters degree in Energy & Resources, Public Policy, Economics, Business Administration, City and Regional Planning, Environmental Studies, Engineering or a related field with a minimum 6 years of experience, or Ph.D degree in Energy & Resources, Public Policy, Economics, Business Administration, City and Regional Planning, Environmental Studies, Engineering or a related field with a minimum of 3 years experience.
• Professional experience, ideally working with utilities, states or local governments, on community solar development, programs or policies; energy efficiency; demand flexibility; and energy storage systems and technologies.
• Strong quantitative skills to conduct technical analysis.
• Demonstrated experience with using energy-related software tools, datasets and/or databases, and engineering, environmental, or energy system models.
• Demonstrated experience with distribution system planning or operations.
• Demonstrated experience with grid resilience planning or projects.

For full consideration, please apply by March 1, 2024

Want to learn more about Berkeley Lab's Culture, Benefits and answers to FAQs? Please visit: https://recruiting.lbl.gov/

Notes:

• This is a full-time, career appointment, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay.
• The full salary range for this position is $119,184.00 - $201,120.00. The budgeted salary range that the Lab reasonably expects to pay for this position is $141,531.00 - $156,429.00. 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, 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.

Berkeley Lab is committed to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA) and strives to continue building community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We heartily welcome applications from women, minorities, veterans, and all who would contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, inclusion, and professionalism. In support of our diverse global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.

Equal Opportunity and IDEA Information Links:

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