Clean Energy Scientist / Senior Scientist
POSITION
PSE Healthy Energy is seeking a full-time Clean Energy Scientist/Senior Scientist to work collaboratively with PSE’s staff of scientists, engineers, and data analysts to effectively conduct research and translate, communicate, and disseminate PSE’s scientific research and organization mission to diverse audiences and stakeholders. The Clean Energy Scientist will be responsible for research and data analysis across a range of projects and focus areas, including, but not limited to energy equity and access, climate resilience, greenhouse gas and air pollutant emissions, and clean energy transitions across economic sectors. The role will require being flexible, working with multiple team members and external collaborators, and responding quickly to changing research needs. Specific initial projects will likely address energy cost burdens, the integration of non-energy (e.g. public health, social equity) benefits into power sector decarbonization, and community-level pollution reduction strategies.
The role will require both leading specific project components and supporting broader collaborative efforts. The ideal candidate will be comfortable conducting research and analysis while also communicating data and scientific information to stakeholders from non-technical backgrounds, including collaborating with external partners to manage regulator relationships. The candidate should be self-motivated, willing to adapt to multiple roles, ready to bring new ideas to the table, and excited to work in an environment where there is always more to learn and there is always a new frame to put on a problem.
It is not expected that a single candidate will have expertise across all these areas. We’re seeking candidates that are particularly strong in a few areas and have some interest and capabilities in others.
ROLES and RESPONSIBILITIES
- Research: Utilize strong investigatory, analytical, and writing skills to conduct data analysis, synthesize and aggregate relevant papers or research, write documents and reports, visualize data, and both support and lead specific PSE research initiatives.
- Communication: Write clear scientific explanations through academic papers, technical reports, media, and blog posts; work with communities, non-profits, and other stakeholders to identify research and data needs; communicate scientific concepts directly to citizens, policymakers, NGOs and the media; and produce summaries of findings and rapid response analyses for the public and decision-makers.
REQUIRED SKILLS
In addition to an ability to meet the above responsibilities, the ideal candidate will possess:
- A master’s degree or doctoral degree or equivalent research experience with expertise in energy systems, optimization modeling, atmospheric science, environmental science, engineering, data science or related field; experience conducting energy systems analyses with a public health, policy, resilience, or equity-focused lens strongly desired
- Experience working with and managing large datasets and conducting statistical analysis including energy systems modeling and statistical analysis
- Experience with either Python, R, Tableau, GIS, air quality modeling, and/or other analytical and data visualization tools strongly desired
- Experience with energy systems modeling, statistical analysis, and other technical skills
- Excellent writing and communications skills
- Ability to pivot from strong analytical and data-driven thinking to highly creative thinking
- Capability managing multiple projects and prioritizing effectively
- Ability to productively provide and receive feedback
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
- Attention to detail and a desire to learn
- A sense of humor
DESIRED SKILLS
- Experience working at the science-policy interface
- A proven track record of working across multiple sectors including, but not limited to public agencies, academic institutions, and community organizations
- Experience with Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Docs, etc.)
- Knowledge of Google Analytics
- Familiarity with Slack
SALARY
Compensation ranges from $75,000 - $105,000+ though the successful candidate could be hired above or below this range depending on qualifications and geographic location. Benefits are competitive and include health insurance, 401(k) retirement plan with employer match, 15 days of vacation, paid sick leave and 11+ paid holidays.