Career Track Research Scientist

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s (LBNL ) Energy Analysis Environmental Impacts (ETA ) Division has an opening for a Career Track Research Scientist Scientist to join the Renewable Energy team within the Electricity Markets and Policy Department. The Electricity Markets & Policy (EMP) Department informs public and private decision-making within the U.S. electricity sector through an independent, interdisciplinary analysis of critical electricity policy and market issues. 

In this role, you will conduct research across multiple projects, including, but not limited to, the real and perceived social and economic impacts of renewable energy deployment on hosting communities. In addition to conducting research focused on renewable energy project neighbors (i.e., proximate residents), the research will also examine the roles and perceptions of other key stakeholders in the planning and development of renewable energy, such as project developers, local elected officials, and neutral intermediaries, intervenors, and information providers. A key goal of this work is to explore ways in which the energy transition can better align with hosting communities’ goals, opportunities, and values. 

Other projects may include research into the timelines and outcomes of state and local permitting processes and the development of foundational datasets on renewable energy deployments, including leading up to the point at which they become operational.  The position involves collaborating with extensive and diverse groups of researchers, including highly credentialed academics domestically and internationally, along with key industry and non-profit organizations. The position is also responsible for disseminating the results and methods developed from research through presentations and conference papers. They will also contribute to or co-author peer-reviewed journal articles and formal reports.

What You Will Do:

• Contribute to or co-lead research into and recommendations for stakeholders involved in the siting, permitting, construction and operations or large-scale renewable energy projects, especially as it relates to procedural and distributive justice with special consideration of both urban and rural historically disadvantaged communities.
• Contribute to recurring annual reports and data resources, including but not limited to datasets that track the growth of wind and solar power systems in the Land-Based Wind Power Market Report, the US Wind Turbine Database (USWTDB), the US Large-Scale Solar Photovoltaic Database (USPVDB), and datasets of wind and solar project permitting timelines and outcomes.
• Conduct and synthesize extensive literature reviews of the intended subject areas.
• Assist in or lead the development of survey instruments and interview guides, including programming the instrument in Qualtrics.
• Manage, organize, and conduct analysis of large survey response datasets, including open-ended response data.
• Contribute to or co-author technical papers for peer-reviewed journals and final reports in fulfillment of contract deliverables.
• Deliver presentations on research results to diverse audiences, including at technical conferences and for project reviews. Actively seek out new venues and opportunities to disseminate research to key target audiences.
• Provide intellectual leadership by helping to identify new trends and research needs relating to the areas above and other issues in renewable power markets and by contributing to the broader mission of Berkeley Lab and the Electricity Markets and Policy Department.
• Contribute to fundraising efforts by helping to identify and develop fundable research projects that advance the state of knowledge for renewable power siting, permitting, and community impacts and acceptance.

What is Required:

• Advanced degree in a social science discipline including sociology, philosophy of natural resources and the environment, human geography, regional planning, and at least 1 year of relevant research experience beyond the highest customary degree.
• Demonstrated experience in qualitative data collection and analysis.
• Demonstrated experience in the field of data science.
• Demonstrated experience working on projects with a variety of partners including academics from other institutions, industry, and non-government organizations.
• Experience with Qualtrics survey software.
• Familiarity with U.S. renewable energy siting, permitting and deployment practices, and regulatory/policy issues at both the state and local levels.
• Demonstrated skill in the development of survey instruments and interview guides, including programming the instrument in Qualtrics, related to renewable energy technologies, with a particular emphasis and knowledge of developer practices related to renewable energy deployment.
• Proficiency in Stata.
• Proven ability to work on innovative technical projects, both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team of scientists and technical support staff.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate technical results in a manner accessible to both technical and non-technical audiences, as evidenced by a record of publications and prior public speaking engagements.
• Strong collaboration skills and ability to work productively both independently and as part of a larger team.
• Demonstrated time management skills.
• Demonstrated participation in efforts to collect funding from new or existing sources.

Desired Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in a social science discipline including sociology, philosophy of natural resources and the environment, human geography, regional planning, and at least 1 year of postdoctoral experience and 3 years of relevant research experience.
• Strong publication and engagement record, including lead authorship of at least 2 papers accepted for publication in a journal or conference proceeding. 
• Experience delivering presentations to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Willingness to learn and become proficient in new quantitative methods, as required by research projects, to support ongoing and new research areas. 
• Experience in conducting a diverse array of renewable energy technical analyses.

Requested Application Materials:

• Curriculum Vitae.
• Publication list
• Statement of research experience and interests.
• Names and contact information for at least three individuals who can write letters of reference

Notes:

• This is a full-time, two-year, career-track term appointment that may be renewed for a maximum of five years and converted to a career based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing funds availability, and ongoing operational needs.
• Salary
• The full salary range for this position is $119,124.00 - $166,764.00. The budgeted salary range that the Lab reasonably expects to pay for this position is $135,792.00 -$ 150,096.00. 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 has the option of working remotely. Work must be performed within the United States.

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.
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