Career-Track Research Scientist

The Building Technology & Urban Systems (BTUS) Division at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory advances energy efficiency in the built environment – one of the world’s most critical energy and environmental challenges. Through research, partnership programs, and software tools, we promote energy and cost savings while improving comfort, health, and safety both in the U.S. and globally.

BTUS is seeking a Career-Track Research Scientist to conduct creative work in demand-side research to advance international building and urban decarbonization, collaborate with scientific staff, and work on projects. 

In this exciting role, you will specifically focus on research for several international programs pertaining to demand-side energy system modeling, techno-economic analysis, decision science, and just transition. The successful candidates will have a broad interdisciplinary expertise and working experiences in these topical areas in both the U.S. and Asia. They  will work with a diverse group of researchers across the Lab and beyond.

What You Will Do:

• Conduct research within energy demand-side research to advance methodology, data, metrics, and pilot projects to provide policy, technological, and behavioral insights for global building and urban decarbonization. 
• Collaborate with Lab Scientific staff on Net-Zero Energy/Carbon Buildings, Industrialized Construction, Climate-Smart Cities, Just Transition, Material Transition, and Net-Zero World.
• Collaborate with LBNL scientists and researchers across different disciplines, and may interact with external partners including industry, academic researchers, and IPCC experts.
• Contribute to or co-author publications.
• Prepare funding proposals.
• Present findings at seminars and/or conferences.
• Actively works to build a network of contacts and collaborators within their field of research and at funding agencies.
• Report research progress to funders including government agencies and philanthropies.
• Supervises and provides scientific direction to technical staff and students.
• Applies expertise in decision science and energy system modeling.

Additional Responsibilities as needed:

• Act as liaison between PIs / Scientists, other LBNL employees, and external contacts. 

What is Required:

• Advanced degree or equivalent in Engineering and Public Policy or a related field and 3-5 years of relevant professional experience.
• Prior international experiences in energy and climate policy, in particular in East Asia and Southeast Asia.
• Demonstrated experience using advanced principles, theories, and concepts to R&D problems in a field of energy demand-side research in international context.
• Excellent academic record and evaluations.
• Demonstrated experience preparing funding proposals.
• Demonstrated experience planning and completing projects.
• Significant experience using Energy-System Modeling such as Low-Emissions Analysis Platform (LEAP), Python, other demand-side system modeling tools, and social science methodologies.
• Experience in presenting findings at seminars and/or conferences to various stakeholders including academics, policy makers, and industry.
• Project management experience.
• Supervises and provides scientific direction to technical staff and students.
• Experience with successful research grant applications.
• Experience working H with governments in both developed and developing countries.
• Proven record of publications and achievements.
• Ability to work successfully in an interdisciplinary environment and collaborate successfully with colleagues and others from diverse fields. 
• Ability to apply advanced principles, theories, and concepts to R&D problems in energy demand-side research.
• General knowledge of energy system analysis and decision science.
• Familiar with various demand-side sector including building, industry, and transport.
• Proven communication and writing skills as author or co-author of technical papers, reports, and refereed journal articles. 
• Proficiency developing presentations, presenting research results and representing the team at meetings, workshops, and conferences. 
• Excellent communication skills including verbal, written and presentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment as well as independently.
• Advanced Excel and Microsoft and Google Suites applications.
• Excellent time management skills and ability to prioritize many competing deadlines.

Desired Qualifications:

• PhD in Engineering and Public Policy, in particular relevant to energy and environmental system analysis and innovation economics.
• Experience managing a team of researchers.
• Demonstrated l record of successful fundraising.
• More than 5+ years of relevant professional experience.
• Experience with stakeholder engagement, especially with various government officials at the international level and in developing countries.
• Familiar with various U.S. and international government agency working procedures and etiquette.
• Experience with various research methods, including demand-side system modeling tools, discrete choice analysis, cost-benefit analysis, python, and other social science methodologies such as survey and interviews.
• Familiar with the economics of emerging energy technologies and manufacturing processes.
• Fluency in English and one more language (i.e., Mandarin or another language widely spoken in Asia) preferred.

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

For full consideration, please apply by May 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, 1 year, career-track term appointment that may be renewed to a maximum of five years and that may be converted to career based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds, and ongoing operational needs.
• This full salary range of this position is between $119,124 to $166,764 per year and is expected to pay between a targeted range of $135,792 to $150,096 per year depending upon candidates' full skills, knowledge, and abilities, including education, certifications, and years of experience.
• 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.
• Work will be primarily performed at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA.

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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