Energy/Environmental Technology Researcher

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s (LBNL ) Building Technologies Department has an opening for a Technology Researcher (EETR2) to join the team.
The Building Technologies Department in the Building Technology & Urban Systems Division focuses on key areas to make buildings more energy-efficient and occupants more comfortable, including building simulation research, window & envelope technologies, electronics, lighting and networks. 

In this exciting role, you will conduct R&D, contribute to projects, and provide technical support for the Building Technologies Department. You will use building energy simulation tools to evaluate technology measures and design strategies for improving energy efficiency, flexibility, and resilience of individual buildings and communities. You will contribute and conduct research on topics related to machine learning, data analytics, and thermal resilience modeling. You will also support maintenance of building energy software tools such as OpenStudio measures, CBES, and CityBES.

What You Will Do:

• Develop new features for the existing BEM tools (e.g., CBES, CityBES, OpenStudio measures) for building energy analysis and simulation to support multiple projects’ needs.
• Conduct building energy modeling and analysis at different scales (individual building, community scale, city scale) to support various projects, using tools like EnergyPlus, CityBES and BuildStock.
• Contribute to OpenStudio development ecosystem, e.g., OpenStudio measures, OpenStudio Standard gem, URBANopt.
• Contribute to machine learning and AI related projects, e.g., district load prediction, digital twin.
• Resolve a wide range of complex problems in creative and practical ways.
• Exercise judgment within generally defined procedures and practices to define the needs of projects or tasks and determine appropriate methods to satisfy technical objectives.
• Draft written technical support documentation detailing the analysis methods and results.
• Prepare and present technical analysis to a public audience, policy stakeholders, and peers.
• Interact with collaborators and/or policy stakeholders to gather necessary data for conducting research and analysis.
• Interact with funders and collaborators on technical issues.
• Collaborate with team members on joint tasks and activities.

Additional Responsibilities as needed:

• Participate in on-going research projects related to the building energy simulation at different scales.
• Participate in developing new proposals related to the analysis of energy use in buildings, especially modeling and simulation of urban scale buildings.
• May supervise the activities of personnel.

What is Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent knowledge in architecture, mechanical engineering or a related field and a minimum of 5 years of work experience, or Master’s degree or equivalent in architecture, mechanical engineering or a closely related field and a minimum of 3 years of work experience.
• Experience in building energy modeling.
• Experience in collection and synthesis of data from diverse sources of information.
• Demonstrated experience in building performance modeling and simulation.
• Demonstrated proficiency with development of analytical methods, numerical models, and use of computational tools such as Python, R, or Excel. 
• Demonstrated hands-on web development skills with Ruby on Rails and Javascript.
• Demonstrated hands-on Ruby, Python, or C++ object oriented design and programming skills.
• Demonstrated hands-on OpenStudio measure development skills with OpenStudio SDK.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience on machine learning and data analytics.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills,  including the ability to present methods and results to diverse stakeholders.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to meet deadlines and manage changing work demands while producing high-quality results.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with limited supervision and collaborate effectively with a team of researchers.
• Must be able to start on June 1, 2024.

Desired Qualifications:

• PhD degree or equivalent in architecture, mechanical engineering or a closely related field. 
• Experience leading research teams.
• Experience in simulation tool development.
• Working knowledge on database (e.g., SQL, non-SQL) and GitHub.
• Contribution to publication of conference papers and journal articles.

For full consideration, please apply by March 29, 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, 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 $96,192.00 - $162,336.00. The budgeted salary range that the Lab reasonably expects to pay for this position is $114,239.40 -$ 126,264.60. 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.
• 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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