Technology Researcher I

The Building Technologies and Urban Systems (BTUS) department at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) is a global leader in developing building technologies that increase energy efficiency, shift load, reduce energy bills, and improve occupant health. BTUS leverages this innovative and creative research to support industry partners deploying advanced solutions and governmental organizations crafting policy supporting progress towards our decarbonized future. Within BTUS a team of researchers specializes in advanced controls, data analytics applied to buildings, grid-responsive load shifting controls, and improvement of heat pump driven thermal systems. The group specializes in 1) developing simplified control approaches designed for industry adoption, and 2) advances in thermal system design which facilitate adoption of critical decarbonization technologies.

The Energy/Environmental Technology Researcher (EETR.1) will apply methods of conducting energy, market, and/or engineering research that informs the development and/or deployment of clean energy technologies. Working with an interdisciplinary team of researchers, the EETR.1 will conduct research including gathering and processing data, developing and demonstrating the performance of advanced control algorithms, and performing analyses and developing advanced analytical and modeling tools. The EETR.1 will apply principles and concepts from energy/market/engineering analysis and provide technical support to applied research activities advancing clean energy technology development, deployment, and adoption. The open position focuses on developing and evaluating technologies around all forms of heat pump plus thermal energy storage systems. Current project focuses include developing and demonstrating controls for space conditioning and water heating systems that sync building electricity consumption with renewable power production yielding lower utility bills, lower carbon emissions, and a more stable electricity grid. Future projects may include topics such as improving the performance or cost of heat pumps, integrating heat pumps with thermal energy storage, and coordinating with industry partners to deploy LBNL developed technologies.

What You Will Do:

• Develop control algorithms that respond to price signals, carbon emission signals and occupant behavior to minimize operation impacts.
• Perform a combination of simulations, lab tests, and field monitoring projects evaluating the performance of the developed control approaches.
• Perform programming development tasks using tools including but not limited to Python and Functional Mockup Units.
• Collaborate with private industry partners to ensure the designed solutions meet the needs of the market.
• Use energy use/market analysis/engineering principles & concepts to conduct energy/market/engineering research & analysis.
• Develop analytical and computational methods and/or tools for analyzing energy/environmental equipment and/or systems.
• Exercise judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate analytical methods.
• Provide resolutions to problems of moderately complex scope.
• Develop written technical support documentation detailing the analysis methods and results.
• Prepare presentation material on technical analysis for market and research stakeholders.
• Contribute to research projects, tasks and organizational objectives of moderate scope with oversight from senior staff.

Additional Responsibilities as needed:

• Present research findings to internal and external audiences.
• Organize and work with large amounts of data using various types of software (such as simulation tools, spreadsheets, and database programs) to perform analyses. 
• May supervise the activities of nonexempt personnel.

What is Required:

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent knowledge) in engineering, physics, statistics, or related field, with extensive professional technical experience or additional education related to the position duties, typically minimum 2 years.
• Experience applying machine learning algorithms to real world data sets.
• Strong experience in developing analytical methods and numerical models.
• Experience with development of computational tools in Python, R, Excel/VBA, or other languages.
• Experience with control techniques such as but not limited to rule-based control, load shifting control, and model predictive control.
• Experience with simulation tools such as Modelica or Functional Mockup Units.
• Strong experience in developing analytical methods and numerical models, including use of Python.
• Knowledge of some combination of the following: heat pumps, thermal energy storage, water heaters, model predictive control, domestic hot water consumption patterns, residential buildings.
• Knowledge of  time-varying electricity prices such as time of use rates, P-node prices, or highly dynamic prices.
• Ability to adjust work plans based on the needs of various stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of concepts and methods relevant to energy, environmental, market and/or technical research and analysis of energy/environmental equipment or systems.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including a demonstrated ability to present analytical methods and results to a non-specialist audience. 
• Ability to function well in meeting tight deadlines and adapting to rapidly changing work demands.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work well in both a team environment and independently.

Desired Qualifications:

• Advanced degree (e.g., M.S.) in engineering, physics, statistics, or related field.
• Experience in research and analysis of energy/environmental equipment, electric grid stability challenges, or load shifting controls.
• Experience applying data management tools in the context of energy, environmental, market, and/or technical research and analysis.
• Familiarity with energy conservation policies, practices, and technologies. 
• Familiarity with renewable energy production, electricity demand characteristics, utility carbon emissions, and grid stability challenges.
• Familiarity with basic principles and tools for data management.

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, 6 month, 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 $81,264.00-$137,136.00. The budgeted salary range that the Lab reasonably expects to pay for this position is $96,501.00-$106,659.00. 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.
• 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.

Equal Opportunity and IDEA Information Links:

Know your rights, click here for the supplement: Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law and the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision under 41 CFR 60-1.4.