Technology Researcher

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s (LBNL ) Building Technology Urban Systems Division has an opening for a Technology Researcher (EETR.1) to join the team.

In this exciting role, you will be an integral part of the Department of Energy's core windows team, leading research related to window technologies. The EETR.1 will collaborate with an interdisciplinary team of researchers and conduct research including gathering and processing data and performing analyses and developing advanced analytical and modeling tools. You will apply principles and concepts from energy/market/engineering analysis and provide the technical support to applied research activities advancing the energy performance of windows, with a specific emphasis on thermal measurements and modeling pertaining to various aspects of windows, window systems, window shading, and the broader realm of building facades.

These research efforts encompass the development and testing of theories related to technology adoption and market transformation, as well as the analysis, improvement, and evaluation of the performance characteristics of technologies that are significant to market participants. The role involves creating tools and resources to accelerate the adoption of these technologies, along with assisting in disseminating the results with key stakeholders.

You will be expected to make contributions to the creation of mathematical models and algorithms applicable to windows and building facades and conduct research and analysis in the areas of energy, economics, the environment, the market, and technical aspects of energy-efficient equipment and systems.

What You Will Do:

• Perform laboratory and field measurements of thermal and solar-optical properties of glazing, windows components, and window systems.
• Contribute to the development of innovative technology solutions for windows and window shading.
• Perform building energy simulations to support building demand flexibility related research, including batch runs and results diagnosis using EnergyPlus and OpenStudio, post-process outputs into meaningful tables and charts.
• Provide resolutions to problems of moderately complex scope.
• Contribute to research projects, tasks and organizational objectives of moderate scope with oversight from senior staff.
• Collaborate in a team environment, participate in team meetings, and contribute to conceptualizing, developing, and improving analysis approaches and workflows.
• Contribute to technical reports, presentations, publications and outreach materials for internal and external audiences.
• Interact and collaborate with other internal and external researchers on a variety of activities.
  

Additional Responsibilities as needed:

• Calibration and maintenance of measurement sensors and equipment.
• Maintenance and development of data acquisition software in support of measurement activities.
• Contribute to synthesizing information and data from the literature to support multiple projects in the research direction, technical products and proposal development.
• Periodic travel for project needs, meetings and industry conferences.
• Participate in developing new proposals related to windows and related technologies.
• May supervise the activities of nonexempt personnel.
  

What is Required:

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent knowledge) in architectural, mechanical, civil, or electrical engineering or a related field with extensive professional technical experience or additional education related to the position duties; typically minimum 2 years.
• Experience in experimental design, setup and data processing including use of data analytics packages (e.g. Python) and online collaboration platform (e.g. Github) to process, visualize, and model data generated from energy simulations, lab testing or real building data.
• Knowledge in residential and commercial building systems, energy efficiency strategies and technologies.
• Advanced heat transfer knowledge.
• Demonstrated ability to quickly learn new concepts, topics and tools.
• Demonstrated ability to solve problems independently and being proactive in identifying issues, initiate appropriate actions, and propose solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to manage time effectively across multiple projects, complete tasks within specified budgets and meet project deadlines.
• Skilled in EnergyPlus modeling, Python data science and version control platforms (e.g. Github).
• Experience in lab testing or other hands-on experiments.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work well in both a team environment and independently.
  

Desired Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in architectural, mechanical, civil engineering or a related field.
• Work experience in a research or energy consulting environment.
• Research experience, including literature reviews, and coordination with and managing relationships with partners.
• Experience in data visualization using Python packages.
• Experience in technical and publication writing.
• Strong experience in developing analytical methods and numerical models.
• Knowledge in the following topics (not all required): commercial building end use systems; HVAC system design and operations; retro-commissioning; utility energy efficiency programs, measurements & verification (M&V); energy use baselining and benchmarking; electrification; etc.
• Knowledge of residential and commercial building energy policy and codes.
• Knowledge in statistics related to quantifying model prediction errors, sensitivity/uncertainty analysis, regression modeling, and other modeling techniques.
  

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, 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.