Associate

Synapse Energy Economics•Cambridge, MA

25d•$64,000 - $96,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Are you passionate about decarbonization and looking to help transform the US electricity system? Do you enjoy tackling complicated problems with robust analysis and thoughtful communication? If yes, Synapse has a position for you. Synapse is a consulting company that has been providing rigorous analysis on behalf of public interest clients in the energy sector for more than 25 years. Our work includes expert analysis, reports, and high-impact expert witness testimony in docketed proceedings before public utility commissions across the country and in Canada. Our clients are primarily environmental non-profits, state agencies, federal agencies, and consumer and environmental advocacy groups. Synapse Energy Economics is seeking an ambitious and creative researcher with exceptional quantitative and writing skills. The ideal candidate is eager to learn about Synapse’s wide range of expertise and has a strong interest in analyzing large data sets to uncover key insights about the electric industry. Candidates should be committed to advancing sustainability, environmental justice, and consumer protection. This role is hybrid and based in Central Square in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Requirements

Degree in Economics, Energy and Environmental Policy, Physical Sciences, Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, or related field.
A relevant bachelor’s degree and 2+ years of relevant industry experience (energy, economics, and/or engineering sector.) Graduate education can substitute for an equivalent number of years of industry experience (ex. a one-year master’s program in a relevant degree would substitute for one year of work experience)
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work and communicate well in teams.
Ability to multitask and prioritize critical tasks and conflicting requirements.
Ability to develop and implement research strategies to support project and client needs.
Excellent math and spreadsheet skills, including attention to detail related to unit conversions, discount rates, nominal and real dollars, and other economic principles.
Ability to synthesize and summarize research and analysis.
Ability to work and communicate well with project managers and team members.
Ability to manage complex tasks with competing priorities and time requirements.

Nice To Haves

Any of the following qualifications will be considered an asset:
A master’s degree in economics, physics, engineering or similar field
Work experience in a consulting environment.
Proficiency with programming languages like Python, R, or MATLAB.
Experience with EnCompass, PLEXOS, ReEDs, SERVM, or IMPLAN.

Responsibilities

The Associate will provide economic analyses to support Synapse project work on a wide range of topics. Topics may include energy efficiency, renewable energy technologies, resource planning, electricity rates, electric vehicles, environmental regulations, and electricity markets. This person will also play a lead role projects related to policy and planning, electricity modeling, and future of gas.
Perform analytical and research tasks under the supervision of project manager or other team members.
Research and analyze energy efficiency programs and strategies, as well as energy technology costs, savings, and market penetrations.
Perform economic analysis, including cost-benefit analysis and job impact analyses, of energy resources.
Maintain, use, and modify spreadsheet-based tools to analyze energy efficiency technologies, programs, and portfolios.
Perform economic analysis, including cost-benefit analysis, of energy resources.
Perform electric sector modeling tasks using various software and in-house models, including utility planning software and job and economic development impacts models.

Benefits

Generous and flexible PTO (35 days)
Flexible work hours and holidays, and the ability to choose a schedule that works for you
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (EOSP): a tax-deferred retirement plan that offers employees a chance to be partial owners of Synapse.
Profit-sharing bonuses
Work-life balance benefit: at the end of the year, salaried employees are compensated for every hour worked over their standard full-time work schedule
401K plan; including an employer safe harbor contribution of 3% of your annual salary regardless of individual contributions
Life insurance
Short- and long-term disability
Employee Assistance Program
Collaboration: everybody contributes, asks questions, proposes solutions, and works on interesting research and analysis
Extensive professional development opportunities
Cambridge, MA office space with sit-stand desks, lots of meeting space, indoor bike parking, and plenty of nitro cold-brew and kombucha on tap