Economist 3 – Energy and Environmental Systems

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory•Portland, OR

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget. Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus. The Electricity Infrastructure and Buildings Division, part of the Energy and Environment Directorate, is accelerating the transition to an efficient, resilient, and secure energy system through basic and applied research. We leverage a strong technical foundation in power and energy systems and advanced data analytics to drive innovation, transform markets, and shape energy policy The Energy Policy, Economics, and Planning Group develops methods for analyzing economic impacts of energy system policies and regulations and defines new planning frameworks that speed the deployment of a modernized energy system. We work closely with subject matter experts across the broader Electricity Infrastructure & Buildings Division to support the Nation’s transition to an affordable, reliable, and secure energy system through innovative and actionable solutions. We are looking for an Economist III to serve as a technical contributor and task leader within a multidisciplinary team of engineers, economists, researchers, and analysts. This position will support applied economic research that evaluates technology and market trends, assesses impacts on energy systems and consumers, and analyzes implications for infrastructure investment, competitiveness, and system performance—research whose outcomes will inform strategies to strengthen U.S. energy infrastructure, enhance manufacturing competitiveness, and improve long-term system resilience.

Requirements

BS/BA and 5+ years of relevant work experience -OR- MS/MA and 3+ years of relevant work experience -OR- PhD with 1+ year of relevant experience
Requires U.S. Citizen, or Person who is currently in the U.S. or U.S. Territory with residency for the preceding 3 continuous years.

Nice To Haves

Graduate degree in economics (or closely related field). A doctorate degree is preferred.
Demonstrated understanding of energy science, energy policy, or technology assessment.
Expertise in lifecycle cost analysis, cost-benefit analysis, and technoeconomic analysis.
Proficient in econometric techniques and quantitative methods with capabilities in statistical tools (Python, R, or Stata).
Demonstrated ability to become familiar with technologies and technical concepts quickly, at sufficient depth for project analysis and comparison to other approaches.
Experience in the publication of technical reports and journal papers.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
A collaborative approach to problem-solving and the ability to work well with inter-disciplinary and geographically distributed teams.

Responsibilities

Understanding energy system economics, including market design, cost formation, and system impacts.
Experience analyzing energy market and economic data to assess technology trends, policy impacts, and consumer behavior.
Evaluating market structures, cost drivers, barriers to deployment, regulatory considerations, and supply chain dynamics affecting energy system outcomes.
Expertise in lifecycle cost analysis, cost-benefit analysis, and technoeconomic analysis to evaluate energy technologies and programs.
Proficient in econometric techniques and quantitative methods for program assessment and policy evaluation.
Skilled in applying economic and statistical tools to support energy investment, planning, and decision-making.
Communicating technical and economic findings clearly to policy makers, program managers, industry stakeholders, and technical audiences.

Benefits

Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, robust telehealth care options, several mental health benefits, free wellness coaching, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, relocation, backup childcare, legal benefits, supplemental parental bonding leave, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company-funded pension plan and may enroll in our 401 (k) savings plan with company match. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.

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