Energy Policy and Research Strategist (Gigawatt Fellow)

Utah State University•Taylorsville, UT

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

Joint position for the USU JQL Institute for Land, Water, and Air and the Utah Governor’s Office of Energy Development (OED). The position of of Energy Policy and Research Strategist (Gigawatt Fellow) is a temporary, two-year position, with the possibility of extending for one more year, contingent on funding. The JQL Institute for Land, Water, and Air is unable to offer a visa sponsorship. Must be authorized to work in the U.S for the duration of employment. Utah’s energy future depends on responsibly managing the tradeoffs of each electricity generation source, rather than prescribing a single scenario. The Gigawatt Fellow will further Utah’s any-of-the-above electricity strategy by approaching generation with a technology-neutral assessment of potential reliability, affordability, cleanliness, and security tradeoffs. The primary goal of this position is to take the Energy Tradeoffs Matrix in ILWAs 2025 Report to the Governor and substantially expand it in rigor, scope, and data-driven depth. This work will contribute to the larger national energy conversation, setting the standard for how states responsibly evaluate energy development in an era of growth and system transformation. The ideal candidate brings expertise and proven experience from fields such as energy development and production, policy analysis, and environmental science along with strategic judgement, excellent interpersonal skills, and ability to navigate complex issues. This job requires an ability to interpret highly technical information and data, then translate it into practical, visually compelling, and relatable briefs, papers, and presentations to a legislative audience. This position is eligible for hybrid work within the state of Utah.

Requirements

Master’s degree or PhD in energy systems, engineering, environmental science, public policy, energy economics, or a related field and 8 years of progressively responsible experience in energy policy analysis, legislative research, and/or regulatory affairs OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Demonstrated experience conducting energy, environmental or infrastructure analysis.
Demonstrated experience producing whitepapers, journal articles or literature reviews.
Demonstrated experience in delivering engaging and informative presentations to the general public and/or policy maker audiences.

Nice To Haves

Experience with lifecycle assessments, comparative infrastructure assessments, or techno-economic analysis.
Demonstrated experience translating academic research for policymakers and the public.
Demonstrated energy modeling or systems modeling expertise.
Demonstrated familiarity with electricity generation technologies.
Demonstrated familiarity with electrical grid operations.
Demonstrated familiarity with electricity markets, including developing markets in the western United States.
Knowledge of Utah water constraints and land-use considerations.
Knowledge of Utah air emissions considerations and regulations.

Responsibilities

Expand the ILWA Energy Tradeoffs Matrix by: Incorporating quantitative metrics, uncertainty ranges and explanations, and lifecycle considerations into the matrix.
Creating and implementing transparent analytical methodologies for assessing each generation resource.
Applying Utah-specific geographic, transmission, water use, and regulatory context.
Integrating with existing OED efforts in energy planning and system modeling to expand the matrix into the foundation for state energy planning and policy development.
Provide in-depth analysis of electricity generation tradeoffs including: Land use and siting constraints.
Water use, hydrologic impacts, and water quality.
Air emissions and environmental impact.
Cost structure (operational, capital, and systemic).
Generation capability, reliability assessments, and grid impact.
System infrastructure requirement and transmission implications.
Reinforce all assessments with academically defensible analysis, drawing on peer-reviewed literature, university and national lab partners, and primary industry data where appropriate.
Co-produce two year-end Reports to the Governor with OED and ILWA, summarizing key findings across the matrix dimensions.
Develop a series of interim policy briefs that distill ongoing insights for legislators, state officials, and stakeholders.
Present and participate in public-facing events to share findings, including presenting on the annual reports during an annual presentation.
Serve as the keystone of increased collaboration between OED, ILWA, and USU through: Monthly coordination meetings alternating between Logan and Salt Lake City locations.
Engagement with USU’s academic departments including the College of Engineering, Center for Anticipatory Intelligence, and others as needed.
Operate with a high degree of autonomy, initiating and managing research projects from conception to delivery with minimal supervision.
Be a self-starter and finisher.
Support an annual research agenda strategically aligned with anticipated legislative cycles and for emerging energy policy needs in the state of Utah.