Energy Research Intern
About The Position
As an intern supporting the WRI Polsky Energy Center’s global research and data function, you will gain hands-on experience developing high-impact research to advance the clean energy transition. This role offers exposure to applied research careers in a non-profit setting, with opportunities to see how research translates into real-world impact. The internship includes both research support and project coordination responsibilities. Research support: Support the development of one or more major research products, which may include the WRI Polsky Energy Center’s flagship report on electricity demand growth and/or other reports on topics such as clean industrial heat, electric transport as a grid asset, or critical minerals, depending on program needs and the intern’s interest and expertise Tasks may include literature reviews, data gathering and analysis, research synthesis, drafting content, fact-checking, and quality assurance Project coordination: Coordinate team meetings, including scheduling, agendas, notes, and action items Organize knowledge-sharing events like brownbags and research seminars Support knowledge management and documentation systems Facilitate communication across WRI's global research network
Requirements
- Enrollment in or recent completion of a master’s or PhD program in a relevant field (e.g. energy, environmental science, economics, public policy, engineering, sustainability)
- Familiarity with one or more of the priority themes of the WRI Polsky Energy Center: Transmission and distribution infrastructure; finance; critical minerals; large buyer energy demand; clean energy siting; energy entrepreneurship and workforce issues.
- Skills in research design, data analysis, and project coordination
- Existing work authorization is required at the time of application submission as WRI is unable to sponsor any visa work sponsorship for this position.
- Must be a resident of DC, Maryland or Virginia at the start of employment.
Nice To Haves
- Deepen your knowledge of energy transition challenges such as large load growth, grid modernization, critical minerals, and workforce issues
- Gain exposure to how rigorous, independent research is produced and used to create impact by a mission-driven, non-profit organization
- Gain experience coordinating across global, multidisciplinary research teams
- Develop skills in research design, data analysis, and project coordination
Responsibilities
- Support the development of one or more major research products, which may include the WRI Polsky Energy Center’s flagship report on electricity demand growth and/or other reports on topics such as clean industrial heat, electric transport as a grid asset, or critical minerals, depending on program needs and the intern’s interest and expertise
- Tasks may include literature reviews, data gathering and analysis, research synthesis, drafting content, fact-checking, and quality assurance
- Coordinate team meetings, including scheduling, agendas, notes, and action items
- Organize knowledge-sharing events like brownbags and research seminars
- Support knowledge management and documentation systems
- Facilitate communication across WRI's global research network
Benefits
- The pay for this internship opportunity is $20/hour for undergrads; $22/hour for graduates and $24/hour for PhD students.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Intern
