Energy Transitions Scientist

PSE Healthy Energy•Oakland, CA

46d•$89,000 - $102,000•Remote

About The Position

PSE Healthy Energy is an independent science and policy research institute dedicated to generating science-based energy and climate solutions that protect public health and the environment. Our multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and public health professionals conducts research and actionable work across five key practice areas: Clean Energy Transition, Environmental Public Health, Climate, Energy Equity, and Oil and Gas. We design our research around real-world challenges, proactively connecting our audiences with actionable, evidence-based information they can trust. The Energy Transition Scientist/Postdoc is a full-time, 2-year term position within the Energy Transitions Engagement & Analysis Branch and reports to the Branch Lead. For candidates with doctoral degrees, this is equivalent to a 2-year postdoctoral role. This role sits at the intersection of rigorous quantitative research and real-world policy impact, conducting data analysis across energy systems, consumer costs, grid reliability, greenhouse gas emissions, and clean energy transitions in the power, transportation, building, agriculture, and industrial sectors. The scientist leads specific project components as an independent contributor and grows into broader project leadership over time. Initial projects center on data analysis and visualization related to energy transitions in the context of environmental burden reduction, affordability, energy equity, and community resilience. Success in this role looks like: delivering high-quality analyses and written products independently and on schedule; leading project components and growing toward project leadership; communicating technical findings clearly to non-technical audiences including policymakers and community partners; and contributing to a collaborative, mission-driven team culture across multiple concurrent projects. Deep expertise across every focus area is not expected, strong candidates can demonstrate depth in a few areas and working knowledge in others. While this is a term position, there may be the option to extend past the 2-year term based on mutual agreement.

Requirements

Proficiency in energy systems modeling, statistical analysis, and other related analytical methods.
Proficiency working with and managing large datasets and conducting statistical analysis.
Proficiency with Python, R, Stata, SPSS, Tableau, GIS, and/or other analytical and data visualization tools.
Strong verbal communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex technical information clearly to diverse audiences including policymakers, community partners, and non-technical stakeholders.
Strong writing skills for scientific, policy, and general audiences.
Ability to pivot from strong analytical and data-driven thinking to highly creative and strategic thinking.
Ability to engage on multiple projects and prioritize effectively.
Ability to productively provide and receive feedback.
A PhD or equivalent experience (Master's + 3 years; or Bachelor's + 5 years) in engineering, energy systems, economics, environmental science, or a related field.
Experience in research and/or consulting in energy and/or energy policy, especially in areas of energy transitions, affordability, and resilience.
A proven record of quality and timeliness in production of work deliverables, on schedule that meet professional standards and organizational expectations.
Proven ability to work collaboratively and independently, with strong multitasking and prioritization.
A commitment to scientific and moral integrity.
Attention to detail and a desire to learn.

Nice To Haves

Proficiency in cloud computing platforms (e.g., Amazon Web Services).
Proficiency in power planning models such as capacity expansion and production cost modeling.
Proficiency in distributed energy systems designs and modeling such as behind-the-meter solar and storage, demand response, and virtual power plants
Proficiency in software best practices and version control (e.g., Github).
Proficiency in developing web-based data visualizations.
Proficiency in geographic or mapping software (e.g., ArcGIS).
Experience working at the science-policy interface and/or community-based research.
A desire to translate complex technical information to non-technical audiences.
A strong interest in stakeholder engagement.
A sense of humor and enthusiasm for impactful, collaborative work.

Responsibilities

Conduct data analysis, synthesize research, create and edit reports, visualize data, and lead specific PSE research efforts.
Collaborate with internal and external researchers, NGOs, governmental agencies, and community partners.
Develop and apply energy modeling and statistical tools across a wide range of topics; validate and interpret model results.
Manage large datasets including extraction, organization, cleaning, analysis, and interpretation.
Develop and maintain data and code management systems.
Use programming tools (Python, R, or equivalent) in desktop and cloud-based environments for data processing, statistical analysis, visualization, and workflow optimization.
Write clear scientific explanations for media and blog posts; communicate scientific concepts to citizens, policymakers, NGOs, and the media; produce summaries and rapid-response analyses for the public and decision-makers.
Provide technical assistance to policymakers, communities, and organizations; synthesize and communicate data across multiple stakeholder settings at the science-policy interface.
Conduct independent research and analysis across multiple projects; assist in publishing peer-reviewed research and developing rigorous science to inform policy.
Provide guidance and mentorship to team members and earlier-career staff as needed.
Contribute scientific expertise to grant proposals and stakeholder engagement efforts.