Policy Researcher III

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory • Berkeley, CA

7d • $148,120 - $163,712 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Energy Markets and Planning (EMP) Department analyzes key issues in the U.S. energy sector to inform public and private decision-making on electricity planning, energy resources and delivery, large new loads, reliability, affordability, and utility regulation. In this role, you will lead energy, economic, market, and technical research that supports energy market development and regulation. Working with an interdisciplinary team, you will shape project objectives, develop analytical approaches, guide research efforts, and advise government decision-makers and stakeholders on complex energy issues. The position will provide technical guidance and support to staff and may also supervise staff. This position has an anticipated start date of August 3, 2026. We’re here for the same mission, to bring science solutions to the world. Join our team and YOU will play a supporting role in our goal to address global challenges! Have a high level of impact and work for an organization associated with 17 Nobel Prizes!

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent knowledge) in Energy & Resources, Public Policy, Economics, Business Administration, City & Regional Planning, Environmental Studies, Engineering, or a related discipline and a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience with increasing responsibility in program administration, planning, and conducting research projects, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Demonstrated experience with electric utility regulation
• Demonstrated experience with electricity technologies and programs
• Broad familiarity with energy-related policies, programs, regulations, and initiatives
• Demonstrated familiarity with electric power systems, programs and technologies
• Demonstrated experience with electricity system planning or operations
• Demonstrated experience with leading partnerships and managing day-to-day interactions with clients/funders, government agencies, industry partners and stakeholders
• Demonstrated experience with project management; knowledgeable and skilled in program/project planning, resource management (budget and staff) and scheduling
• Demonstrated ability to determine program requirements, estimate budget requirements, arrange for subcontracts where necessary, develop organizational and program plans
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including proven ability to identify and obtain information from diverse sources, conduct interviews, lead the production of high-quality, policy-relevant reports, and collaborate with other researchers
• Strong quantitative skills to conduct technical analysis
• Demonstrated ability to deliver high quality results on time and within budget
• Proficiency with MS Office suite
• Familiarity with interdisciplinary research methods and data analysis tools and techniques
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to lead, motivate, and provide clear technical and policy guidance to a project team
• Ability to both work independently with minimal supervision and work effectively with a multidisciplinary team

Nice To Haves

• Masters degree in Energy & Resources, Public Policy, Economics, Business Administration, City and Regional Planning, Environmental Studies, Engineering or a related field with a minimum 6 years of experience, or Ph.D. degree in Energy & Resources, Public Policy, Economics, Business Administration, City and Regional Planning, Environmental Studies, Engineering or a related field with a minimum of 3 years experience
• Professional experience, ideally working with utilities, states or local governments, on electricity-related regulatory issues or technologies
• Demonstrated experience with distribution system planning or operations
• Demonstrated experience with large loads or energy affordability
• Demonstrated experience with using energy-related software tools, datasets and/or databases, and engineering, environmental, or energy system models

Responsibilities

• Lead or contribute to advanced research on utility regulation, electricity planning, grid technologies, energy delivery, large new loads, and affordability
• Provide technical assistance to public utility commissions, state energy offices, and utilities
• Develop and apply analytical methods to evaluate technical and regulatory issues
• Identify research priorities and support proposal and budget development for DOE and other sponsors
• Lead smaller projects or serve as a senior contributor on major projects, managing scopes, budgets, timelines, and staff work
• Manage subcontractors and external consultants
• Present technical findings to decision-makers and stakeholders at meetings and conferences
• Contribute to technical reports and written publications
• Travel domestically as needed (typically 5–10 trips annually)
• May supervise exempt and nonexempt staff

Benefits

• Exceptional health and retirement benefits, including pension or 401K-style plans
• Opportunities to grow in your career - check out our Tuition Assistance Program
• A culture where you’ll belong - we are invested in our teams!
• In addition to accruing vacation and sick time, we also have a Winter Holiday Shutdown every year.
• Parental bonding leave (for both mothers and fathers)
• Pet insurance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior