Research Associate

Clearpath Robotics by Rockwell Automation • Washington, DC

4d

About The Position

ClearPath is seeking a creative analyst and energy systems thinker to join us as our Research Associate. Candidates with more years of experience, strong skills and demonstrated impact are encouraged to apply and may be considered for a title of Senior Research Associate, depending on qualifications. ClearPath focuses its policy recommendations on the most economical pathways to deep decarbonization of the U.S. economy, focusing on the role energy innovation can play in reducing and removing emissions

This role will support ClearPath’s public thought leadership and internal strategy and decision-making across our entire policy portfolio. The position will be on the Clean Power, Natural Resources, and Research team, but will collaborate with other team members on cross-cutting issues and initiatives. The Research Associate will be responsible for supporting analysis on clean energy technologies and policies, publishing policy briefs and reports, fostering external relationships, and identifying research opportunities.

Requirements

• Degree in a relevant field (environmental science, energy analysis & policy, economics, computer science, public policy, engineering, etc).
• Deep interest in energy and environmental research and policy.
• Comfortable with and able to quickly learn technical concepts.
• Proficient in Excel and/or a programming language such as R, Stata, or Python.
• Proficient in AI-assisted research and analysis, and in applying rigorous output verification and auditing.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills (verbal and written).
• A professional and personal commitment to ClearPath’s mission and values.
• Ability and willingness to travel up to 10% of the time.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree in a relevant field (environmental science, economics, computer science, public policy, engineering, etc).
• 1-3 years of experience in a related field (energy systems modeling, energy finance, energy project development, or regulatory analysis).
• Experience conducting geospatial analysis with the ESRI suite, QGIS, and/or Python.
• Experience in energy systems engineering and/or modeling (such as REeDS, PLEXOS, NEMS, GenX, or RIO).

Responsibilities

• Draft and provide peer review on high-level, quick, and in-depth quantitative analysis and research of policy and industry trends
• Produce concise research insights and written products pertaining to legislative, regulatory and innovation activities across the federal government
• Support the development of flexible, generic pro forma project finance models to hone ClearPath's internal perspective on the status and future performance targets needed to commercialize a range of clean energy technologies
• Support modeling efforts to evaluate and communicate policy opportunities and technology developments
• Develop subject matter expertise through networking and research
• Support rapid response initiatives when questions arise on Capitol Hill.
• Publish regularly on findings through both ClearPath internal channels and industry and potentially academic publications
• Follows guidelines to implement strategy, uses research and existing structures to guide work products, and seeks out opportunities to add value
• Participate in policymaker education efforts, both through written materials and high-impact presentations
• Support the identification of research gaps that can be leveraged for growth.
• Assist in partnerships with external partners, such as universities and energy modeling firms, to deliver high-impact energy and climate insights.
• Communicate complex ideas clearly, simply and convincingly, internally and externally to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Cultivate collaborative relationships with key stakeholders; they will represent ClearParth in a credible manner and with ease.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• Retirement Benefit offering an employer matching contribution of employee contributions $1 for $1 on the first 5% of pay you contribute
• No vacation policy - take what you need whenever workflow and coverage allows, with manager approval
• Fully stocked office kitchen in newly renovated office on Capitol Hill

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees