Researcher / Sr. Researcher, Energy Systems & International Development (Remote Eligible)

Mathematica Policy Research • Princeton, NJ

5d • $140,000 - $155,000 • Remote

About The Position

Mathematica applies expertise at the intersection of data, methods, policy, and practice to improve well-being around the world. We collaborate closely with public- and private-sector partners to translate big questions into deep insights that improve programs, refine strategies, and enhance understanding. Our work yields actionable information to guide decisions in wide-ranging policy areas, from health, education, early childhood, and family support to nutrition, employment, disability, and international development. Mathematica offers our employees competitive salaries, and a comprehensive benefits package, as well as the advantages of being 100 percent employee owned. As an employee stock owner, you will experience financial benefits of ESOP holdings that have increased in tandem with the company’s growth and financial strength. You will also be part of an independent, employee-owned firm that is able to define and further our mission, enhance our quality and accountability, and steadily grow our financial strength. About the opportunity: Mathematica is looking for a highly motivated and skilled researcher to support anticipated evaluations in the energy sector in low- or middle-income countries. Researchers generate vital, timely evidence and learning that can help donors, practitioners, and policymakers improve programs, strengthen strategy, and make data-driven decisions. They design and execute user-focused evaluations and other measurement and learning efforts that help answer pressing research questions and translate findings into actionable lessons and recommendations. Our work in the energy sector includes rigorous evaluations using both traditional and innovative data sources as well as renewable energy market landscape assessments, case studies of employment associated with energy-sector investments, cost-benefit assessments of energy investments, and political economy analyses of financial and regulatory landscapes. Our findings have helped organizations adjust project implementation and informed the design of future energy investments while our engagement with utilities has promoted data-driven solutions to improve efficiency. We seek candidates that will thrive in a collaborative, team-based environment that prioritizes analytical rigor, critical thinking, and a client-centered approach. This role is ideal for individuals with strong writing, research and analytical skills, a passion for international development, and a commitment to using data and evidence to drive change. Important Employment Information: We are hiring for this skillset as we develop our business and generate work. However, if an offer is extended, it will be contingent upon the successful award of relevant work. If you accept the offer and the contingency is removed, you will join Mathematica as a full-time, regular employee. After applying, if you are considered for the opportunity, a member of the Talent Acquisition team would be happy to explain more details about the contingent nature of this role.

Requirements

• Postgraduate or doctoral degree in electrical engineering, physics, environmental science/ climate science, energy economics, energy policy, or other energy-related postgraduate training
• Minimum five years’ experience working in the energy sector (preferably the electricity sector) in a low- or middle-income country (LMIC) and deep understanding of the functions and relationships of energy sector institutions
• A broad understanding of the energy sector in multiple LMICs, including policy and regulatory frameworks, generation, transmission and distribution technologies, and energy finance
• Knowledge of climate-related energy topics such as solar and wind power, energy efficiency, energy system resilience, and battery storage
• Deep knowledge of and experience analyzing grid-level data sources such as utility, smart meter, and grid sensor data
• Excellent understanding of power systems and an ability to interpret power systems analysis and modeling
• Familiarity with evaluation methodologies and experience in the use of quantitative and qualitative research methods
• Ability to translate complex concepts into simple terms for non-specialist stakeholders
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work across cultural contexts
• Willingness to travel to project locations
• Fluency in written and spoken English

Nice To Haves

• proficiency in written and spoken French strongly preferred
• Demonstrated leadership of complex, multi‑country or multi‑stakeholder research or evaluation projects, including managing timelines, deliverables, teams, and client relationships.
• Proven ability to lead business development efforts, such as conceptualizing and writing winning technical proposals, cultivating client relationships, and identifying strategic growth opportunities.
• Track record of mentoring and developing junior researchers, fostering technical excellence, and contributing to a collaborative, high‑performance team culture.
• Recognized expertise in the energy sector, reflected through published work, conference presentations, or advisory roles, and the ability to represent the organization externally with donors, government partners, and other stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Serve as technical expert on evaluations of diverse energy sector investments, including (but not limited to) grid expansion and service quality improvements, off-grid systems, utility performance and energy sector reform, private investment in energy finance, renewable energy and energy efficiency, grid digitization, and energy systems planning
• Advise on data sources that could be used to measure outcomes or key performance indicators for various MEL activities in the energy sector, coordinate with technical stakeholders to obtain administrative, grid-level, and other relevant data, and validate the quality of those data
• Integrate open-source and widely available data platforms related to energy and climate into MEL work
• Conduct key informant interviews with a diverse range of stakeholders, including program participants, engineers, utility staff, policy makers, and donors
• Provide input on evaluation design and primary data collection instruments such as interview protocols and survey questionnaires
• Provide written summaries and analysis of findings from document review, interviews, and quantitative data analysis
• Perform other analyses of the energy sector in low- and middle-income countries, including landscape assessments, case studies, and political economy analyses
• Translate complex engineering and regulatory concepts into non-technical terms for the research team, partner organizations, and clients
• Represent Mathematica and its MEL activities in the energy sector to external stakeholders in program countries
• Stay current with developments in open data resources and remote-sensing to enhance data-driven decision-making

Benefits

• Mathematica offers our employees competitive salaries, and a comprehensive benefits package, as well as the advantages of being 100 percent employee owned.
• As an employee stock owner, you will experience financial benefits of ESOP holdings that have increased in tandem with the company’s growth and financial strength.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree