Scientist I

University of Wisconsin Madison • Madison, WI

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Scientist will be working on research design, data collection, modeling, dissemination, and research coordination on building electrification and natural gas transitions as part of multiple projects. Specific tasks will include: (1) modeling the performance of building electrification approaches, including heat pumps and other home upgrades, across various criteria (e.g., cost, peak load shaving, emissions, etc.) and (2) modeling the benefits and costs of building electrification strategies at the household, neighborhood, and city scale, including the effects on energy bills for residential natural gas customers and performance of the natural gas distribution network. They will prepare high quality reports and journal articles on the results targeted to top scientific publications and collaborate with other researchers on building electrification projects across the lab. They will also assist in the preparation of reports and new grants related to these topics. This work requires an interdisciplinary environmental perspective appropriate for the Center for Sustainability and the Global Environment at the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies. 50% - 100% FTE Partial remote, fully remote optional based on mutually agreed upon agreement with supervisor

Requirements

• Doctoral training in applied optimization including designing and implementing mixed integer programming models related to sustainable infrastructure systems.
• Postdoctoral research experience in building energy modeling including modeling the operational costs and benefits of heat pumps and other heating technologies in residential buildings.
• Postdoctoral research experience in natural gas and geothermal networks including experience modeling the cost and performance of these systems under different scenarios.
• Experience working in a team environment and performing mixed quantitative and qualitative research, including conducting interviews with intermediaries (auditors and contractors).
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including excellent data visualization skills.
• Experience mentoring undergraduate and graduate students on energy and decarbonization projects.

Nice To Haves

• PhD required in Chemical Engineering.

Responsibilities

• Assists with the identification of research problems and the development of research methodologies and procedures
• Collects and analyzes research data, conducts experiments and interviews, and documents results according to established policies and procedures under general supervision and limited responsibility
• Attends and assists with the facilitation of scholarly events and presentations in support of continued professional development and the dissemination of research information
• Writes or assists in developing grant applications and proposals to secure research funding
• Conducts literature reviews, prepares reports and materials, and disseminates information to appropriate entities
• Serves as a main point of contact and liaison with internal and external stakeholders providing information and representing the interests of a specialized research area

What This Job Offers

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