Energy Policy and Research Strategist; Gigawatt Fellow

Overview

Joint position for the USU JQL Institute for Land, Water, and Air and the Utah Governor’s Office of Energy Development (OED). The position of Energy Policy and Research Strategist (Gigawatt Fellow) is a temporary, two-year position, with the possibility of extending for one more year, contingent on funding. The JQL Institute for Land, Water, and Air is unable to offer visa sponsorship.

Must be authorized to work in the U.S. for the duration of employment.

Utah’s energy future depends on responsibly managing the tradeoffs of each electricity generation source, rather than prescribing a single scenario. The Gigawatt Fellow will advance Utah’s any-of-the-above electricity strategy by approaching generation with a technology-neutral assessment of potential reliability, affordability, cleanliness, and security tradeoffs. The primary goal is to take the Energy Tradeoffs Matrix in ILWA’s 2025 Report and substantially expand it in rigor, scope, and data-driven depth.

This work will contribute to the larger national energy conversation and set the standard for how states responsibly evaluate energy development in an era of growth and system transformation.

The ideal candidate brings expertise and proven experience in energy development and production, policy analysis, and environmental science, along with strategic judgment, excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to navigate complex issues. This role requires interpreting highly technical information and data, then translating it into practical, visually compelling briefs, papers, and presentations to a legislative audience. This position is eligible for hybrid work within the state of Utah.

• Research and Analysis (50%)
  • Expand the ILWA Energy Tradeoffs Matrix by incorporating quantitative metrics, uncertainty ranges and explanations, and lifecycle considerations into the matrix.
  • Create and implement transparent analytical methodologies for assessing each generation resource.
  • Apply Utah-specific geographic, transmission, water use, and regulatory context.
  • Integrate with existing OED efforts in energy planning and system modeling to expand the matrix into the foundation for state energy planning and policy development.
  • Provide in-depth analysis of electricity generation tradeoffs including land use and siting constraints; water use, hydrologic impacts, and water quality; air emissions and environmental impact; cost structure (operational, capital, and systemic); generation capability, reliability assessments, and grid impact; system infrastructure requirements and transmission implications.
  • Reinforce all assessments with academically defensible analysis, drawing on peer-reviewed literature, university and national lab partners, and primary industry data where appropriate.
• Policy Engagement and Relationship Building (40%)
  • Co-produce two year-end Reports to the Governor with OED and ILWA, summarizing key findings across the matrix dimensions.
  • Develop a series of interim policy briefs that distill ongoing insights for legislators, state officials, and stakeholders.
  • Present and participate in public-facing events to share findings, including presenting on the annual reports during an annual presentation.
  • Serve as the keystone of increased collaboration between OED, ILWA, and USU through:
    • Monthly coordination meetings alternating between Logan and Salt Lake City locations.
    • Engagement with USU’s academic departments including the College of Engineering, Center for Anticipatory Intelligence, and others as needed.
• Project Management (10%)
  • Operate with a high degree of autonomy, initiating and managing research projects from conception to delivery with minimal supervision. Be a self-starter and finisher.
  • Support an annual research agenda strategically aligned with anticipated legislative cycles and for emerging energy policy needs in the state of Utah.

• Minimum Qualifications
  • Master’s degree or PhD in energy systems, engineering, environmental science, public policy, energy economics, or a related field and 8 years of progressively responsible experience in energy policy analysis, legislative research, and/or regulatory affairs OR an…