Sr Energy Researcher; Eng​/Env Policy Researcher IV

Overview

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is hiring a Sr Energy Researcher (Eng/Env Policy Researcher IV) within the Energy Analysis division.

The Energy Markets and Planning (EMP) Department conducts analysis of topics centered on the U.S. energy sector. Our research seeks to inform public and private decision-making on issues such as electricity system planning, energy resources and delivery, new large loads, reliability, affordability and utility regulation.

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!

We invest in our employees by offering a total rewards package you can count on:

Exceptional health and retirement benefits, including pension or 401K-style plans

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)

You will lead advanced research projects involving economic, market, and/or technical research that informs the development of energy markets and regulations. You will ensure the timely conveyance of all project deliverables, including technical documents and analyses, memos, briefing materials, and ad hoc requests from public and private decision-makers and stakeholders. You will provide strategic advice on technical issues and maintain strong relationships with decision-makers, funders, and collaborators.

This position has an anticipated start date of May 18, 2026.

• You will lead advanced research projects on electricity system planning, including for bulk power and distribution systems; energy resources and delivery, new large loads, energy affordability and utility regulation
• Exercise independent judgment in determining research objectives, approaches, and methods, including for new or special projects or assignments, with primary responsibility for determining objectives of work
• Resolve complex issues to enable states, regulators, regional grid operators and utilities to develop and implement guidance, regulation and programs to achieve their energy goals
• Direct the design and application of sophisticated analytical methods, and direct analysis of data as required for in-depth evaluation of technical and regulatory topics
• Identify and define research needs and develop short- and long-term research priorities. Prepare proposals and budgets to secure funding from DOE and other sponsors to perform the research
• Develop, assign, conduct, and manage work scopes, budgets, and tasks to ensure completion of projects on time and on budget, and review and provide feedback on staff work
• Strategically advise on technical assistance to state public utility commissions, state energy offices, and electric utilities on electricity system planning and related topics
• Present complex technical concepts, methods and results to decision-makers and stakeholders at conferences and meetings
• Lead development and drafting of technical reports and other written products
• Lead the conceptualization and development of one or more program work streams, with primary responsibility for raising funds and maintaining strong relationships with funders and collaborators, primary responsibility for determining project objectives, and overall responsibility for execution of project tasks
• Lead the development of resolutions to significant, unique problems and exercise independent judgment in applying methods and techniques for obtaining results
• Directly supervise project staff of 3-5

• 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 12 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 either electric utility regulation, rate making, 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
• 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
• 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 guidance to a…