Energy Research Assoicate (Temporary)

The Union of Concerned Scientists puts rigorous, independent science to work to solve our planet's most pressing problems. Joining with citizens across the country, we combine technical analysis and effective advocacy to create innovative, practical solutions for a healthy, safe, and sustainable future. 

Learn more about UCS on our website. 

Position Overview

Assist with research and analysis to advance understanding of
renewable and conventional energy technologies, policies, and markets. The Energy
Research Associate would be responsible for supporting a team of energy
analysts on a variety of projects related to our Energy Campaign and Program
Development work, focusing on renewable energy, energy efficiency, natural gas,
coal, and energy resilience. 

This is a temporary, benefits-eligible position lasting from time of hire (June start date anticipated) through September 30, 2014 and is based in UCS's Cambridge office.   

Responsibilities

• Participate in a variety of national, regional,
  and state level analyses and reports. Gather and analyze data using
  spreadsheets, and assist in writing reports and other materials. Maintain
  accuracy, credibility, readability and timeliness of all written material.
• Work with other UCS energy analysts to collect,
  analyze and evaluate cost and performance data on existing energy projects (all
  technologies) and future projections for use in the development of assumptions
  for in-house modeling of energy and climate policies.
• Conduct literature reviews and searches to
  monitor and assess current and ongoing research and trends in advanced clean
  energy technology, market, and policy issues, and related fields. Evaluate and synthesize articles, books,
  abstracts and other publications.
• Assist senior-level staff in scoping and
  evaluating new areas of research for the Climate & Energy Program,
  primarily with respect to the resilience of our electricity sector to the
  impacts of climate change.
• Research and respond to inquiries from members,
  sponsors, other organizations and general public about energy related issues;
  promote UCS position and objectives; support public outreach of Energy
  Campaign; attend various public forums, meetings, or events.
• Help maintain clean energy section of UCS website
  by working with research, outreach, and communication staff to strengthen web
  presence and content, including drafting, reviewing, and editing web pages as
  appropriate.  

Qualifications and Experience 

• Position requires general knowledge of energy field, with emphasis on
  clean energy technologies, policies and markets, and their political, social,
  environmental, and economic ramifications.
• A solid understanding of renewable
  energy technologies, global warming, energy efficiency, and electricity systems
  is preferred. Also needed is a familiarity with general economic and
  environmental concepts and issues, and strong quantitative and analytical
  skills.
• Proficiency in personal computer applications, including spreadsheet,
  word processing, and basic programming is necessary.
• Advanced skills in using
  Microsoft Excel to process and analyze large datasets are preferred.
• Basic GIS
  skills and familiarity with mapping is also a plus.  
• Bachelor's degree is required. Masters
  preferred.
• Position requires at least two years of energy or other related research. 
• At
  UCS, comparable training and/or experience can be substituted for degrees when
  appropriate.  

Compensation: For candidates who meet all
position requirements, the annualized salary would be around $40,000 (roughly
$19-21/hour). UCS offers excellent
benefits and a rewarding work environment, and is an equal opportunity employer continually seeking to diversify its
staff and to broaden opportunities for individuals from demographic groups that
are historically underrepresented in the sciences and in environmental
advocacy.  

To Apply

• Please click below: "Apply Now Online!" to email a cover letter, salary requirements, how you learned about the position
  and resume.
• Be sure to include "Energy Research Associate"
  in the subject line. Email materials in Word or PDF format only.
• No phone calls
  please.
• Deadline: May 26, 2014 or
  until filled.

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