Energy Transitions Scientist

Job Description

The Energy Transition Scientist/Postdoc is a full-time, 2-year term position within the Energy Transitions Engagement & Analysis Branch and reports to the Branch Lead. For candidates with doctoral degrees, this is equivalent to a 2-year postdoctoral role. This role sits at the intersection of rigorous quantitative research and real-world policy impact, conducting data analysis across energy systems, consumer costs, grid reliability, greenhouse gas emissions, and clean energy transitions in the power, transportation, building, agriculture, and industrial sectors.

The scientist leads specific project components as an independent contributor and grows into broader project leadership over time. Initial projects center on data analysis and visualization related to energy transitions in the context of environmental burden reduction, affordability, energy equity, and community resilience.

Success in this role looks like: delivering high-quality analyses and written products independently and on schedule; leading project components and growing toward project leadership; communicating technical findings clearly to non-technical audiences including policymakers and community partners; and contributing to a collaborative, mission-driven team culture across multiple concurrent projects. Deep expertise across every focus area is not expected, strong candidates can demonstrate depth in a few areas and working knowledge in others.

While this is a term position, there may be the option to extend past the 2-year term based on mutual agreement.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Research & Scientific Collaboration: Conduct data analysis, synthesize research, create and edit reports, visualize data, and lead specific PSE research efforts. Collaborate with internal and external researchers, NGOs, governmental agencies, and community partners.
• Modeling: Develop and apply energy modeling and statistical tools across a wide range of topics; validate and interpret model results.
• Data Analysis & Management: Manage large datasets including extraction, organization, cleaning, analysis, and interpretation. Develop and maintain data and code management systems.
• Programming: Use programming tools (Python, R, or equivalent) in desktop and cloud-based environments for data processing, statistical analysis, visualization, and workflow optimization.
• Scientific Communication & Outreach: Write clear scientific explanations for media and blog posts; communicate scientific concepts to citizens, policymakers, NGOs, and the media; produce summaries and rapid-response analyses for the public and decision-makers.
• Stakeholder Support: Provide technical assistance to policymakers, communities, and organizations; synthesize and communicate data across multiple stakeholder settings at the science-policy interface.
• Project Contributions: Conduct independent research and analysis across multiple projects; assist in publishing peer-reviewed research and developing rigorous science to inform policy.
• Project Support & Mentorship: Provide guidance and mentorship to team members and earlier-career staff as needed. This role may include supervisory responsibilities such as managing staff or collaborators on specific projects; candidates should be open to taking on this responsibility as the role and team evolve.
• Fundraising Support: Contribute scientific expertise to grant proposals and stakeholder engagement efforts.

Required Skills

• Proficiency in energy systems modeling, statistical analysis, and other related analytical methods.
• Proficiency working with and managing large datasets and conducting statistical analysis.
• Proficiency with Python, R, Stata, SPSS, Tableau, GIS, and/or other analytical and data visualization tools.
• Strong verbal communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex technical information clearly to diverse audiences including policymakers, community partners, and non-technical stakeholders.
• Strong writing skills for scientific, policy, and general audiences.
• Ability to pivot from strong analytical and data-driven thinking to highly creative and strategic thinking.
• Ability to engage on multiple projects and prioritize effectively.
• Ability to productively provide and receive feedback.

Desired Skills

• Proficiency in cloud computing platforms (e.g., Amazon Web Services).
• Proficiency in power planning models such as capacity expansion and production cost modeling.
• Proficiency in distributed energy systems designs and modeling such as behind-the-meter solar and storage, demand response, and virtual power plants
• Proficiency in software best practices and version control (e.g., Github).
• Proficiency in developing web-based data visualizations.
• Proficiency in geographic or mapping software (e.g., ArcGIS).

Minimum Qualifications

• Alignment with PSE Healthy Energy's mission to bring science to energy policy and commitment to our core values.
• A PhD or equivalent experience (Master's + 3 years; or Bachelor's + 5 years) in engineering, energy systems, economics, environmental science, or a related field.
• Experience in research and/or consulting in energy and/or energy policy, especially in areas of energy transitions, affordability, and resilience.
• A proven record of quality and timeliness in production of work deliverables, on schedule that meet professional standards and organizational expectations.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively and independently, with strong multitasking and prioritization.
• A commitment to scientific and moral integrity.
• Attention to detail and a desire to learn.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience working at the science-policy interface and/or community-based research.
• A desire to translate complex technical information to non-technical audiences.
• A strong interest in stakeholder engagement.
• A sense of humor and enthusiasm for impactful, collaborative work.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive Salary: Commensurate with experience and qualifications.​ (Range: $89K - $102K)
• Health Benefits: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement Plan: 401(k) with employer match
• Flexible spending accounts
• Flexible time off and 15 Paid holidays
• Professional Development: Opportunities for continued education and training
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible working hours and remote work options

Because our team works remotely across the country, PSE uses national market rates to ensure compensation is fair and consistent regardless of where you live. Salaries are set within established bands that we apply equitably across all staff.

Location and Work Conditions

Remote within the United States. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship (e.g., H-1B, O-1, etc).

Extended or irregular work hours will be required during project sprints or rollouts. Position requires computer usage and sitting for extended periods of time, good hand-eye coordination, arm, hand, and finger dexterity, including ability to grasp, and visual acuity to use a keyboard, operate equipment and read technical information. Overall mobility is essential.

Equal Opportunity Employer

PSE Healthy Energy is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity and expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

E-Verify Notice

PSE Healthy Energy participates in E-Verify. We will provide the Social Security Administration, and if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security, with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. Please note that we do not use this information to pre-screen job applicants.