Senior Researcher, Energy Finance and Policy

Job Type:

Position Description

RAND is seeking a senior researcher with strong substantive background and methodological skills to conduct research and to lead business development and outreach for RAND's priority in energy policy and technology. Key areas of expertise include energy project development and finance, energy security, geopolitics of energy transitions, emerging energy technologies, energy affordability, the interplay between climate and energy policy, and the governance dimensions of energy including interactions between federal and state governments and the role of public service commissions and utilities in setting energy policy and prices.

Researchers at RAND work on collaborative research teams, producing objective, scientific analyses in peer-reviewed journals and technical reports to guide policymakers on a diverse set of issues. These diverse, multidisciplinary teams include policy researchers, economists, psychologists, statisticians, social scientists, and others with relevant training. Researchers apply rigorous, empirical research designs to analyze policy issues and evaluate programs.

Staff members have opportunities to teach in the Pardee RAND Graduate School and to collaborate on projects across various research topics including health, education, education, labor, social and economic wellbeing, national security, and homeland security.

Specializations of interest include but are not limited to:

• Funding and finance mechanisms for energy technologies

• Science and technology policy for energy research, development, and deployment

• Scenario analysis of future domestic and international energy trajectories

• Costs, benefits, and trade-offs associated with energy policies and practices

• Governance of the energy sector including interactions among federal, state, local, and private sector actors

• Access and affordability dimensions of energy systems

Qualifications

All research positions at RAND require strong quantitative and/or qualitative research skills, strong analytic skills, excellent verbal and written communication skills, an interest in building a policy research portfolio, the ability to work effectively as a member of a multidisciplinary team, and a strong commitment to RAND's core values of quality and objectivity.

In addition, senior researchers are expected to conceptualize research studies, obtain extramural funding, to mentor and develop junior staff members, lead and direct multi-disciplinary teams, set project standards and monitor progress, and communicate interim and final results to the RAND community and to policy-making audiences. 

Education Requirements

Ph.D. in economics, engineering, physical sciences, public finance, law, or public policy with 8 years experience and demonstrable research leadership; or Master's degree with 15+ years experience and demonstrable research leadership and proficiency in energy technology and policy.

Experience

• Ten (10) years or more experience in business development and research leadership for federal Contracts and Grants; experience working with foundations and state and local governments preferred.

• Five (5) years or more experience in leadership/supervisory positions leading staff and teams.

Location

Washington DC; Pittsburgh, PA; Santa Monica, CA; or Boston, MA. Fully remote may be considered.

Application Materials

A CV, cover letter, and one writing sample (pdf documents preferred) are required when applying.

Salary Range: $152,700 - $262,500

Hiring ranges for Economists, Management Scientists and Physician Researchers are slightly higher than the ranges shown.

RAND considers a variety of factors when formulating an offer, including but not limited to, the specific role and associated responsibilities; a candidate’s work experience, education/training, skills, expertise; and internal equity. Successful candidates will be offered employment as a Senior researcher in a specific title, as determined by the candidate's education and experience. The salary range includes base pay plus RAND’s sabbatic pay (which provides additional compensation above base pay when vacation is taken). In addition, RAND provides comprehensive benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, paid time-off and more.

Equal Opportunity Employer: race/color/religion/sex/sexual orientation/gender identity/national origin/disability/vet