Are you passionate about building an equitable clean energy future? Join a team of like-minded professionals who are working to help state, local, and federal governments reduce energy use and combat the climate crisis. With industry accounting for more than one-fourth of U.S. greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, its decarbonization is essential for combating climate change. Recent years have seen unprecedented federal investment in energy and climate and growing interest in decarbonization from industrial companies. This position will enable you join a dynamic, growing program at ACEEE at an exciting time for industrial policy in the U.S., and make a significant impact with your work.
About ACEEE:
The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) is a national nonprofit research organization based in Washington, DC. We conduct independent analysis and develop transformative policies to help the U.S. build a vibrant and equitable economy that uses energy more productively, protects the environment, and promotes health, safety, and well-being for all. ACEEE is committed to weaving equity into our research and policy work.
ACEEE’s organizational culture is collaborative and team-oriented with a strong commitment to its mission. We foster a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Staff work at an energetic pace within a dynamic and entrepreneurial environment with opportunities for professional growth and development. There is a high degree of workplace flexibility, with an emphasis on results, making ACEEE an enjoyable and fulfilling place to work.
Position Description:
The research assistant position provides a balance of research, analysis, and program support on a broad range of issues related to energy efficiency and industrial decarbonization. The research assistant has a variety of research opportunities, working with a well-respected and widely recognized team of experts within ACEEE’s industry program as well as collaborating with other programs at ACEEE (e.g., state, utility, and federal policy programs). ACEEE’s industrial research and policy work emphasizes issues of job creation, community development, and the environmental health benefits of emissions reductions. The individual in this position will build expertise relevant to a variety of industrial manufacturing and decarbonization technologies, learn about industrial policy, and contribute to impactful projects that address key challenges and opportunities related to decarbonization of the industrial sector in the U.S.
The core responsibilities of this role include:
- Perform research that connects industrial needs for decarbonization with policies that help lower technology adoption barriers and accelerate technology adoption. Project topics include technology advances and deployment paths to enable decarbonization (e.g., expansion of renewable energy) and reduce carbon and energy intensity in products across supply chains (e.g., low-carbon concrete, steel, chemicals), and initiatives to lower energy and GHG intensity in manufacturing (e.g., industrial electrification, strategic energy management)
- Support outreach to stakeholders for industrial energy efficiency programs and rulemaking
- Develop communication materials that explain complex, technical information for a broader audience (e.g., policymakers, the general public)
Expectations and Responsibilities:
- Highly analytical and attentive to detail. The assistant will conduct research involving complex quantitative and qualitative data; good spreadsheet analysis and organizational skills are essential.
- Excellent writing and presentation skills. The assistant will contribute to detailed research reports, white papers, fact sheets, and regulatory comments, and to presentation materials including formal presentations, webinars, and blog posts.
- Organizational and project coordination skills. The position requires skills in coordinating work on complex, long-term projects. The assistant should also be able to balance multiple projects and deadlines and communicate effectively with colleagues.
- Strong social skills and support for diversity, equity, and inclusion. The assistant will coordinate and collaborate with numerous ACEEE staff members on cross-cutting research projects as well as with external colleagues and partners. They should demonstrate awareness of and respect for cultural and individual values, and treat all people with dignity, respect, and fairness.
- Highly motivated, self-starter. The assistant must show initiative and be able to work independently.
- Tech-savvy and quick learner. The assistant will need to consult with other ACEEE staff to stay apprised of energy efficiency policies and programs and learn new technical skills on the job.
Qualifications:
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, political, environmental, or natural sciences, or related subject area. Would also consider more experienced candidates with at least two years of relevant experience or a master's degree in a relevant field
Strongly preferred:
- Experience with, or sound knowledge of, energy efficiency, carbon emissions, or industry
- Demonstrated passion for clean energy, environmental issues, and/or engaging with policymakers
- Interest in industrial policy
- Writing-intensive coursework or projects, or research experience
Preferred start date: Mid-February 2023. The position is located in Washington, DC, but open to remote work.
Salary: This is a full-time, exempt position. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience, and the starting range is $46,008 - $60,000. ACEEE’s generous benefits package includes health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance coverage; a 403(b)-retirement plan; transportation and bike-share benefits; three weeks of vacation in the first year and four weeks thereafter.
To apply: Click the link below to use the Paylocity Recruitment portal. We do not accept phone calls or emails about the position.
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ACEEE is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination with regard to race, sex, color, age, religion, creed, class, sexual orientation, national origin, and disability. ACEEE is committed to increasing diversity and inclusion in its organization and encourages applicants with diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds to apply.