Energy-Environment-Economy Scientist

Overview

The Earth and Biological Sciences Directorate (EBSD) leads novel and necessary research in three core areas: Atmospheric and Climate Sciences, Biological Sciences, and Environmental Molecular Sciences. The contributions of EBSD staff are many as we continue to elevate the impact of PNNL’s science mission: to understand, predict, and control the complex adaptive systems underlying the science behind Earth, energy, and security.

Responsibilities

The Joint Global Change Research Institute (JGCRI) at PNNL seeks a Senior Energy-Environment-Economy Scientist to conduct research in one or more of the following areas: clean energy policies with a major focus on energy system transitions and climate change resilience, net-zero strategies and their implementation, and analysis of specific energy technology and policy areas. The primary assignment location is at JGCRI in College Park, Maryland. It is anticipated that the successful candidate will lead or contribute to multiple projects including technical analysis, research using JGCRI’s flagship Global Change Analysis Model (GCAM), collaborations with the University of Maryland’s Center for Global Sustainability, and proposal development.

The anticipated tasks may include:

• Contributing to high-impact clean energy policy research, modeling and analysis including publications, presentations at scientific and technical conferences, and presentations to internal and external stakeholders.
• Topics may include:
• Climate ambition assessments in major economies
• Long-term climate and development strategies
• Technology and policy analysis related to clean energy, for example, building efficiency policies
• Financing the energy and climate transition toward net zero
• Just and equitable energy and economic transitions
• Strategies for fossil fuel phaseout
• Non-CO2 greenhouse gas emissions, including methane
• Developing and implementing project-based theories of change, where stakeholder engagement and research outputs align with critical and impactful clean energy transition outcomes
• Engaging with stakeholders and decision makers such as local and national governments, utilities and other private sector entities, and think tanks on highly impactful clean energy goals and science
• Modeling and analysis related to future energy transitions and resilience using the Global Change Analysis Model (GCAM) and regional and subnational versions of GCAM
• Collaborating with interdisciplinary scientists at JGCRI/PNNL, UMD’s Center for Global Sustainability, other collaborating research institutions, and sponsoring agencies)
• Writing and contributing to research proposals
• Managing multiple projects and tasks including coordination with clients, budgeting, staffing, and reporting
• Mentoring and supervising early career staff including graduate and post-graduate research associates

It is anticipated that the successful candidate will work on multiple projects with varying needs and tasks, including policy analysis, working with the Global Change Analysis Model (GCAM), and possibly other related models.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS/BA and 7+ years of relevant work experience -OR-
• MS/MA and 5+ years of relevant work experience -OR-
• PhD with 3+ year of relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD, MS or MA Degree in Public Policy, Engineering, Economics, Physical Science, or related field
• BS/BA with 9 years of experience, MS/MA with 7 years of experience, or PhD with 5 years of experience
• Strong project management experience, including mentoring and supervising early career staff and writing successful research proposals
• Knowledge of end-use and supply-side energy systems and/or energy policy
• Experience with energy-economic or multi-sector models
• Post-graduation research experience
• Meaningful experience working in policy environments outside of academia
• Record of publication in peer-reviewed journals
• Demonstrated success in proposal writing
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as a member of multi-disciplinary science teams
• Global experience in regions and countries such as India, Brazil and Latin America, Southeast Asia, and the United States
• Foreign language fluency would be a plus (Spanish, Portuguese, Southeast Asian languages, and Eastern European languages would all be languages of interest)

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

Not applicable

Additional Information

Not applicable

Testing Designated Position

This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP)

About PNNL

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!

At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, and flexible work schedules. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.

Commitment to Excellence, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Equal Employment Opportunity

Our laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment dedicated to solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. In support of this commitment, we encourage people of all racial/ethnic identities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at careers@pnnl.gov.

Drug Free Workplace

PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.

If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn. 

HSPD-12 PIV Credential Requirement

In accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, new employees are required to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

Mandatory Requirements

Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.

Rockstar Rewards

Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, supplemental parental bonding leave**, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company funded pension plan* and may enroll in our 401k savings plan. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.

• Research Associates excluded.
• Once eligibility requirements are met.

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Notice to Applicants

PNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual’s relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules.

As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position.

Minimum Salary

USD $141,300.00/Yr.

Maximum Salary

USD $223,300.00/Yr.

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