Research Analyst: Electric Sector Simulation Modeling
For Analysis of Environmental Policy, Energy Policy, and Infrastructure Investment
Location: Resources for the Future in Washington, DC
(In-person is optional until our office fully re-opens. Then in-person.)
Resources for the Future (RFF) is seeking a full-time Research Analyst. Research Analysts are essential members of the RFF Research and Policy Engagement team. They are responsible for technical work that, under the direction of RFF Fellows, allows for the production of compelling and impactful research that aligns with RFF’s mission of improving environmental, energy and natural resource decisions through impartial economic research and policy engagement.
The successful applicant will further develop and utilize the Engineering, Economic, and Environmental Electricity Simulation Tool (E4ST). E4ST is a sophisticated power system simulation software package for predicting the effects of environmental policies, other electricity policies, new transmission lines, and more. It projects power system operation and generator construction and retirement in successive years. It uses an unusually detailed, realistic transmission system model. If interested, you may read more about it at E4ST.com. This position provides strong preparation for doctoral programs and for research and analytical jobs, such as in academia, industry, and consulting. The work of RFF research analysts and their colleagues at RFF is often published in academic journals, and many former RFF research analysts have successfully obtained graduate degrees in the most selective Ph.D. programs in their fields. Salary is competitive (high $40Ks). The position is open now and we prefer to hire someone to start soon. However, those not available until the end of 2021 or spring/early summer 2022 should still apply. We plan to start scheduling interviews by October 18, 2021. However, we will leave the ad up, and continue to review applications, until the position is filled.
Resources for the Future (RFF) is an independent, nonprofit research institution in Washington, DC. RFF’s research and engagement activities center on the economics of: (1) designing smart emissions reduction strategies; (2) confronting risks and building resilience; and (3) cross-cutting issues and strategies. RFF seeks impact with decision makers in key venues, including at the federal, state, and international levels, and with the business community. Much of RFF’s current work is focused on strategies for addressing the climate challenge.
Specific Responsibilities:
- Understand, use, update, and improve the E4ST software, the extensive associated input datasets, and their documentation.
- Interpret, check, and use model outputs.
- Participate in analysis and writing for journal papers, memos, and presentations that use E4ST. This often has evolved toward an increasing role as an author.
- The job might also involve participating in other RFF research work. This might include work with another RFF power sector model, Haiku, which has different strengths.
Typical education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field, such as economics, engineering, mathematics, computer science, or natural sciences.
Typical prior work/internship/research experience: 0-3 years.
Desirable Skills:
- Software development. The successful applicant will have to understand, use, maintain, modify, document, and add features to the extensive code that makes up E4ST. Proficiency in coding in one or more languages, for example MATLAB, GAMS, Python, STATA, or R, is essential. The E4ST power sector model is coded in MATLAB, but we believe that software development skills are often largely transferable from one language to another.
- At least a basic understanding of constrained linear optimization. E4ST simulates the operation of the power system by employing a modified version of the type of optimization problem that power system operators solve to decide how to operate the power system. Drawing on principles of optimization, the successful applicant will have to be able to interpret the results and check for results that might indicate a problem.
- Ability to work with and without supervision in a careful and conscientious manner.
- Ability to communicate clearly in writing.
- Training or experience in any of the following is a plus but is not necessary: computer science, economics, and electrical engineering.
To Apply: https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=82929&clientkey=6F2AC920A789A528ADE40C4F938057D6
Fill out the online application and provide a resume and your post-secondary academic transcript(s). Unofficial transcripts are acceptable at this stage. Cover letters and references are optional at this stage. References will not be contacted without advance notice to the candidate. Email hr@rff.org if you encounter an application difficulty.
For other RFF job openings ranging from PhD-level jobs to summer internships, and to sign up for RFF job opening alerts, visit https://www.rff.org/careers/.
Research Analyst: Electric Sector Simulation Modeling
For Analysis of Environmental Policy, Energy Policy, and Infrastructure Investment
Location: Resources for the Future in Washington, DC
(In-person is optional until our office fully re-opens. Then in-person.)
Resources for the Future (RFF) is seeking a full-time Research Analyst. Research Analysts are essential members of the RFF Research and Policy Engagement team. They are responsible for technical work that, under the direction of RFF Fellows, allows for the production of compelling and impactful research that aligns with RFF’s mission of improving environmental, energy and natural resource decisions through impartial economic research and policy engagement.
The successful applicant will further develop and utilize the Engineering, Economic, and Environmental Electricity Simulation Tool (E4ST). E4ST is a sophisticated power system simulation software package for predicting the effects of environmental policies, other electricity policies, new transmission lines, and more. It projects power system operation and generator construction and retirement in successive years. It uses an unusually detailed, realistic transmission system model. If interested, you may read more about it at E4ST.com. This position provides strong preparation for doctoral programs and for research and analytical jobs, such as in academia, industry, and consulting. The work of RFF research analysts and their colleagues at RFF is often published in academic journals, and many former RFF research analysts have successfully obtained graduate degrees in the most selective Ph.D. programs in their fields. Salary is competitive (high $40Ks). The position is open now and we prefer to hire someone to start soon. However, those not available until the end of 2021 or spring/early summer 2022 should still apply. We plan to start scheduling interviews by October 18, 2021. However, we will leave the ad up, and continue to review applications, until the position is filled.
Resources for the Future (RFF) is an independent, nonprofit research institution in Washington, DC. RFF’s research and engagement activities center on the economics of: (1) designing smart emissions reduction strategies; (2) confronting risks and building resilience; and (3) cross-cutting issues and strategies. RFF seeks impact with decision makers in key venues, including at the federal, state, and international levels, and with the business community. Much of RFF’s current work is focused on strategies for addressing the climate challenge.
Specific Responsibilities:
- Understand, use, update, and improve the E4ST software, the extensive associated input datasets, and their documentation.
- Interpret, check, and use model outputs.
- Participate in analysis and writing for journal papers, memos, and presentations that use E4ST. This often has evolved toward an increasing role as an author.
- The job might also involve participating in other RFF research work. This might include work with another RFF power sector model, Haiku, which has different strengths.
Typical education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field, such as economics, engineering, mathematics, computer science, or natural sciences.
Typical prior work/internship/research experience: 0-3 years.
Desirable Skills:
- Software development. The successful applicant will have to understand, use, maintain, modify, document, and add features to the extensive code that makes up E4ST. Proficiency in coding in one or more languages, for example MATLAB, GAMS, Python, STATA, or R, is essential. The E4ST power sector model is coded in MATLAB, but we believe that software development skills are often largely transferable from one language to another.
- At least a basic understanding of constrained linear optimization. E4ST simulates the operation of the power system by employing a modified version of the type of optimization problem that power system operators solve to decide how to operate the power system. Drawing on principles of optimization, the successful applicant will have to be able to interpret the results and check for results that might indicate a problem.
- Ability to work with and without supervision in a careful and conscientious manner.
- Ability to communicate clearly in writing.
- Training or experience in any of the following is a plus but is not necessary: computer science, economics, and electrical engineering.
To Apply: https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=82929&clientkey=6F2AC920A789A528ADE40C4F938057D6
Fill out the online application and provide a resume and your post-secondary academic transcript(s). Unofficial transcripts are acceptable at this stage. Cover letters and references are optional at this stage. References will not be contacted without advance notice to the candidate. Email hr@rff.org if you encounter an application difficulty.
For other RFF job openings ranging from PhD-level jobs to summer internships, and to sign up for RFF job opening alerts, visit https://www.rff.org/careers/.