Research Associate, Clean Energy Technology

The Research Associate (RA), Clean Energy Technology is responsible for performing basic or applied research supporting HARCs decarbonization and energy transition work. The RA will also support the development of proposals relating to practices, technologies and strategies that mitigate environmental and societal impacts associated with energy systems. An equitable and fair energy transition is a key focus of HARC. The RA may work directly with key stakeholders in the community to identify, assess and implement new energy programs that facilitate an equitable transition.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include but are not limited to the following.  Other duties may be assigned.

Major Duties

·       Provide research on energy efficiency, renewable energy studies and all areas of sustainability.

·       Modeling and techno-economic feasibility analysis of thermal and power based energy generation, storage and distribution systems at the building and at the community scale.

·       Engage, network and educate key stakeholders to increase deployment of energy efficiency and clean energy technologies

·       Support efforts to conduct life-cycle assessment of clean energy technologies

·       Conduct moderately complex research/analyses to assist collaborating organizations/partners, current and potential funding entities and other stakeholders in determining effectiveness and/or efficiency of innovative technologies and practices designed to mitigate environmental and societal aspects associated with energy.

·       Develop, coordinate and conduct presentations, workshops, webinars and other outreach methodologies to engage and educate end-users and other stakeholders about HARC programs.

·       Manage working relationships with various partnering research/environmental groups, industry sponsors, funding organizations. This includes, but is not limited to, formal and informal communications, proposal development and/or additional mutually beneficial activities.

·       Provide support and assistance to Program Directors, Scientists and Associates with aspects of project management, including research, outreach, and completion of associated deliverables.

·       Prepare peer-review journal articles, presentation and technical reports.

·       Complete routine work with little or no instruction, general instructions on new assignments.

Proposal Development

• Investigate the feasibility of applying a wide variety of principles and concepts to developing products and solving problems related to HARC’s mission.
• Work with other research staff to identify potential funding sources.
• Write white papers and proposals for submission to funding sources. Develop project budgets to achieve objectives and desired outcomes in creative and cost effective ways.

Project Management

·       Manage project teams, budgets, and timely completion of project deliverables.

·       Prepare progress and final reports to sponsor entities.

Internal focus

• Collaborate with other HARC researchers on multidisciplinary projects.
• Communicate project findings in oral and written form for HARC outreach products.
• Initiate and promote teamwork, shared learning and integrated approaches to sustainability.
• Use professional knowledge and skills to contribute to the achievement of HARC’s mission.
• Serve on HARC committees or working groups as assigned.

External focus

·    Make contributions to discipline through the creation of peer review publications, technical reports, public outreach documents, web content, and external presentations.

·    Initiates and promotes external collaboration and integrated approaches to sustainability.

Continuing Education

·       Maintain broad knowledge of state-of-the-art principles, theories and practices in discipline.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education/Experience:

B.S. in Engineering or Computer Science with a minimum of 2 plus years’ experience; M.S with 4 plus years’ experience preferred.

Language Ability:
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format.

Math Ability:
Experience with computational optimization and risk analysis techniques. Ability to apply advanced mathematical concepts such as exponents, logarithms, quadratic equations, and permutations. Ability to apply mathematical operations to such tasks as frequency distribution, determination of test reliability and validity, analysis.

Reasoning Ability:
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

Computer Skills:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be computer literate in word processing, spreadsheet, internet and email software as well as project specific software.  2+ years of experience coding in MATLAB is required. The following skills will be also considered:

·       1+ years of experience in Python or similar language for building web services and querying remote APIs,

·       1+ years writing SQL queries and designing database schema (e.g. Postgres, SQL Server, MySQL)

·       1+ years of experience with data visualization and BI tools such as PowerBI or Tableau.

Supervisory Responsibilities:
May supervises 1-3 employees based on project needs. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to wet or humid conditions (non-weather); outdoor weather conditions and risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include Close vision. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms.