Research Specialist, Power Sector

Position Title: Research Specialist, Power Sector
Reports to: Vice President of Research
Position Status: Fulltime, exempt
Duration: This is a fixed-term role for 12 months with potential for becoming permanent 

Salary and Benefits
The salary range for this position is $110,000-$130,000. EFIF offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, vision, and dental insurance, 401k with a 5% match; and a pre-tax Flexible Savings Account, Health Savings Account, and parking and metro benefits. We have generous paid time off, plus all federal holidays and the week between December 25 and January 1.

About EFI Foundation
The EFI Foundation is a Washington-based registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to harnessing the power of technology and policy innovation to accelerate the clean energy transition. Led by principals with decades of experience and proven track records in government, academia, and the private sector, the EFI Foundation conducts objective, fact-based, and rigorous analysis supported by a multidisciplinary network of experts. 

EFI was founded by Ernest J. Moniz, who served as the thirteenth United States Secretary of Energy (2013-2017) during the Obama Administration. Former Secretary Moniz also serves as the co-chair of the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI) and holds a position at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).  Former Secretary Moniz and other principals of EFI also are principals of EJM Associates, LLC, a Washington-based business consultancy.

Job Description
EFI Foundation is seeking an accomplished, creative, and curious Research Specialist to join our dynamic and expanding team. This role is ideal for a mid-career professional with a strong foundation in power sector analysis, electricity system planning, or clean energy policy. The position will focus on accelerating the uptake of clean electricity, integrating variable renewable energy sources (VRES), and advancing clean firm power options such as nuclear, pumped hydro storage, enhanced geothermal, battery systems, and hybrid renewable solutions. The successful candidate will have experience working in or with DOE, U.S. Congress, a utility, an RTO/ISO, a Public Utility Commission (PUC), a State Energy Office, an Independent Power Producer (IPP), FERC, or researching power sector issues at a high level.

While this individual will contribute to multiple projects, the initial primary focus will be on developing roadmaps and frameworks to accelerate clean electricity deployment in both the U.S. and Brazilian energy systems. Key tasks include authoring high-profile reports and thought leadership, presenting our work to key stakeholders, managing and conducting quantitative and qualitative analysis, and supporting the work of our communications staff. Daily tasks can vary and are often project-specific. 

The Research Specialist will:

• Analyze power sector trends including decarbonization pathways, regulatory structures, and emerging clean energy technologies.
• Conduct qualitative and quantitative research, working in teams and independently.
• Develop and communicate key insights through written reports, briefings, and presentations.
• Lead technical analysis, modeling, or scenario development (depending on expertise).
• Engage with public and private sector stakeholders to collect data, share insights, and refine research approaches.
• Contribute to project execution and coordination, ensuring milestones and deliverables are met

The approximate amount of time spent on various tasks is as follows:

• Research, writing, data analysis, graphics development, etc.: 80%
• Project coordination: 10%
• Administrative: 10%

This position is based at EFIF headquarters in Washington, DC. As of the date of this posting, EFIF employees are working on a hybrid schedule with three days per week in-office.

Who You Are

• Adapts well to rapid changes.
• Approaches uncertainty with a positive attitude.
• Humble and self-aware. 
• Tackles new challenges with enthusiasm.
• Quick thinking, intellectually curious, and creative.
  

What You’ll Need

• 7 years of experience in power sector analysis, clean energy research, regulatory engagement, or energy markets.
• Advanced knowledge of power sector dynamics, including:
• Grid operations, system planning, or market structures.
• Transmission, distribution, and generation resource integration.
• Clean energy policy, incentives, and regulatory frameworks.
• Proven ability to author policy reports, white papers, or technical analyses.
• Experience with cross-sector engagement (i.e., public, private, government, NGO).
• Strong qualitative and quantitative data analysis skills.
• Data visualization expertise using tools such as Excel, PowerPoint, and Tableau.
• Public presentation and communication experience.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills.
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or PhD in environmental science, climate science, public policy, engineering, economics, finance, or related field.
• Experience with grid modeling tools, energy system modeling, or policy impact evaluation.
• Knowledge of Brazilian energy systems, policies and regulations.
• Demonstrated track record of successful grant-writing .
• Spatial analysis and mapping abilities.
• Advanced quantitative modeling using software like R, STATA, SAS, SPSS.
• Diverse publication record including academic papers, white papers, reports, policy briefs, blogs, and others.
• U.S. citizenship or authorization to reside and work in the United States.
  

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. EFIF is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Application Materials
•    Resume
•    Cover letter
•    Writing Sample (5-10 pages, ideally sole authorship)

Statement on Diversity
EFIF is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Women, people of color, LGBT individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans are encouraged to apply. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
If you need assistance or an accommodation for this job application due to a disability, you may contact us at info@efifoundation.org.

 

Powered by JazzHR