Commission Exercise Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is hiring a Sr Energy Researcher (Eng/Env Policy Researcher IV) within the Energy Analysis division. 

The Energy Markets and Planning (EMP) Department conducts analysis of topics centered on the U.S. energy sector. Our research seeks to inform public and private decision-making on issues such as electricity system planning, energy resources and delivery, new large loads, reliability, affordability and utility regulation.

Join our team and YOU will play a supporting role in our goal to address global challenges! Have a high level of impact and work for an organization associated with 17 Nobel Prizes!

Why join Berkeley Lab?

We invest in our employees by offering a total rewards package you can count on:

• Exceptional health and retirement benefits, including pension or 401K-style plans

• Opportunities to grow in your career - check out our Tuition Assistance Program

• A culture where you'll belong - we are invested in our teams! 

• In addition to accruing vacation and sick time, we also have a Winter Holiday Shutdown every year.

• Parental bonding leave (for both mothers and fathers)

• Pet insurance 

You will lead advanced research projects involving economic, market, and/or technical research that informs the development of energy markets and regulations.  You will ensure the timely conveyance of all project deliverables, including technical documents and analyses, memos, briefing materials, and ad hoc requests from public and private decision-makers and stakeholders.  You will provide strategic advice on technical issues and maintain strong relationships with decision-makers, funders, and collaborators. 

This position has an anticipated start date of May 18, 2026. 

You will:

• Lead advanced research projects on electricity system planning, including for bulk power and distribution systems; energy resources and delivery, new large loads, energy affordability and utility regulation

• Exercise independent judgment in determining research objectives, approaches, and methods, including for new or special projects or assignments, with primary responsibility for determining objectives of work

• Resolve complex issues to enable states, regulators, regional grid operators and utilities to develop and implement guidance, regulation and programs to achieve their energy goals 

• Direct the design and application of sophisticated analytical methods, and direct analysis of data as required for in-depth evaluation of technical and regulatory topics 

• Identify and define research needs and develop short- and long-term research priorities.  Prepare proposals and budgets to secure funding from DOE and other sponsors to perform the research

• Develop, assign, conduct, and manage work scopes, budgets, and tasks to ensure completion of projects on time and on budget, and review and provide feedback on staff work

• Strategically advise on technical assistance to state public utility commissions, state energy offices, and electric utilities on electricity system planning and related topics 

• Present complex technical concepts, methods and results to decision-makers and stakeholders at conferences and meetings

• Lead development and drafting of technical reports and other written products

• Lead the conceptualization and development of one or more program workstreams, with primary responsibility for raising funds and maintaining strong relationships with funders and collaborators, primary responsibility for determining project objectives, and overall responsibility for execution of project tasks

• Lead the development of resolutions to significant, unique problems and exercise independent judgment in applying methods and techniques for obtaining results

• Directly supervise project staff of 3-5

We are looking for:

• Bachelor's Degree (or equivalent knowledge) in Energy & Resources, Public Policy, Economics, Business Administration, City & Regional Planning, Environmental Studies, Engineering, or a related discipline and a minimum of 12 years of relevant experience with increasing responsibility in program administration, planning, and conducting research projects, or an equivalent combination of education and experience

• Demonstrated experience with either electric utility regulation, ratemaking, electricity system planning or operations 

• Demonstrated experience with leading partnerships and managing day-to-day interactions with clients/funders, government agencies, industry partners and stakeholders

• Demonstrated experience with project management; knowledgeable and skilled in program/project planning, resource management (budget and staff) and scheduling

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including proven ability to identify and obtain information from diverse sources, conduct interviews, lead the production of high-quality, policy-relevant reports, and collaborate with other researchers

• Strong quantitative skills to conduct technical analysis

• Proficiency with MS Office suite

• Familiarity with interdisciplinary research methods and data analysis tools and techniques

• Strong attention to detail

• Ability to lead, motivate, and provide clear guidance to a project team

• Proven ability to work on innovative R&D projects, including ability to work independently with minimal supervision as well as work effectively with a multidisciplinary team

Desired skills/knowledge:

• Master's degree in Energy & Resources, Public Policy, Economics, Business Administration, City and Regional Planning, Environmental Studies, Engineering or a related field with a minimum 8 years of experience, or Ph.D degree in Energy & Resources, Public Policy, Economics, Business Administration, City and Regional Planning, Environmental Studies, Engineering or a related field with a minimum of 5 years of experience

• Professional experience, ideally working with utilities, regional grid operators, or states or local governments on electric utility regulation and ratemaking, electricity system planning or operations, energy resources and delivery, large load planning or projects, and affordability

• Demonstrated experience with using energy-related software tools, datasets and/or databases, and engineering, environmental, or energy system models

• Demonstrated experience with large load planning or projects

• Demonstrated experience with electric utility ratemaking

• Broad familiarity with programs, regulations, and initiatives to promote energy affordability

For consideration, please apply by April 8, 2026 with the following application materials: 

• CV 

• Cover letter

• Publication list

Finalists will be required to provide:

• Statement of relevant research and impact

• Names and contact information of up to three individuals who can write letters of reference

Additional information:

• Application date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by April 8, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.

• Appointment type: This is a (full-time) career appointment, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay.

• Salary range: The full salary range for this position is $168,348.00 - $252,528.00. The budgeted salary range that the Lab reasonably expects to pay for this position is $177,691.80 - $196,396.20. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate's qualification and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, and certifications, and also aligned with the internal peer group.

• Background check: This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.

• Work modality: This position is eligible for a flexible work mode, with onsite or hybrid work being the preferred modes, though full-time telework or remote work modes will be considered. Hybrid work is a combination of teleworking and performing work on-site at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. Individuals working a hybrid schedule must reside within 150 miles of Berkeley Lab. Work schedules are dependent on business needs.

• Work authorization: Candidates must be eligible to work in the U.S. at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.