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Energy Policy Research information

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$25K

$72.6K

$135K

How much do energy policy research jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for energy policy research in the United States is $72,643.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,000.00 and $93,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is energy policy research?

Energy policy research involves studying, analyzing, and evaluating policies related to the production, distribution, and consumption of energy. Researchers investigate the economic, environmental, and social impacts of energy policies, and provide recommendations to governments, organizations, and stakeholders. The goal is to inform decision-making and promote sustainable, efficient, and equitable energy systems. This field often covers topics such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, climate change, and regulatory frameworks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in energy policy research?

To excel in Energy Policy Research, you typically need a strong background in public policy, economics, or environmental science, often supported by a relevant graduate degree. Familiarity with energy modeling software, data analysis tools like Excel or R, and knowledge of regulatory frameworks are commonly required. Outstanding analytical thinking, written communication, and stakeholder engagement skills set top candidates apart. These skills are crucial for effectively analyzing complex energy issues, informing policy decisions, and communicating insights to diverse audiences.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in energy policy research?

One of the main challenges in energy policy research is staying updated with rapidly evolving technologies, regulations, and market trends. Researchers often need to synthesize complex data from multiple sources and translate technical findings into actionable policy recommendations for stakeholders. Collaboration with government agencies, industry experts, and advocacy groups is common and requires strong communication skills to balance differing priorities and perspectives. Additionally, tight deadlines and the need to respond to emerging policy debates can make the workload unpredictable at times.

What is the difference between Energy Policy Research vs Energy Analyst?

AspectEnergy Policy ResearchEnergy Analyst
Required CredentialsTypically requires a master's degree in public policy, environmental science, or related fieldsOften requires a bachelor's degree in energy, economics, or related disciplines; advanced degrees are a plus
Work EnvironmentResearch institutions, government agencies, think tanksEnergy companies, consulting firms, government agencies
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by policymakers, research organizations, and advocacy groupsEmployed by energy firms, utilities, and consulting firms for data analysis and reporting

Energy Policy Research focuses on analyzing and developing policies related to energy, often involving in-depth research and policy formulation. In contrast, Energy Analysts primarily analyze energy data, market trends, and provide insights to support business decisions. Both roles require strong analytical skills, but their focus areas and work environments differ significantly.

More about Energy Policy Research jobs

What states have the most Energy Policy Research jobs?

States with the most job openings for Energy Policy Research jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Energy Policy Research jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Energy Policy Research jobs are:

Energy Policy Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Energy Policy Research job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,643 per year, or $34.9 per hour.

Assistant Specialist (Director, Industrial & Energy Policy Research) - 2035 Initiative, Institute fo

Santa Barbara, CA • On-site

University of California Santa Barbara
5 - 10K employees

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

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Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Position description
Through the UCSB Institute for Energy Efficiency, the 2035 Initiative is seeking an Assistant Specialist (Director, Industrial Energy Policy Research) who will work closely with Principal Investigators, researchers, and the 2035 Initiative's Director on domestic and international projects. The 2035 Initiative brings together engineers and social scientists to clean up our energy systems and address the climate crisis. We use cutting-edge empirical research, policy development, and media engagement to support transformational policy change in the United States and across the planet. We are looking for a mission-driven Director, Industrial Energy Policy Research with deep expertise in energy and climate policy research, strong project management capabilities, and the ability to work effectively across engineering and social science teams. The Director, Industrial Energy Policy Research will serve as a key intellectual contributor and operational anchor for the Initiative's research portfolio-leading and managing projects from inception through publication, coordinating across internal and external collaborators, and helping translate empirical findings into actionable policy recommendations.
Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:
  • Manage a portfolio of technical and policy research projects end-to-end, including scoping, milestone planning, coordination across research teams, and delivery of final products on time and to a high standard
  • Lead and co-author policy research reports, working papers, and memos on topics including industrial decarbonization, clean energy policy, and regulatory strategy, translating complex empirical findings for policy and public audiences
  • Coordinate multi-disciplinary project teams composed of faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate and undergraduate students, providing direction, feedback, and day-to-day oversight
  • Contribute substantively to technical and policy analyses, including collecting and processing energy, political, and regulatory data at the global, national, and state levels
  • Design and conduct quantitative and qualitative research, including survey research, to assess the policy landscape and public or stakeholder attitudes on climate and energy issues
  • Provide statistical analysis and coding support for Initiative research projects, primarily in R and/or Python
  • Collaborate with engineering and social science research teams to ensure technical analysis is policy-relevant and that findings are communicated clearly to non-technical audiences
  • Present research findings to government clients, policy audiences, and partner organizations
  • Engage with external stakeholders, policy advocates, and partner organizations as relevant to ongoing research projects
  • Broadly lend support to the Initiative team where needed and tackle special projects where appropriate

Qualifications
Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
Bachelor's degree in political science, public policy, economics, environmental science, environmental studies, data science, statistics, or a related field.
Preferred qualifications
Advanced degree (PhD or Master's) in political science, public policy,
environmental policy, or a related social science or environmental
field
  • Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi-component research projects involving multiple collaborators, timelines, and deliverables
  • Substantial experience contributing to and leading policy research on climate, energy, or environmental topics, including authorship of published reports or peer-reviewed work
  • Experience coordinating and providing direction to teams of researchers, including graduate and undergraduate students
  • Proficiency in statistical programming (R and/or Python) for data analysis and visualization
  • Knowledge of industrial decarbonization strategies and policy pathways, including clean heat, electrification, and emerging energy technologies
  • Knowledge of U.S. and international clean energy policy landscapes, regulatory frameworks, and political dynamics
  • Experience designing and analyzing survey or other empirical research to assess attitudes or behavior related to energy or climate policy
  • Ability to manage a diverse portfolio of responsibilities simultaneously with rigor, speed, and attention to detail
  • Strong written communication skills, with experience producing policy memos, public-facing reports, and similar content
  • Experience presenting research findings to government, policy, or public audiences
  • Experience engaging with external partners, advocates, or stakeholders in a research or policy context

Application Requirements
Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
  • Cover Letter
  • Writing Sample - A policy report, working paper, or published article of which you are the lead or sole author

Reference requirements
  • 2-3 required (contact information only)

Please provide the names and complete contact information for at least 2 references. In the event the applicant is selected as the finalist, the committee may contact the references before making their final selection.
Apply link: https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/JPF03117
Help contact: madeleineforrest@ucsb.edu
About UC Santa Barbara
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.
  • "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination as defined by the employer.
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, students and third parties
  • APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

Additionally, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs , as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
Job location
Santa Barbara, California

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