Policy Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Energy Markets and Planning (EMP) Department analyzes key issues in the U.S. energy sector to inform public and private decision-making on electricity planning, energy resources and delivery, large new loads, reliability, affordability, and utility regulation.

In this role, you will lead energy, economic, market, and technical research that supports energy market development and regulation. Working with an interdisciplinary team, you will shape project objectives, develop analytical approaches, guide research efforts, and advise government decision-makers and stakeholders on complex energy issues.

The position will provide technical guidance and support to staff and may also supervise staff.

This position has an anticipated start date of August 3, 2026.

We're here for the same mission, to bring science solutions to the world. 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 or contribute to advanced research on utility regulation, electricity planning, grid technologies, energy delivery, large new loads, and affordability

• Provide technical assistance to public utility commissions, state energy offices, and utilities

• Develop and apply analytical methods to evaluate technical and regulatory issues

• Identify research priorities and support proposal and budget development for DOE and other sponsors

• Lead smaller projects or serve as a senior contributor on major projects, managing scopes, budgets, timelines, and staff work

• Manage subcontractors and external consultants

• Present technical findings to decision-makers and stakeholders at meetings and conferences

• Contribute to technical reports and written publications

• Travel domestically as needed (typically 5-10 trips annually)

• May supervise exempt and nonexempt staff

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 8 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 electric utility regulation

• Demonstrated experience with electricity technologies and programs

• Broad familiarity with energy-related policies, programs, regulations, and initiatives 

• Demonstrated familiarity with electric power systems, programs and technologies  

• Demonstrated experience with 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

• Demonstrated ability to determine program requirements, estimate budget requirements, arrange for subcontracts where necessary, develop organizational and program plans

• 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

• Demonstrated ability to deliver high quality results on time and within budget

• 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 technical and policy guidance to a project team

• Ability to both work independently with minimal supervision and work effectively with a multidisciplinary team

Desired skills/knowledge:

• Masters degree in Energy & Resources, Public Policy, Economics, Business Administration, City and Regional Planning, Environmental Studies, Engineering or a related field with a minimum 6 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 3 years experience

• Professional experience, ideally working with utilities, states or local governments, on electricity-related regulatory issues or technologies

• Demonstrated experience with distribution system planning or operations

• Demonstrated experience with large loads or energy affordability

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

Additional information:

• Application date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by June 16, 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 budgeted salary range that the Lab reasonably expects to pay for this position is $148,120.20 - $163,711.80. 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 may 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.

• Relocation: This position is not eligible for relocation assistance.

• 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.