Research Scientist (Sustainable Transportation Initiative)

Berkeley Lab’s Energy Analysis and Environmental Impacts Division (EAEI) is looking for a Research Scientist to join their Sustainable Transportation Initiative!

In this role, you will collect and analyze data on geo-spatial characteristics of cities (such as demographics, economics, density, and transportation systems) to understand the relationship between regional attributes and travel patterns, as well as the vulnerability and resilience of the transportation system to climate change and other catastrophic events. This position will use existing models to simulate future travel and energy use under different scenarios of shared, connected, automated, and electrified travel modes, with the goal of identifying new opportunities to reduce energy use while maintaining or increasing mobility.

The Sustainable Transportation Initiative conducts research to identify travel, energy, and mobility implications from changes to the transportation system, using interdisciplinary methods that combine engineering, economics, human behavior, and technology development.

What You Will Do:

• Conduct research to help identify energy and greenhouse gas savings opportunities from transportation using interdisciplinary methods that combine engineering, economics, human behavior, data science, and technology development.
• Collect and analyze data on geo-spatial characteristics of cities (such as demographics, economics, density, and transportation systems) to understand the relationship between regional attributes and travel patterns, and the vulnerability/resilience of the transportation system.
• Develop statistical models to categorize US cities with similar characteristics into clusters, and estimate the relative contribution of various characteristics to regional travel, energy use, and mobility.
• Use data visualization packages to analyze and present graphical representations of complex relationships between geo-spatial characteristics and travel patterns.
• Assist the PI in the development of grant proposals in the areas of transportation system science and electrified transportation.
• Write reports and journal articles related to clean transportation.
• Present research work to scientific audiences and the general public.

What is Required:

• At a minimum, a Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural and Resource, Environmental, or Behavioral Economics; Environmental, Electrical, or Computer Engineering; or City and Regional Planning; or equivalent combination of education and a minimum of 5 years of relevant research experience beyond the highest customary degree.
• Experience in classifying cities and other locations based on geo-spatial and other characteristics relevant to transportation services.
• A minimum of 3 years of demonstrated research experience involving analysis of relationships between geo-spatial characteristics and travel patterns.
• A minimum of 3 years of computer programming experience in data analysis and statistics packages (such as R, Python, or SAS) and geo-spatial data visualization tools (such as QGIS or ArcGIS).
• Excellent understanding of issues relating to regional land use and transportation systems, as well as transportation energy technologies and policies.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills including the ability to to work collaboratively in a team driven environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including a high attention to detail and the ability to identify and obtain information from diverse sources and contribute to technical reports.

What We Prefer:

• Advanced degree in Agricultural and Resource, Environmental, or Behavioral Economics; Environmental, Electrical, or Computer Engineering; or City and Regional Planning; or equivalent combination of education and minimum 5 years relevant research experience.
• Completed reports and/or journal papers on topics relevant to the position.

For consideration, please apply by June 29, 2021 with the following application materials:

• Cover Letter - Describe your interest in this position and the relevance of your background.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume.

Notes:

• This is a full time, exempt from overtime pay (monthly paid), 1 year, Career Track-Term appointment with the possibility of renewal up to a maximum of 5 years total or conversion to Career appointment based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds, and ongoing operational needs.
• Salary is commensurate with experience.
• This position may be 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.
• Due to COVID-19, this position will initially be performed remotely but limited to individuals who can reside in the United States. Once the Bay Area shelter-in-place restrictions are lifted, work may resume onsite at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA.

Learn About Us:

Berkeley Lab (LBNL) addresses the world’s most urgent scientific challenges by advancing sustainable energy, protecting human health, creating new materials, and revealing the origin and fate of the universe. Founded in 1931, Berkeley Lab’s scientific expertise has been recognized with 13 Nobel prizes. The University of California manages Berkeley Lab for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science.

The EAEI Division focuses on three broad areas: Energy Markets, Policy, and Infrastructure; Energy and Environmental Systems Analysis; and Appliance and Equipment Standards.  We develop analytical and experimental methods and tools to assess the technical, economic, and market potential of energy technologies, as well as the associated social, economic, health, and environmental impacts.

Working at Berkeley Lab has many rewards including a competitive compensation program, excellent health and welfare programs, a retirement program that is second to none, and outstanding development opportunities.  To view information about the many rewards that are offered at Berkeley Lab- Click Here.

Berkeley Lab is committed to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accountability (IDEA) and strives to hire individuals who share these same values and commitments.

Equal Employment Opportunity: Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. Click here to view the poster and supplement: "Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law."