Research Associate

Position Title: Research Associate

Reports to: Deputy Director of Research

Position Status: Fulltime, exempt

Salary and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $75,000-$85,000. EFI offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, vision, and dental insurance; 401k with a 5% match and 3% auto-enroll; life and long-term disability insurance; pet insurance; and a pre-tax Flexible Savings Account, Health Savings Account, and parking and metro benefits. We have generous annual paid time off, including 15 days of vacation, 10 days of sick leave, 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.

About EJM Associates LLC (EJM)

EJM Associates is a strategic consulting firm founded and directly managed by former Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz. We advise clients on a range of energy policy, innovation, and security issues to help them navigate the transition to a global clean energy economy.

This role may be expected to perform work for EJM, consistent with their job description.

Job Description

Research Associates provide critical contributions to EFI and EJM projects, including but not limited to authoring high-profile reports and thought leadership, presenting our work to key stakeholders, conducting and overseeing quantitative analysis, and supporting the work of our communications staff. Research topics span a variety of clean energy technology, policy, and finance domains. Daily tasks can vary and are often project-specific. The position will report to the Deputy Director of Research.

The Employee, as Research Associate, shall be responsible for:

• Assisting the Project Managers and Deputy Director of Research to strategize and manage research content.
• Supporting senior leadership by conducting qualitative and quantitative data analysis, writing reports, developing presentations, website content, and general research needs.
• Conducting various aspects of project development, execution, and completion for a subset of EFI and EJM Associates analytical projects.
• Occasionally acting as lead analyst on certain research projects.
• Partnering with EFI’s events/communications teams and scheduling staff to plan, organize, and host webinars, workshops, client project meetings, and other events.
• Developing data visualization products including graphs, charts, maps, infographics, and slide presentations.
• Pursuing conference participation, trainings, and/or coursework to stay current on key issues within their professional area of focus, in consultation with EFI/EJM leadership.
• Evaluating emerging energy and climate trends and persuasively writing about relevant insights.
• Attending meetings offsite and reporting relevant insights to staff.

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

• Research, writing, data analysis, graphics development, etc.: 65%
• Project coordination: 25%
• Administrative: 10%

This position is based at EFI headquarters in Washington, DC. As of the date of this posting, EFI is operating on a hybrid work schedule with three days per week in office.

Who You Are

• Deeply analytical
• Organized
• Punctual
• Inquisitive; comfortable asking questions
• Proactive
• Adaptable
• Clear communicator, both verbal and written
• Consistent in all of the above, and in quality of work product

What You'll Need

• Advanced knowledge of energy systems and policy, climate change, clean energy finance, ESG, climate financial risks, and related topics
• Independent and collaborative research experience
• Public report writing and professional presentation development
• Qualitative and quantitative data analysis skills
• Data visualization using tools such as Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, or Tableau
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, climate science, public policy, engineering, economics, finance, or other field and 2+ years relevant work experience
• OR Master’s degree in environmental science, climate science, public policy, engineering, economics, finance, or other field
• Must have work authorization in the U.S.

Application Materials

• Resume
• Cover letter

Statement on Diversity

EFI 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.