Research Fellow, Ethanol

Position Title: Research Fellow, Ethanol
Reports to: Madeline Schomburg, Director of Research
Position Status: Temporary, non-exempt

Energy Futures Initiative Foundation (EFIF) Inc. is a nonprofit clean energy think tank dedicated to advancing technically grounded solutions to climate change through evidence-based analysis, thought leadership, and coalition-building. As part of its policy analysis and public education mission, EFIF supports an on-going program of Research Fellows.  The purpose of this program is to provide early career clean energy analysts with practical work experience to supplement their academic training.  EFIF is currently searching for professional, highly motivated, and detail-oriented Research Fellows to join our research team for fixed-term appointments. This spring program runs from February 1st, 2024 to mid-May, with the possibility of full-time hire afterward.

Research Fellows primarily do research, analysis, writing, data collection, and visualization development for clean energy analytical and policy development projects. The specific nature of the work for Research Fellows varies depending on the project, the level of experience, and will include support for public-policy-focused efforts of the Energy Futures Initiative Foundation and the more traditional consulting relationships for EJM Associates. EJM Associates LLC is a strategic consulting firm that helps clients navigate the transition to a global clean energy economy by advising on a range of energy policy, innovation, and security issues.

At this time, EFIF's preference is for applicants in the D.C. area able to work on a hybrid schedule, but we are open to discussing fully remote fellowships.

• Research Fellows: EFIF offers research fellowships to individuals who are pursuing or have recently completed an advanced degree (post-undergraduate) in a field relevant to EFIF's work. A Fellow may also have some project management responsibilities, including coordinating with project partners and sponsors, communicating with outside experts on project-related matters, and ensuring principals are up to date on key project updates. Fellowships are offered for a fixed term (typically a semester or aligned with a specific project duration). Fellows are nonexempt employees and are paid on an hourly basis. Fellows may be full-time (40 hours/ week) or part-time. Fellowships are paid on an hourly basis at a base rate of $27/hr.

Research Fellows perform analysis under the oversight of the Director of Research or other designated member of the organization. Research Fellows work individually and in teams to conduct research and fact-finding missions before consolidating the results into analyses that are complete, accurate, and cogent. They both may participate in meetings to brainstorm analysis, maintain situational awareness, and discuss research design, direction, and strategy. Both occasionally attend outside events and conferences on behalf of the organization. Their analysis is used internally (e.g. discussions, memos) or for external audiences (e.g. public reports, proposals, work products for clients, presentations). It is important for Fellows to stay up-to-date on events and trends in the energy and climate arenas.

Research Fellows
Time Breakdown

• Individual research, writing, data visualization, etc.: 70%
• Administrative: 15%
• Communications: 10%
• Research planning and meetings: 5%

Desired Skills/Experience

• Expertise in ethanol, with knowledge of biorefining, CCUS, SAF, and options for achieving low-carbon feedstocks
• Broader knowledge of carbon management technologies, policies, opportunities, and challenges
• Qualitative and quantitative data analysis
• Strong Internet-based research
• Experience with technical and scientific writing
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Data modeling of the energy sector
• Graphic design and data visualization (e.g. Tableau)

Qualifications

• 1- 5 years of work and/or study on analytical issues related to ethanol or carbon management more broadly
• Applicants must either have completed an advanced degree (post-undergraduate) in environmental science, climate science, public policy, engineering, economics, or related field or be planning to graduate in Spring 2024. OR, applicants must have completed a Bachelor’s degree plus additional years of work experience commensurate with an advanced degree.
• Baseline knowledge of energy systems, climate policy, and related topics
• U.S. citizenship or authorization to reside and work in the United States
• Proof of vaccination against COVID-19

Application Materials

• Resume
• Short Response Questions

Application Instructions
The application period is on a rolling basis but the desired start date for this position is March 1st, 2024. 

Statement on Diversity 
Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. EFIF is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

EFIF 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.