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Location

Berkeley, CA | United States

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Job description

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab's ( LBNL ) Energy Analysis Environmental Impacts ( ETA ) Division has an opening for a Postdoctoral Fellow to join the team.

In this exciting role, you will conduct research related to social and economic impacts and acceptance of large-scale renewable energy throughout the U.S., including both wind energy and solar energy. The research will focus on procedural and distributive justice, with special consideration of both urban and rural historically disadvantaged communities. Utilizing a variety of methods (e.g., longitudinal surveys, interviews, econometric analysis, and geospatial analysis), the research will examine the real and perceived social and economic impacts of renewable energy deployment on hosting communities. In addition to conducting research focused on renewable energy project neighbors (i.e., proximate residents), the research will also examine the roles and perceptions of other key stakeholders in the planning and development of renewable energy, such as project developers, local elected officials, and neutral intermediaries, intervenors, and information providers. Ultimately, a key goal of this work is to explore ways in which the energy transition can better align with hosting communities' goals, opportunities, and values.

You will work with a team of researchers both inside and outside the lab. The outcome of the research will be published not only as peer-reviewed papers but also, importantly, as stakeholder-specific outreach materials such as informational and policy briefs, webinars, and technical assistance.

What You Will Do:

• Conduct research and develop insights into and recommendations for stakeholders involved in the siting, permitting, construction and operations or large-scale renewable energy projects, especially as it relates to procedural and distributive justice with special consideration of both urban and rural historically disadvantaged communities.
• Conduct and synthesize extensive literature reviews of the intended subject areas.
• Assist in or lead the development of survey instruments and interview guides including, potentially, programing the instrument in Qualtrics.
• Manage and organize large survey response datasets, including open-ended response data.
• Conduct analysis of survey and interview response data.
• Publish research results in white papers, reports, and academic journals.
• Present findings at stakeholder meetings, online via webinars, and academic conferences.

What is Required:

• Ph.D. in a social science discipline including sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, energy/environmental studies, human geography, urban or regional planning, or psychology or a related technical field (and less than 3 years of postdoctoral experience).
• Demonstrated strong experience in quantitative and qualitative data collection, management and analysis.
• Basic familiarity with most, and strong experience and background in one or more, of the following topics:
• Urban or rural planning.
• Place-attachment theory.
• Community-based participatory research.
• Climate and or energy policy.
• Environmental, energy, and climate justice.
• Strong demonstrated knowledge of at least one, but ideally more than one, programming language appropriate for analysis of large survey datasets (e.g., Stata, R, Python).
• Demonstrated experience with statistical analysis and reasoning.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills.
• Capable of working on multiple tasks and projects, and ability to change course in response to shifting priorities.
• Able to conduct independent research but as part of a large, diverse, cooperative team.
• Demonstrated record of successful publication in academic journals.

Desired Qualifications:

• Non-academic post-undergraduate employment experience.
• Experience with Qualtrics survey software, ArcGIS or similar geospatial software, and qualitative analysis software (e.g., Nvivo or Atlas-ti).
• Interest in performing research that engages with and supports policymaking and regulatory processes.

For Consideration, please include 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 2 year, postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs. You must have less than 3 years of paid postdoctoral experience. Salary for Postdoctoral positions depends on years of experience post-degree.
• This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.
• The monthly salary range for this position is $5,374.00 / mo - $7,316.00 / mo and is expected to start at $6,626.00 / mo or above. Postdoctoral positions are paid on a step schedule per union contract and salaries will be predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates. Each step represents one full year of completed post-Ph.D. postdoctoral and/or related research 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.
• This position has the option of working remotely. Work must be performed within the United States.

Berkeley Lab is committed to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA) and strives to continue building community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We heartily welcome applications from women, minorities, veterans, and all who would contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, inclusion, and professionalism. In support of our diverse 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, or protected veteran status.

Equal Opportunity and IDEA Information Links:

Know your rights, click here for the supplement: Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law and the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision under 41 CFR 60-1.4.

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