Research Scientist/Program Manager

Research Scientist/Program Manager

Department: Energy

Office/Group: Research Operations

Reports to: Vice President of Energy Air & IT

Salary range: $95000-$115000

HARC is seeking a Research Scientist/Program Manager for our Energy team in The Woodlands TX.

About HARC:

Founded in 1982 HARC is an independent nonprofit research organization that applies science to deliver solutions for a cost-effective resilient and sustainable future. We focus our work on encompassing energy water and air technologies applications and policies that promote sustainability based on scientific principles. See below for additional details.

Role Purpose:

The Research Scientist/Program Manager in Energy plays a crucial role in executing ongoing projects and developing strategic initiatives that enhance the deployment of cost-effective resilient and sustainable energy solutions. Ideal candidates should have demonstrated expertise in data-driven energy planning techno-economic analyses and robust problem-solving capabilities along with excellent communication skills. Proficiency in relevant software tools experience with stakeholder engagement and adaptability to emerging platforms are essential. This role actively collaborates with internal teams and external stakeholders to identify assess and pursue innovative energy-related business opportunities. While professionals with experience in carbon management or hydrogen technologies are particularly encouraged to apply candidates with equivalent expertise in related fields such as geothermal artificial intelligence in energy distributed generation or services to utilities will also be considered.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

(Not limited to the below other duties may be assigned)

Major Duties:

• Conduct complex analyses to assist collaborating organizations/partners current and potential funding entities and other stakeholders in determining the effectiveness and/or efficiency of innovative technologies and practices designed to mitigate environmental and societal aspects associated with energy.

• Provide state-of-the-art research on energy and other sustainability-related topics.

• Modeling techno-economic analysis and/or lifecycle analysis of energy technologies their applications and impacts at multiple scales.

• Engage network and educate key stakeholders to increase adoption of energy solutions.

• Develop coordinate and conduct presentations workshops webinars and other outreach methodologies to engage and educate end-users and other stakeholders about HARC programs.

• Manage working relationships with various partnering research/environmental groups industry sponsors and funding organizations. This includes but is not limited to formal and informal communications proposal development and/or additional mutually beneficial activities.

• Provide support and assistance to the Vice President of Energy Program Directors Scientists and Associates with aspects of project management including research outreach and completion of associated deliverables.

• Prepare peer-reviewed journal articles presentations and technical reports.

• Complete routine work with little or no instruction and general instructions on new assignments.

Proposal Development:

• Investigate the feasibility of applying a wide variety of principles/concepts to developing services and products while solving problems related to HARCs mission.

• Identify potential funding sources.

• Write white papers and proposals for submission to funding sources.

• Develop project budgets to achieve objectives and desired outcomes in creative and cost-effective ways.

• A proven track of successful funding applications is desired.

Project Management:

• Manage project teams budgets and the timely completion of project deliverables.

• Prepare progress and final reports to sponsor entities.

Internal Responsibilities & Focus:

• Collaborate with other HARC researchers on multidisciplinary projects.

• Communicate project findings in oral and written form for HARC outreach products.

• Initiate and promote teamwork shared learning and integrated approaches to sustainability.

• Use professional knowledge and skills to contribute to the achievement of HARCs mission.

• Serve on HARC committees or working groups as assigned.

External Responsibilities & Focus:

• Contribute to HARCs priority topics in the energy space through the creation of peer-reviewed publications technical reports public outreach documents web content and external presentations.

• Initiates and promotes external collaboration and integrated approaches to energy and sustainability. Provide support to other business areas within HARC.

Continuing Education:

• Maintain broad knowledge of state-of-the-art principles theories and practices in the energy space.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Experience:

• M.S. in Engineering (Chemical Environmental Industrial Electrical Mechanical or other related majors); PhD in a relevant field is a plus.

• Over 5 years of direct experience in the energy sector/industry; Experience in the carbon management and/or geothermal sectors is preferred. However professionals with expertise in other fields such as geothermal artificial intelligence in energy applications distributed generation or services to power utilities are also encouraged to apply.

• Proven track record in managing projects and teams; ability to collaborate across disciplines and with external partners

• Experience in business development and revenue generation (research and/or consulting).

Skills:

• Strong analytical critical thinking and problem-solving abilities

• Data-driven research-oriented mindset with an innovative approach

• Experience with technical and research writing including proposals and papers. A track of publications authored or co-authored is desired.

• Proficient in multiple software tools; skilled in computer-based and economic financial or statistical modeling.

• Demonstrated expertise in energy systems modeling and techno-economic analysis. Experience in carbon management hydrogen and/or geothermal systems is preferred.

• Skilled in programming (e.g. Python R Julia) and data analysis

• Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to engage with clients and diverse stakeholders

• Understanding of environmental technology impacts and life cycle assessment/analysis

• Work collaboratively with diverse interdisciplinary teams and external partners.

Certificates and Licenses:

• Professional Engineer License is desired (but not required).

• Other certifications will be considered as merit.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS & REQUESTS/REQUIREMENTS:

Additional Requirements:

• Work Environment This is a hybrid role with a typically quiet work setting. Employees may occasionally encounter wet or humid conditions (non-weather) outdoor weather or a risk of electrical shock. Reasonable accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities.

• Physical Demands The job requires frequent sitting and communication. Occasionally employees may need to stand walk lift up to 10 pounds and use their hands for tasks. Close vision is necessary.

Ideal Candidate:

Experienced in energy technologies planning and deployment with a solid grasp of economic policy and societal drivers. A background in carbon management hydrogen geothermal or AI in energy is preferred. Experience in the private sector is a plus. Strong interest in innovative energy systems and collaborating across sectors to grow HARCs impact.

HARC Role Details:

• Hybrid role (2-3 days in-person depending on department needs) located in The Woodlands Texas.