Energy and Environment Researcher

SEI US seeks a Researcher to join our Energy Modeling Program. SEI is an independent international research organization working on sustainable development issues at local national and global policy levels.

The Energy Modeling Program based in Somerville Massachusetts develops quantitative modeling tools and techniques and conducts modeling and policy support projects around the world. This work centers on modeling energy systems but includes analyses of greenhouse gas and air pollutant emissions the water-energy-food nexus macroeconomic systems and the Sustainable Development Goals. The Program emphasizes projects in low and middle-income countries but also carries out assignments in the US and Europe.

Much of the Energy Modeling Programs work involves developing supporting and applying SEIs LEAP (Low Emissions Analysis Platform) and NEMO (Next Energy Modeling system for Optimization) modeling tools. As a member of the team you would be expected to work with LEAP and NEMO and to help others use them.

• Position: Energy and Environment Researcher
• Type: Full-time
• Center and location: SEI US Center (SEI US). You will work with a team based at SEI USs office in Somerville Massachusetts. Ideally you will be able to come to the office at least once a week; however remote work is also possible.
• Topic: Policy research grounded in modeling of energy systems greenhouse gas emissions air pollution energy-economy interactions and sustainable development

• Salary range: Competitive compensation package commensurate with experience and qualifications
• Start date: As soon as possible
• Application deadline: Applications accepted until position is filled.

Key responsibilities

• Contribute to building and applying models of energy and economic systems energy technologies climate change mitigation measures and other sustainable development-related policy interventions. Activities will include background research data collection and processing programming models and analyzing modeling results.
• Contribute to planning and implementing innovative research projects that use quantitative modeling and analysis to inform energy climate and development policy.
• Write and edit technical reports academic papers briefs and presentations on modeling and policy research.
• Provide training sessions and technical support for LEAP and NEMO including contributing to LEAP and NEMO training materials.
• Travel internationally as needed (expected 3-6 times per year).

Who you are

You should have a keen interest in sustainability research capacity building and using your technical skills to help understand the major environmental and sustainability challenges the world is facing in the twenty-first century. You will work as part of a team in a flexible and exciting research environment.

Required qualifications and experience

The successful applicant will have:

• A bachelors degree masters degree or PhD in a related discipline (mathematics statistics sciences engineering computer science geography environmental policy or similar)
• Relevant work experience depending on most advanced degree held:
• Bachelors degree: at least 3 years
• Masters degree: at least 1 year
• PhD: no specific requirement
• Demonstrated quantitative skills and experience in data collection and analysis (at least 3 semester-long courses or equivalent work experience)
• Excellent writing presentation and communications skills (for both technical and non-technical audiences)
• Fluency in spoken and written English
• Ability to work in a team and in an international multi-cultural environment

Desirable qualifications

• Experience with computer programming particularly for data analysis quantitative modeling and/or web development
• Experience with GIS
• Proficiency in one or more languages other than English Russian particularly valuable
• Knowledge of energy and environmental modeling tools such as LEAP NEMO TIMES/MARKAL OSeMOSYS MESSAGE PLEXOS or similar
• Work experience in low or middle-income countries
• Experience as an instructor teacher or trainer

SEI offers a comprehensive benefits package including health dental vision disability insurance a 5% retirement match and paid parental and family medical leave after one year of employment.

We have a welcoming work environment with flexible work schedules and offer 10 holidays 20 days of vacation and 10 days of sick leave each year to start.

SEI provides support for obtaining US visas as needed and reimburses up to $5000 of moving expenses.

How to apply

We are reviewing applications on an ongoing basis so please submit your application as soon as possible. Applications should be submitted through Workable and include:

• A cover letter highlighting your relevant qualifications and experience (maximum one page). If you are not based in the Boston area please specify your availability to relocate.

• Your curriculum vitae or resume (maximum three pages).
• Names and contact details for three professional references. We will alert you before contacting your references.

• Samples of (or links to) publications or software that you have written including at least one publication addressing a non-academic audience and one intended for an academic audience. If you are not the sole publication author please specify your role and contribution to the writing.
• Copies of your undergraduate and graduate transcripts.

Applications should be written in English and without the aid of AI tools. Inquiries about this opportunity can be directed to Jason Veysey ().

About SEI

SEI is an international not-for-profit research organization that has been engaged in environment and development issues at local national regional and global levels since 1989. Our mission is to enable sustainable development by bridging science and policy and conducting integrated analysis that supports decision-makers. SEI works on cutting edge topics including climate change mitigation and adaptation renewable energy integrated energy and water resource modeling short-lived climate pollutants environmental governance and sustainable production and consumption.

SEIs approach is highly collaborative: stakeholder involvement is at the heart of our efforts to build capacity strengthen institutions and equip partners for the long term. We make sure our knowledge and findings are clearly communicated and accessible to decision-makers and civil society. We publish our own open access material in leading academic journals and repackage our research to offer effective decision support. To promote debate and share knowledge we convene decision-makers academics and practitioners and we engage with policy processes development action and business practice throughout the world.

SEI is headquartered in Stockholm Sweden with additional centers in the United States Colombia Estonia Kenya Thailand and the United Kingdom. Our US Center is a research affiliate of Tufts University; its main office is on the Tufts campus in Somerville Massachusetts and it maintains additional offices in Davis California and Seattle Washington.

SEI US is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and an inclusive work culture. We do not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race creed color religion alienage or national origin ancestry citizenship status age physical or mental disability medical condition sex gender (including pregnancy childbirth medical conditions related to pregnancy and childbirth breastfeeding or reproductive health decision-making) marital status military or veteran status sexual orientation gender identity or expression genetic information past or present status as a workers compensation or whistleblower claimant use of a service animal or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal state or local laws. We are dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment hiring placement promotion transfer training compensation benefits employee activities and general treatment during employment. This policy and the law prohibit employment discrimination against any employee or applicant on the basis of any legally protected status outlined above.