Energy Policy and Research Strategist (Gigawatt Fellow)

Joint position for the USU JQL Institute for Land Water and Air and the Utah Governors Office of Energy Development (OED). The position of of Energy Policy and Research Strategist (Gigawatt Fellow) is a temporary two-year position with the possibility of extending for one more year contingent on funding. The JQL Institute for Land Water and Air is unable to offer a visa sponsorship. Must be authorized to work in the U.S for the duration of employment.

Utahs energy future depends on responsibly managing the tradeoffs of each electricity generation source rather than prescribing a single scenario. The Gigawatt Fellow will further Utahs any-of-the-above electricity strategy by approaching generation with a technology-neutral assessment of potential reliability affordability cleanliness and security tradeoffs. The primary goal of this position is to take the Energy Tradeoffs Matrix in ILWAs 2025 Report to the Governor and substantially expand it in rigor scope and data-driven depth. This work will contribute to the larger national energy conversation setting the standard for how states responsibly evaluate energy development in an era of growth and system transformation.

The ideal candidate brings expertise and proven experience from fields such as energy development and production policy analysis and environmental science along with strategic judgement excellent interpersonal skills and ability to navigate complex issues. This job requires an ability to interpret highly technical information and data then translate it into practical visually compelling and relatable briefs papers and presentations to a legislative audience. This position is eligible for hybrid work within the state of Utah.

Research and Analysis (50%)

• Expand the ILWA Energy Tradeoffs Matrix by:
  
  • Incorporating quantitative metrics uncertainty ranges and explanations and lifecycle considerations into the matrix.
  • Creating and implementing transparent analytical methodologies for assessing each generation resource.
  • Applying Utah-specific geographic transmission water use and regulatory context.
  • Integrating with existing OED efforts in energy planning and system modeling to expand the matrix into the foundation for state energy planning and policy development.
• Provide in-depth analysis of electricity generation tradeoffs including:
  
  • Land use and siting constraints.
  • Water use hydrologic impacts and water quality.
  • Air emissions and environmental impact.
  • Cost structure (operational capital and systemic).
  • Generation capability reliability assessments and grid impact.
  • System infrastructure requirement and transmission implications.
• Reinforce all assessments with academically defensible analysis drawing on peer-reviewed literature university and national lab partners and primary industry data where appropriate.

Policy Engagement and Relationship Building (40%)

• Co-produce two year-end Reports to the Governor with OED and ILWA summarizing key findings across the matrix dimensions.
• Develop a series of interim policy briefs that distill ongoing insights for legislators state officials and stakeholders.
• Present and participate in public-facing events to share findings including presenting on the annual reports during an annual presentation.
• Serve as the keystone of increased collaboration between OED ILWA and USU through:
  
  • Monthly coordination meetings alternating between Logan and Salt Lake City locations.
  • Engagement with USUs academic departments including the College of Engineering Center for Anticipatory Intelligence and others as needed.

Project Management (10%)

• Operate with a high degree of autonomy initiating and managing research projects from conception to delivery with minimal supervision. Be a self-starter and finisher.
• Support an annual research agenda strategically aligned with anticipated legislative cycles and for emerging energy policy needs in the state of Utah.

Minimum Qualifications

• Masters degree or PhD in energy systems engineering environmental science public policy energy economics or a related field and 8 years of progressively responsible experience in energy policy analysis legislative research and/or regulatory affairs OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience conducting energy environmental or infrastructure analysis.
• Demonstrated experience producing whitepapers journal articles or literature reviews.
• Demonstrated experience in delivering engaging and informative presentations to the general public and/or policy maker audiences.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with lifecycle assessments comparative infrastructure assessments or techno-economic analysis.
• Demonstrated experience translating academic research for policymakers and the public.
• Demonstrated energy modeling or systems modeling expertise.
• Demonstrated familiarity with electricity generation technologies.
• Demonstrated familiarity with electrical grid operations.
• Demonstrated familiarity with electricity markets including developing markets in the western United States.

Knowledge Skills and Abilites

• Expert written and verbal communication skills including comfort working across a range of stakeholders from academic to legislative to industry.
• Ability to synthesize technical economic and policy considerations in analytical frameworks.
• Knowledge of Utah water constraints and land-use considerations.
• Knowledge of Utah air emissions considerations and regulations.

Along with the online application please attach:

1. Resumeto be uploaded at the beginning of your application inthe CandidateProfile under Resume/CV.

2. Names and contact information for 3 professional references to be entered into Candidate Profile. Letters of Recommendation will be collected for finalist candidates.

3.Cover letterto be typed/pasted at the end of your application.

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Employees work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants but not necessarily occasional temperature changes. The employee is regularly required to sit and often uses repetitive hand motions.

Founded in 1888 Utah State University is Utahs premier land-grant public service university. As an R1 research institution Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local regional and global communities. USU prepares students to be active civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education USU remains a leader in research discovery and public impact.

USU enrolls over 29800 students both online and in person atlocations throughout the state.Utah States 30 locations include a main campus in Logan Utah residential campuses in Price and Blanding and six additional statewide campuses along with education centers serving every county. USU educates students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. For over 100 years USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns serving every county in the state.

Competing at the NCAA Division I level USU is a proud member of the Mountain West Conference and will join the Pac-12 Conference beginning in the 2026-2027 season.The Aggies long-standing tradition of athletic and academic excellence is exemplified by recent Mountain West regular-season and tournament championships in womens volleyball three consecutive Mountain West tournament titles in womens soccer conference championships and a first-ever conference championship for gymnastics reflecting USUs commitment to perseverance and achievement.

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected valued and supported and where diversity of thought and culture are cultivated. We seek to recruit hire and retain people from all walks of life who willchampion excellence in education research discovery outreach and believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be recognized our commitment to employees when they namedUtah State the best employer in Utahin 2023.Learn moreabout USU.

The university provides aDual Career Assistance Programto support careers for partners who are also seeking is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability contact the universitys ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at or.

*updated 12/2025

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In all circumstances Utah State University follows state and federal laws related to sex-segregated spaces.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USUs non-discrimination policies:

For further information regarding non-discrimination please visit or contact:

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Denver Regional Office

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*updated 10/2025