Description

Salary: $62,000-$67,000

Status: Full Time

The Ralph O'Connor Sustainable Energy Institute (ROSEI) is looking to hire a Fellow to support its public policy research into interregional transmission and offshore wind transmission planning efforts.  Candidates should be interested in research to improve the way we plan, permit and pay for energy infrastructure in United States, with an emphasis on bringing together state policymakers to better understand and influence wholesale markets, transmission planning, and other policies that cross jurisdictional and geographic borders. 

The selected fellow will work with Abe Silverman in supporting two multi-state convenings - the Northeast States Collaborative on Interregional Transmission (the NE States Collaborative) and the Planning Offshore Interregional Network Transmission Standardization Consortium (POINTS Consortium). The successful candidate will help lead research and convenings on topics such as:

-      Improved processes for interregional transmission planning, with a focus on the PJM, New York Independent System Operator and Independent System Operator of New England grids;

-      Developing best practices around deployment and contracting for high-voltage direct current transmission standards;

-      Identifying timeline and related challenges affecting the offshore wind industry along the East Coast, considering financing needs, social license, permitting and affordability;

-      Developing deployment strategies for grid enhancing technologies and advanced transmission technologies in a multi-state context; and

-      Other related topics. 

Specific Duties will include but not limited to:

• Help direct the Northeast States Collaborative and POINTS Consortium meetings, with state policy makers and industry participants;
• Participate in the design and preparation for webinars, workshops, and engagement sessions, including preparing slide decks and other briefing materials as needed;
• Co-author whitepapers and research papers analyzing key topics of interest on subjects such as interregional transmission planning, HVDC supply chain and other related areas;
• Develop recommendations for moving offshore wind forward, given existing federal policy considerations, state contracting rules, equipment availability and other factors;
• Liaise with industry participants and project developers to understand global HVDC energy supply chains and review contracting mechanisms for procuring long-lead time equipment; and
• Co-author grants and funding proposals.

This is a one-year full-time research position. 

Requirements

A PhD or juris doctorate degree in engineering, environmental science, policy, economics, or law, or equivalent experience.  Candidate should have a demonstrated interest in U.S. energy policy and excellent verbal and written communication skills.  Experience in one of: transmission planning, energy markets, offshore wind, or public policy engagement preferred, but not required. 

Application Instructions

Candidates should upload a letter of application, curriculum vitae, writing sample, and three letters of reference.