Senior Infrastructure Analyst

With the increasing affordability of low-carbon technologies and the recent passage of major federal spending on clean energy infrastructure, the obstacles to decarbonization today come less from the absence of federal subsidies than from the presence of constraints posed by federal regulations. Deploying the nation’s energy infrastructure at the pace policymakers have set for themselves, and building a future of abundance, will require injecting more rationality into an environmental regulatory regime that has outlived the 20th-century context in which it was constructed.

Breakthrough is seeking an experienced or exceptional entry-level professional to fill the position of Infrastructure Analyst. The Senior Infrastructure Analyst will focus on research projects related to clean energy systems and climate change, but will also engage in public-facing activities such as speaking opportunities, media communications, workshops, social media management, and network-building with new organizations.

We are considering applicants with a wide array of backgrounds that may include energy systems, environmental policy, climate science, earth science, engineering, or related fields. This role is full-time and can be based in either Berkeley, CA or Washington, DC. This position will report directly to the Co-Directors of the Climate and Energy Program.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Develop a prominent public thought leadership profile in one or several areas of expertise related to infrastructure and broader food/energy systems.

• Attend external meetings as Breakthrough’s expert, speak on panels, and give interviews on subject knowledge.

• Undertake qualitative and quantitative research including memos, reports, working papers, and peer-reviewed publications.

• Write articles for the Breakthrough website and external publications.

• Contribute to research and funding proposals as needed.

• Follow and engage with the public discourse on issues issued related to infrastructure regulation and deployment, including in the popular press and on social media.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree

• Significant general experience in energy/transportation systems and/or in electrical/mechanical/other relevant engineering, or public infrastructure policy, or an area of climate science or earth science, with strong potential to become a recognized expert in one’s specific subject area(s).

• Excellent writer with experience writing for non-technical audiences

• Strong quantitative research skills

• Extensive experience with quantitative data analysis using Python, R, QGIS, or similar programs, preferably open-source software.

• Ability to independently conduct and complete major long-term research projects.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD degree in a relevant discipline

• Expertise in a relevant area of low-carbon energy technology or infrastructure, such as but not limited to: hydrogen and ammonia transportation, high-voltage transmission, solar or wind farm siting, or industrial chemicals.

• Good familiarity with current issues in US federal climate, energy, and infrastructure policy

• Experience supervising group research projects and mentoring more junior staff

• Professional proficiency in one or more foreign languages

Job Conditions

Employees are required to report to the office on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and may choose to work from home on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Additional hours may be required to meet deadlines. Some travel and evening time may be required depending on events, invitations, presentations, meetings, and other job-related work outside of the office.

All employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Salary

• Competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience.

• Excellent health insurance, dental, vision, paid leave, retirement plan, life insurance, disability insurance, professional development support, cell phone reimbursement, and commuter benefits.