Research Analyst, Power Sector Transition

This is a hybrid position that requires 8 days per month in the office. You can be based in our office in Washington DC. Existing work authorization is required at the time of application submission as WRI is unable to sponsor any visa work sponsorship for this position. To be eligible for this position, you must be a resident of DC, Maryland or Virginia at the start of employment.

About the Program:

WRI's U.S. Polsky Energy Center speeds up the transition to a low-carbon, inclusive energy future by building clean energy markets and change institutions. The team focuses on the US energy transition and decarbonization of the power sector, with a focus of working with local and state governments, large energy buyers, utilities, regulators, NGOs, and others.

Our team accelerates the deployment of clean energy technologies by addressing barriers, replicating successful models, and supporting policies or programs to accelerate adoption and achieve 100% clean energy in the power sector. WRI also undertakes research to support action, covering approaches to: overcoming barriers to clean energy development, expanding wholesale markets and the grid to enable the energy transition, accelerating electrification, and meeting the demand for critical minerals while protecting people and nature.

We focus on removing market and institutional barriers to clean energy deployment through efforts to allow state and local stakeholders to improve clean technologies in light of current context, including growing electricity demand and the changing policy environment. We also lead initiatives under the Polsky Energy Center to address large buyer demand and load growth, siting, critical minerals and circularity and ensuring grid expansion. WRI integrates equity and social justice concerns into its work to ensure the clean energy transition benefits all.

Job Highlight:

As a Research Analyst you will support WRI's U.S. Polsky Energy Center to promote clean, affordable, and reliable solutions for a grid facing unprecedented demand growth. Electricity demand is rising due to electrification of transportation and buildings, the proliferation of data centers, and industrial growth — all while the power sector must simultaneously decarbonize. You will contribute research and analysis that helps policymakers, utilities, regulators, local governments, communities, and other stakeholders understand this challenge and identify responses.

Working under the guidance of senior researchers, you will help write articles and reports, conduct literature reviews, collect and analyze data, and support stakeholder engagement activities and convenings. Your work will inform efforts to make the grid more flexible and resilient. It will also address challenges related to large power users, such as data centers. Additionally, it will promote clean energy solutions to meet rising demand, including latest technologies like next-generation geothermal. Furthermore, it will support state and local actors navigating utility planning and regulatory processes to address energy affordability challenges and growing electricity demand.

This is an opportunity to build expertise at the intersection of energy policy, electricity markets, and grid planning during a pivotal moment in the energy transition. You will develop practical skills in research and analysis while contributing to work that has direct, real-world impact on how the United States meets its growing electricity needs cleanly and affordably.

What You Will Do:

Research & Knowledge Production (50%)

• Support senior researchers in developing reports, issue briefs, fact sheets, and blogs by drafting sections, producing data visualizations, and fact-checking content

• Help develop tools and resources that help states, utilities, and local governments evaluate options for meeting rising electricity demand affordably and cleanly

• Conduct research and literature reviews combining government, industryand other reports on load growth issues and solutions, policy options for addressing challenges, demand forecasting, clean firm power resources, and grid planning approaches

• Fact-check and review knowledge products authored by WRI colleagues

• Use available databases, compile and track regulatory filings, utility planning documents, and state policy developments relevant to load growth and power sector decarbonization

• Contribute to research sections of fundraising proposals under guidance from senior staff

• Collect, clean, organize, and analyze quantitative and qualitative data related to electricity demand trends, utility integrated resource plans (IRPs), and clean energy deployment

Stakeholder Engagement & Technical Assistance (35%)

• Support coordination of stakeholder convenings, webinars, workshops, and cohort programs related to load growth, utility planning, and clean firm power

• Help with outreach, recruitment, and logistics for events, webinars, and meetings with states, utilities, regulators, and partner organizations

• Provide research and analytical support to senior staff delivering technical assistance to state and local decision-makers on electricity demand, utility regulation, and clean energy planning

• Help track and document stakeholder feedback and engagement outcomes to inform ongoing research priorities

• Collaborate with external partners and WRI colleagues across programs to coordinate related workstreams

Communications & Administrative (15%)

• Support development of communications products including newsletters, blog content, and presentation materials

• Help coordinate internal and external meetings, webinars, and distribution events

• Track and update projects in WRI's internal workforce management platform

• Help prepare presentations and briefings for external audiences

What you will need:

Education: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as environmental studies, economics, public policy, engineering, or a related technical or social science discipline; relevant work experience in lieu of degree is accepted; master's degree is a plus

Experience:

• Familiarity with energy, electricity, and environmental policy; experience with utility regulation, power markets, grid planning, or clean energy technology a plus

• Demonstrated experience conducting literature reviews and synthesizing findings from multiple sources

• Experience collecting, cleaning, or analyzing quantitative data; proficiency in Excel required; familiarity with R, Python, or other analytical tools is a plus

• Strong written communication skills with experience drafting research memos, briefs, or reports

• Attention to detail and ability to track, organize, and manage research materials and project information

• Ability to work both independently on well-defined tasks and collaboratively as part of a team

• Strong oral communication skills and ability to present research findings to internal audiences

• Experience with or exposure to stakeholder engagement, convenings, or technical assistance programs is a plus

• Commitment to WRI's mission and a passion for accelerating the clean energy transition

Languages: Verbal and written proficiency in English.

Requirements: Existing work authorization is required where this position is based. WRI is unable to authorize visa work authorization.

Potential Salary:

US salary range is between 57,000 and 68,000 USD. Salary is commensurate with experience and other compensable factors. 

How to Apply:  

Please submit a resume with a cover letter. Internal applicants should submit their application through the Jobs Hub portal in Workday. External applicants must apply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered. We may close for applications sooner if we receive a high volume of applications from qualified candidates. 

About Us:

World Resources Institute works to improve people’s lives, protect and restore nature, and stabilize the climate. As an independent research organization, we leverage our data, expertise and global reach to influence policy and catalyse change across systems like food, land and water; energy; and cities. Our 2,000+ staff work on the ground in more than a dozen focus countries and with partners in over 50 nations.

Our mission and values:

WRI’s mission is to move human society to live in ways that protect Earth’s environment and its capacity to provide for the needs and aspirations of current and future generations.

Our values are shared ideals that bind us together: Independence, Integrity, Impact, Partnership and Care.

Our culture:

WRI is committed to advancing gender and social equity for human well-being in our mission including equal opportunities in employment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, caste, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or protected Veteran status.

Our People team carefully reviews all applications.