Description

Summer Research Intern (PAID): Wholesale electricity market designs to support grid decarbonization 

Do you want to begin a career in academic or policy research? Are you interested in contributing to impactful, balanced research that is aimed at improving environmental, energy and natural resource decisions? A summer research internship with Resources for the Future (RFF) might be right for you.

The RFF summer internship program provides an opportunity for students to prepare for careers that engage in rigorous, policy-relevant research. Interns are essential members of RFF’s Research and Policy Engagement team; they are responsible for providing technical support that, under the direction of RFF Fellows, allows for the production of compelling and impactful research that aligns with RFF’s mission of improving environmental, energy and natural resource decisions through impartial economic research and policy engagement.

Our research internships are a 10-week program paid at $20 an hour for up to 35 hours a week. Applications will be open until March 22nd, with hiring decisions made in early May. Internships will run from June 10th, 2024 – August 16th, 2024. Start or end dates can be changed with an approved exception.
All internships will be conducted in RFF’s offices in Washington, DC. 

We are seeking an intern to support ongoing work on “Wholesale electricity market designs to support grid decarbonization”, working with Molly Robertson (Senior Research Associate). As the electricity sector decarbonizes, traditional market structures to procure energy and capacity may be insufficient to ensure long term resource adequacy and provide appropriate investment signals. RFF has been investigating new wholesale market designs and products that could address these concerns.

The summer intern will work with members of RFF’s Electric Power Program to continue this evaluation and to identify areas where existing markets are falling short. For example, we may focus on a critical technology like utility scale batteries and other forms of energy storage and assess whether current markets provide sufficient incentives for the technology to grow at the rate needed to decarbonize. 

Qualifications, Experience & Competencies 

• Education: Priority is given to candidates enrolled in anundergraduate or graduate program that is relevant to RFF’s research and mission. Highly motivated candidates in the social andnatural sciences with training in economics and quantitative methods, or with a keen interest in public policy, are encouraged to apply. 
• A background in economics is preferred but not required for this internship. Engineering or project financing experience/knowledge a plus.

All applications must be submitted electronically. Please complete the application and required cover letter, beginning the name of each file with your last name.

• A cover letter that explains your interest in and how your qualifications match to the specific project
• Resume summarizing your experiences and qualifications for the position
• Copy of your academic transcript(s) (unofficial transcripts are acceptable at this stage) 
• A writing sample (optional) 

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, some standing, walking, sitting, bending, and carrying of light items such as books and papers is required.

Working Conditions

The work may involve everyday light risks and discomforts, which may require normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices, meetings, and training rooms, etc. The work area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This position description may not describe all duties, responsibilities and skills associated with this position. It is intended to portray the major aspects of the job and is not meant to be all inclusive. Other duties or skills may be required.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

RFF (Resources for the Future) is committed to the letter and spirit of diversity, equity, and inclusion. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or national and ethnic origin in hiring and employment, nor in the administration and other programs.RFF’s Vision for a Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Future.

RFF has made the safety of our staff and community a top priority. As a part of that commitment, all staff and visitors are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, as defined by the CDC. RFF will require all staff and visitors to submit proof of complete vaccination against COVID-19 to work in our office.

Visit ourFAQpage to find out what it’s like to work at a world-class, policy-oriented research organization in the heart of Washington, DC.