Research Analyst / Senior Research Analyst

Resources for the Future (RFF) is seeking one Research Analyst or Senior Research Analyst to join its Research and Policy Engagement team to support one or more economic models, including the Engineering, Economic, and Environmental Electricity Simulation Tool (E4ST) and the Dynamic Regional General Equilibrium Model (DR-GEM). E4ST is an open-platform power sector model that simulates impacts of environmental and energy policies on the electricity or power sector (e.g., simulating construction of new wind projects). DR-GEM is a computable general equilibrium (CGE) model that evaluates how the impacts of federal or regional climate policy affect U.S. regions and has also been used to evaluate state carbon taxes, cap-and-trade programs, and product-based carbon intensity standards. The ability to work across both models is not required.

Research Analysts are essential members of the RFF Research and Policy Engagement team. Under the direction of RFF Fellows, they are responsible for providing technical support that allows for the production of impactful research.

RFF's mission is to improve environmental, energy, and natural resource decisions through impartial, evidence-based economic research and policy engagement. We are committed to being the most widely trusted source of research insights and policy solutions leading to a healthy environment and a thriving economy. Our experts bring the brightest thinking to bear on our future, shaping many of the world's most successful environmental decisions and policies for almost 75 years. Our work centers on the economics and design of smart strategies to reduce sectoral and economy-wide emissions of greenhouse gases and create policies that confront climate change risks and build resilience.

RFF is committed to growth opportunities for all staff, and successful Research Analysts can be promoted through multiple ranks of the organization per RFF's career ladder. Please note that this position may be filled at the Research Analyst or Senior Research Analyst level, depending on qualifications.

This is a hybrid position that requires 3 days in the office per week and is not eligible for 100% remote work. RFF is located in Washington, DC.

Position Responsibilities

Depending on specific projects to which Research Analysts are assigned, responsibilities will include some or all of the following:

• Contribute to the development and maintenance of power sector models and/or general equilibrium models.
• Support discrete elements of research projects, including identifying, reviewing and synthesizing academic and policy literature, managing and analyzing datasets, or other tasks that are assigned by the project PI.
• Collaborate on written products, including writing sections of reports, papers, and/or proposals.
• Analyze and visualize large datasets.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• The Analyst position requires at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, including economics, operations research, engineering, mathematics, computer science, or natural sciences.
• The Senior Analyst position requires at least either a bachelor’s degree with at least two years of relevant post-graduation work experience, or a Master’s degree in a relevant field.
• Interest in policy assessments that relate to climate change, the environment, energy, and/or natural resources.
• Experience or coursework in any of the above fields using languages such as Julia, R, or Python.
• Experience working with energy-related data or models, including power systems, electricity markets, or energy system planning and/or general equilibrium modeling.
• Experience or coursework in assembling, managing, manipulating, and analyzing datasets.
• Ability to collaborate and communicate in project teams.
• Ability to organize and plan time to complete multiple tasks.
• Ability to take initiative and adapt in project settings.

Desirable Skills

• Experience or coursework with GIS and/or programming languages such as GAMS.
• Experience with optimization, including linear programming.
• Experience with power sector modeling and/or familiarity with power systems and/or general equilibrium modeling.
• Experience with energy system databases (e.g. NREL ATB, NEEDS) and/or national economic data.
• Experience with version control software (e.g., Git) and package/environment management in programming.
• Experience or coursework in economics, quantitative methods, and/or data science.

Compensation & Benefits

• Compensation: $56,500 to $69,500
• Medical, Dental, Vision coverage through Cigna
• 35-hour work week
• Flexible summer hours (4-day work week June-Sept)
• Flexible work arrangement policy (hybrid work)
• 11 paid holidays
• Office closed the week between Christmas and New Years Day
• 4 weeks PTO to start, increases to 5 weeks after 5 years, in addition to 15 paid sick days per year
• State of the Art Fitness Facility on site and free for all employees with regular group classes
• Parking on site
• RFF contributes 5% of your salary to a 403(b)-retirement account
• Commuter benefit plans (pre-tax metro and parking)

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, meeting, and training rooms, etc. The work area is adequately lit, 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 or other programs. RFF’s Vision for a Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Future.

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

Application Procedures

All applicants should use RFF’s online application process. The required items are:

• Resume (please include any modeling experience and the specific type of models)
• Cover letter describing interest in the position focusing on the relevant area(s) noted above
• Original sole-authored writing sample (no more than 20 pages)
• Academic transcripts (can be unofficial)
• Coding sample

Please note that your writing sample must be your own work and not AI-generated. You may use AI for your coding sample, but you will be asked to explain whether and how you have used AI.

Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled. Should you experience any difficulty in applying online, or if you have other questions about the position, please contact hr@rff.org.