ORGANIZATION

PSE Healthy Energy is a non-profit energy science and policy research institute dedicated to a healthy, resilient, and equitable energy future.

Our team of public health professionals, scientists, and engineers integrate technical expertise across multiple fields to inform science-based energy policy. Our mission is to generate science-based energy and climate solutions that protect public health and the environment.

POSITION: Air Quality Scientist: Methane, Climate and Public Health

We are seeking one or more full-time Air Quality Scientists to join our passionate team of scientists, engineers, and data analysts at PSE Healthy Energy (PSE). We study cutting-edge solutions-oriented climate and energy problems in the hope to protect public health and the environment. Our research doesn’t end at publication—we embrace the scientist as a spokesperson role and level with the public through press releases/briefings and active engagement with diverse stakeholders and policymakers. We host a suite of in-house, research-grade trace gas analysis capabilities that have been deployed all over the world to better understand the climate and health pollutant emissions from gas-fired residential appliances, commercial kitchens, direct air capture facilities, and more.

The ideal candidate should be self-motivated, willing to adapt to the inevitable unforeseen challenges of primary scientific research, never afraid to bring new ideas to the table, and excited to work in a high-impact setting where there is always more to learn. The Data Scientist will be responsible for analysis and data management across a range of projects and will require collaborating with multiple team members, and responding quickly to changing research needs and priorities. The position requires the ability to work with scientific data to identify patterns and trends, establish processes to ensure data quality, and provide custom outputs for use in peer reviewed scientific publications. The ideal candidate will also have a strong background in one or more of the following areas: methane, air quality (indoor and/or outdoor), and environmental monitoring/modeling with a keen interest in the policy interface.

It is not expected that a single candidate will have expertise across all these areas—we’re seeking candidates that are particularly strong in a few areas and have some interest and capabilities in others.


ROLES
and RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Data Management:
    • Manage large datasets including data extraction, organization, quality control / quality assurance (QA/QC) and compliance with data privacy policies.
    • Help develop and maintain data and code management systems that can be applied across projects
  • Data Analysis:
    • Collaborate with the fieldwork team to design studies and collect data used to assess environmental conditions including greenhouse gas emissions, methane sources, health-damaging co-pollutants, and associated health risks both within the United States and internationally.
    • Analyze data to answer questions in climate, methane, air quality, and health topics, focusing on their interconnections and implications for environmental policies.
    • Utilize advanced scientific methods and technologies to analyze data, model scenarios, and evaluate the effectiveness of different policy interventions.
    • Awareness of personal data/information privacy protection, local and international data protection law/policy. Collect, handle, process, store data and information in a lawful, respectful manner.
  • Scientific communication:
    • Contribute to the communication of research findings through comprehensive reports, presentations and scientific publications that target both scientific and policy-oriented audiences as well as impacted communities.
    • Provide scientific expertise and support in the development and implementation of environmental policies, regulations, and standards related to climate, methane, air quality, and health.
  • Scientific collaboration :
    • Collaborate with national and international NGOs, governmental agencies, community partners, and other stakeholders to foster partnerships, exchange knowledge, and contribute to multi-scaled efforts to address environmental challenges.
    • Provide scientific and statistical / analysis mentorship for team members.

REQUIRED SKILLS and EXPERIENCE

  • A doctoral degree OR a master's degree with 2+ years of demonstrated experience in Environmental Science, Atmospheric Science, Climate Science, Public Health, Environmental Health, Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field
  • Strong background with demonstrated experience compiling and working with, cleaning, managing and interpreting large datasets and conducting statistical analysis
  • Advanced proficiency in statistics and statistical theory
  • Advanced proficiency in one or more scientific programming languages (e.g., R, Python - PSE is programming language agnostic)
  • Flexibility and willingness to travel, up to 10% of the time, for fieldwork, conferences, and meetings
  • Experience in climate change research, methane/greenhouse gas emissions, air quality, or public health-related topics
  • Exceptional writing skills, including for scientific and non-scientific audiences
  • Ability to develop and maintain productive working relationships with a diverse set of internal and external collaborators in a fast-paced environment
  • Experience in working collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams and engaging with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds
  • Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and excellent attention to detail
  • Legally authorized to work in the United States
  • A desire to learn
  • A sense of humor

DESIRED SKILLS

  • Understanding of the complex rules and regulations surrounding air quality and permitting
  • Experience using code and data management systems including GitHub
  • Experience using Slack, Asana, Canva, and/or Tableau
  • Fluency in other languages, particularly Spanish
  • Effective scientific communication with non-technical stakeholders and audiences
  • Previous mentorship experience


LOCATION AND WORK CONDITIONS

Remote in the US. Note, our headquarters and sampling equipment are located in the San Francisco Bay Area. Positions may require extended work hours during projects. Role involves computer use, sitting for long periods, good hand-eye coordination, arm/hand/finger dexterity, and visual acuity for keyboard use and equipment operation.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

The Air Quality Data Scientist is a full-time, exempt position. The anticipated salary range is $72,000-$95,000+, though the successful candidate could be hired above or below this range depending on qualifications and geographic location. Benefits are competitive and include health insurance, 401(k) retirement plan with employer match, 15 days of vacation, paid sick leave and 11+ paid holidays.

TO APPLY

Applicants are encouraged to submit a resume or CV and provide a cover letter -OR- responses to the question prompts in the online application by May 30, 2024. The position will be open until filled.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

PSE Healthy Energy is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity and expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

E-VERIFY NOTICE

PSE Healthy Energy participates in E-Verify. We will provide the Social Security Administration, and if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security, with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. Please note that we do not use this information to pre-screen job applicants.