POSITION
PSE Healthy Energy is seeking a full-time air quality modeling scientist to assist and collaborate with PSE scientists and senior scientists in evaluations of how energy choices impact outdoor and indoor air quality and public health. Energy systems of interest include but are not limited to upstream, midstream and downstream oil and gas and petrochemical sectors, electricity transmission and distribution, gas- and coal-fired power generation, carbon management and the integration of multiple cleaner energy technologies in energy transitions. Strong candidates will have demonstrated experience in air modeling and data analysis including the capability to extract, organize, clean, analyze and interpret datasets from multiple sources and synthesize existing studies on the environmental, health and climate dimensions of energy production and use.
The position requires creativity, initiative, independent work and collaboration while thinking strategically about complex scientific research and issues related to energy and energy policy, renewable energy, public health, and the environment. 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
- Air Quality Modeling: Develop and apply air quality modeling methods across a wide range of topics and applications and validate and interpret model results
- Data Analysis: Manage large atmospheric datasets including data extraction, organization, cleaning, analysis and interpretation
- Other Research: Background research and writing for technical reports and manuscripts
REQUIRED SKILLS
In addition to an ability to meet the above responsibilities, the ideal candidate will possess:
- A masters with 3+ years of demonstrated work experience or doctoral degree in atmospheric science or chemistry, engineering, physical or environmental science, environmental health, computer science, data science, or related field(s)
- Understanding of atmospheric processes related to air pollution
- Experience using chemical-transport models (e.g., GEOS-Chem, CMAQ)
- Advanced proficiency in scientific programming languages (e.g., R, python)
- Experience working in a Linux/Unix computing environment
- Experience compiling and working with, cleaning, managing and interpreting large atmospheric datasets and conducting statistical analysis
- Excellent writing and communications skills
- Ability to pivot from strong analytical and data-driven thinking to highly creative and strategic thinking
- Capable of engaging on multiple projects and prioritizing effectively
- Able to productively provide and receive feedback
- A proven record of being able to work collaboratively and independently
- Scientific and moral integrity
- Attention to detail and a desire to learn
- A sense of humor
DESIRED SKILLS
- Knowledge of petroleum refineries, biofuels, and petrochemical facilities
- Knowledge of the health hazards, risks, and impacts of air pollution
- Demonstrated experience running and interpreting dispersion models (e.g., gaussian plume models, AERMOD)
- Demonstrated experience evaluating the air quality impacts of point sources
- Experience with indoor air quality models (e.g., CONTAM) or reduced-form models (e.g., COBRA, InMAP)
- Experience using or developing emissions inventories (e.g., SMOKE)
- Experience with software best practices and version control (e.g., Github)
- Experience with cloud computing platforms (e.g., Amazon Web Services)
- Experience developing web-based data visualizations
- Experience with geographic or mapping software (e.g., ArcGIS)
- Experience working at the science-policy interface
- Experience with Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Docs, etc.)
- Familiarity with Slack
LOCATION
PSE is headquartered in Oakland, CA, but this is currently a remote or hybrid position.
SALARY
The anticipated salary range is $65,000-$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 benefits (medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance), flexible spending and/or child/dependent care spending account, 401(k) retirement plan with employer match, 15 days of vacation to start, paid leave and 11+ paid holidays.
TO APPLY
Please submit a resume or CV and provide a cover letter -OR- provide responses to question prompts in the online application by April 21st, 2023. Applications received by March 31st, 2023 will be given priority review.
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.