NORC at the University of Chicago is an independent research organization headquartered in downtown Chicago with additional offices on The University of Chicago’s campus and in Washington, D.C. and Bethesda, Maryland. NORC also supports a nationwide field staff as well as international research operations
Job Description
NORC at the University of Chicago (NORC) is seeking a qualified Principal Research Scientist to join the Security, Energy, and Environment (SEE) department in either Bethesda, Maryland (preferred) or Chicago, Illinois. NORC’s SEE department conducts high-quality research related to security, energy, and environmental challenges, creating a foundation for clients to make more informed, accurate policy decisions.
Responsibilities
- NORC’s SEE department seeks a senior researcher to support research projects spanning security, energy, and environmental policy topics, with a primary focus on environmental ecology.
- We seek individuals with aptitude and interest in conducting social and/or physical science research and other critical thinking methods and applying the findings from that research to policy, program evaluation, and technical assistance projects for government and foundation clients.
- Example topics for research include: Environmental issues interrelated with security, energy, and/or transportation issues; Individual and/or group environmental decision-making and/or behavior change; Impacts of environmental policies, including sustainable land use and agriculture development; Water supply, security, and quality; Mitigation of and/or adaptation to climate change; Environmental issues related to community resilience (preparedness, response, recovery); Environmental impact of energy savings via energy consumption and/or transportation mode choice; Evaluation of federally-funded environmental research programs.
- The Principal Research Scientist will work with the research team across a broad range of activities which include: planning, conducting, and overseeing research; delivering research findings; strategic planning; business and proposal development; managing client relations; contract administration and oversight; managing staffing issues; financial management; professional development of staff; resource planning, recruiting, and hiring; and other corporate activities.
Requirements
- Ph.D. or Master’s Degree in an environmentally-related field (e.g., environmental engineering) plus at a minimum 10 years of experience in a field related to security, energy, and environment with a primary focus on environmental affairs.
- Minimum of 10 years of work and/or academic experience in areas primarily focused on the environment that have relevant energy and/or security implications such as the following: Behavioral adaptation to changing environmental, security, energy, and/or transportation policies and technologies; Ecology and ecosystem services; Environmental implications of renewable energy policy and/or development; Knowledge of key Federal environmental impact issues, [e.g., climate change policy, environmental taxation (i.e., cap and trade, subsidies, and severance) policies, and regulatory impacts of BACT/ MACT requirements on conventional energy production]; Non-renewable resources, including rare earth minerals in energy efficient technologies; Sustainability and environmental impact of various energy types, sources, and uses, including air, water and land impacts; Environmental security; Water supply, security, and quality; Climate change and society.
Additional preferred qualifications include:
- A track record of publications and thought leadership.
- Experience with Program Management, Quantitative & Qualitative Analysis, Policy Analysis, and experience with public and private sector clients.
- Detailed knowledge of Federal, Regional, and State environmental regulatory issues and associated policy issues.
- Demonstrated success in managing projects.
- Strong track record of successful collaborations with internal and external stakeholders.
- Experience with planning and executing business development activities and proposal writing.
- Experience with and knowledge of strategic planning and execution.
- Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills.
- Proven leadership and team building: Working well within a dynamic, interdisciplinary team.
Source: https://norc-hr.silkroad.com/epostings/index.cfm?fuseaction=app.jobinfo&jobid=305585
