Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s (LBNL ) Energy Analysis & Environmental Impacts Division has an opening for a Methane Research Scientist to join the team.
In this exciting role, you will collaborate on the development of methane emissions inventory estimation methods for oil and natural gas systems, combining direct measurements with engineering knowledge. You will engage in research with four main goals: 

You may also integrate insights from the above work into macro-energy systems, life-cycle assessment, and techno-economic analysis models to illustrate the implications for broader decision-making in the energy and climate space. The results of this research will guide industry and government decision-making in the United States and internationally regarding the estimation of methane emissions from oil and natural gas-producing regions as well as individual companies. Results will also inform voluntary responsibly-sourced natural gas certification initiatives as well as industry and government endeavors to improve the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of methane reduction efforts.

What You Will Do:

• In collaboration with the broader research team, develop statistical and engineering-based methane emissions estimation models, synthesizing source-level methane field measurements into regional emissions estimates for oil and natural gas systems, using Python, Analytica, or specialized software.

• Acquire data for and apply above models to regions of interest identified by funding agencies.

• Translate regional methane emissions estimation methods into a well-documented, generalizable, publicly available, open-source form for use by key stakeholders.

• Develop or oversee development of spatially explicit methods of estimating human health impacts of health-damaging air pollutants co-emitted with methane from oil and natural gas systems using reduced-form chemical transport modeling and regional demographic data.

• Provide remote technical guidance to researchers conducting independent field validation of key methane sensing technologies, based on research findings, particularly focusing on experimental design.

• Participate in group meetings and seminars.

• Contribute to the development and authorship of peer-reviewed publications.

• Maintain an accurate and detailed scientific logbook of all models developed.  

• Adhere to all Berkeley Lab and Environment, Health & Safety policies.

Additional Responsibilities as needed:

• May supervise and/or train postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, interns, and visiting scholars who require guidance with methane emissions estimation, data science, techno-economic assessment, and life-cycle analysis.

• Serve as work lead for students and postdocs on the project. 

• May participate in the development of working relationships, including data sharing, with methane measurement providers and other relevant industry actors and non-governmental organizations.

• In coordination with the broader research team, may communicate results to relevant stakeholders, including other internal research groups, to reconcile findings from complementary methods and keep stakeholders informed of key findings.

• Assist with writing research proposals, peer-reviewed publications, and records of inventions. 

• Manage licenses of key statistical analysis software and data products. Organize and store process modeling data inputs and process models for future use. 

• Facilitate collaborations with academic, government, and industrial entities.

• Participate in educational and outreach activities.

What is Required:

• Advanced degree in Energy Engineering, Data Science, or related field.

• 3 to 4 years of experience in statistical and engineering analysis of methane emissions from oil and natural gas systems beyond the highest degree. Proficiency in statistical modeling software such as Python Pandas, R, or Analytica, and familiarity with Microsoft Office.

• Experience with scientific journal writing submissions and ability to write reviews.

• Familiarity with Monte Carlo analysis methods, nonparametric uncertainty estimation.

• Familiarity with oil and natural gas system engineering, particularly for production and midstream facilities.

• Proven capabilities in innovative and applied research in a science-driven research environment.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as a part of a diverse team. 

• Flexible, approachable, and able to prioritize and manage multiple cross-functional projects.

• Effective interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, including public-speaking and presentation skills. 

• Ability to troubleshoot problems, recommend actions, and serve as work lead for research assistants and research associates.

• Advanced analytical, organizational, and record-keeping skills.

Desired Qualifications:

• Ph.D. degree in Energy Engineering, Data Science, or related field.

• Knowledge of economic evaluation methods such as cash flow analysis and benefit-cost analysis.

• Familiarity with geospatial software, such as Python GeoPandas, particularly for data from Enverus oil and natural gas data products.

Requested Application Materials:

• Curriculum Vitae.

• Publication list.

• Statement of research experience and interests.

• Names and contact information for at least three individuals who can write letters of reference.

Want to learn more about Berkeley Lab's Culture, Benefits and answers to FAQs? Please visit: https://recruiting.lbl.gov/

Notes:

• This is a full time, 1 year, career-track term appointment that may be renewed to a maximum of five years and that may be converted to career based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds, and ongoing operational needs.

• The full salary range for this position is $116,100 - $162,540. The budgeted salary range that the Lab reasonably expects to pay for this position is $132,354.00 - $146,286.00. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate’s qualification and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, and certifications, and also aligned with the internal peer group.

• This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.

• Work will be primarily performed at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA.

Based on University of California Policy - SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program and U.S Federal Government requirements, Berkeley Lab requires that all members of our community obtain the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as they are eligible. As a condition of employment at Berkeley Lab, all Covered Individuals must Participate in the COVID-19 Vaccination Program by providing proof that vaccination requirements have been met or submitting a request for Exception or Deferral. Visit covid.lbl.gov for more information.

Berkeley Lab is committed to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA) and strives to continue building community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We heartily welcome applications from women, minorities, veterans, and all who would contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, inclusion, and professionalism. In support of our diverse global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.

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