Independent Contractor

Job Overview: We are seeking a dedicated and driven researcher to assist in leading pro-active and reactive research and analysis in support of evidence-based renewable fuel policy objectives for a national trade association based in the U.S. Midwest. The successful candidate will have experience in economic modeling and analysis of policy proposals and supporting technical documentation to make evidence-based recommendations for industry responses. The ideal candidate will be able to balance independent and collaborative research with an interdisciplinary team to support the transition away from fossil fuel dependence. This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the nexus of technical research and analysis on agriculture and energy markets and renewable fuel policy at a time when the political and commercial landscape is quickly evolving.

Roles and Responsibilities:

·      Serve as subject matter expert on modeling impacts of renewable fuels growth on various economic markets as well as any attendant greenhouse gas emissions impacts, including from land use change

·      Provide expert analysis and evaluation of outputs and literature associated with partial equilibrium and computable general equilibrium models in concert with a team of modelers, including responding to regulatory action and expert disputes

·      Identify and execute on solutions to enhance modeling and analytical capabilities both as a hands-on individual contributor and as an internal and external expert and educator

·      Be willing to lead collaborators within the Clean Fuels Environmental Science program on various efforts in analysis, report writing, peer-reviewed publishing (if applicable), and other activities as outlined by the Director

Qualifications:

·      Experienced CGE or PE modeler, ideally experienced in R, Python, and/or GEMPACK

·      Minimum master’s degree in economics or related field and 3+ years of relevant experience. PhD or PhD candidate in environmental economics preferred

·      Outstanding oral and written communication and presentation skills, including the ability to communicate research issues, approaches, and findings with non-specialists

·      Strong attention and accountability to detail required

·      Ability to work across diverse teams and collaborate with others with varied backgrounds required

·      Familiarity with global energy, agricultural, and livestock markets; greenhouse gas accounting; and climate and/or renewable fuels policy preferred

·      Peer-reviewed publishing a plus