Energy/Environmental Technology Researcher

About the role

The Energy/Environmental Technology Researcher 2/3 (EETR2/EETR3) will develop and deploy next-generation modeling, simulation, and optimization tools for energy and control systems using Modelica and FMI. Responsibilities include contributing to the Modelica Buildings Library, the OpenBuildingControl project, and applications for district energy, data centers, and heat pump/chiller plants using Platform- and Model-Based Design.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the Modelica Buildings Library and related Modelica/FMI-based tools.
• Research and apply these technologies to buildings, district energy systems, and data centers.
• Advance Platform-Based Design and AI applications for energy systems.
• Develop object-oriented, equation-based simulation models and control algorithms.
• Integrate domain-specific tools for rapid prototyping and whole-system lifecycle analysis.
• Publish in high-impact journals, present at conferences, and collaborate with industry.
• Support applied projects, proposal development, and solve complex technical problems.

Qualifications

• EETR2: Typically requires a minimum of 5 years of related experience with a bachelor’s degree; or 3 years and a master’s degree; or a PhD degree without experience; or equivalent work experience.
• EETR3: Typically requires a minimum of 8 years of related experience with a bachelor’s degree; or 6 years and a master’s degree; or a PhD degree with 3 years of experience; or equivalent work experience.

Requirements

• Demonstrated expertise in system modeling, simulation, building sciences and controls through journal and conference publications.
• Demonstrated expertise in HVAC systems for buildings or districts, and in controls.
• Strong working knowledge of heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and thermodynamics.
• Experience in software development.
• Experience developing mathematical models for building energy simulation and optimization.
• Demonstrated strong skills in developing models in languages and simulators for systems of differential algebraic equations in the domain of energy and control systems.
• Excellent knowledge of building science, controls, and of numerical methods for optimization and simulation.
• Excellent knowledge of programming languages, preferably Modelica, C/C++, and Python.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated expertise in working on multiple tasks and projects.
• Demonstrated experience working effectively in teams, including internal and external collaborations.

Benefits

We offer exceptional health and retirement benefits, including pension or 401K-style plans. Our culture is one where you'll belong, and we're invested in our teams. Additionally, we provide a Winter Holiday Shutdown, parental bonding leave, pet insurance, and more.

Salary

• EETR2: The full salary range is $100,668 - 169,986. The budgeted salary range is $119,563.20 - $132,148.80.
• EETR3: The full salary range is $124,728 - $210,480. The budgeted salary range is $148,120.20 - $163,711.80.

Background Check

This position is 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 Modality

This position is eligible for a flexible work mode, with onsite or hybrid work being the preferred modes. Hybrid work is a combination of teleworking and performing work on-site at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. Individuals working a hybrid schedule must reside within 150 miles of Berkeley Lab. Work schedules are dependent on business needs.

Multilevel Posting

This position will be hired at a level commensurate with the business needs and the skills, knowledge, and abilities of the successful candidate.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich 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, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.