Post Doc in Public Policy Research; Inter-Regional Power Transmission

Requisition #: A-168478-23

Status: Full Time

Type: Post Doc

School: Whiting School of Engineering

Department/Program: Ralph O’Connor Sustainable Energy Institute (ROSEI)

Salary: $62,000-$67,000

Location City: Baltimore

Location State: MD

Location Zip Code: 21211

Closing Date: Open until filled

To apply: apply.interfolio.com/168478

General Description

The Ralph O'Connor Sustainable Energy Institute (ROSEI) is looking to hire a Fellow to support its public policy research into interregional transmission and offshore wind transmission planning efforts.  Candidates should be interested in research to improve the way we plan, permit and pay for energy infrastructure in United States, with an emphasis on bringing together state policymakers to better understand and influence wholesale markets, transmission planning, and other policies that cross jurisdictional and geographic borders. 

The selected fellow will work with Abe Silverman in supporting two multi-state convenings - the Northeast States Collaborative on Interregional Transmission (the NE States Collaborative) and the Planning Offshore Interregional Network Transmission Standardization Consortium (POINTS Consortium). The successful candidate will help lead research and convenings on topics such as:

-      Improved processes for interregional transmission planning, with a focus on the PJM, New York Independent System Operator and Independent System Operator of New England grids;

-      Developing best practices around deployment and contracting for high-voltage direct current transmission standards;

-      Identifying timeline and related challenges affecting the offshore wind industry along the East Coast, considering financing needs, social license, permitting and affordability;

-      Developing deployment strategies for grid enhancing technologies and advanced transmission technologies in a multi-state context; and

-      Other related topics. 

Specific Duties will include but not limited to:

• Help direct the Northeast States Collaborative and POINTS Consortium meetings, with state policy makers and industry participants;
• Participate in the design and preparation for webinars, workshops, and engagement sessions, including preparing slide decks and other briefing materials as needed;
• Co-author whitepapers and research papers analyzing key topics of interest on subjects such as interregional transmission planning, HVDC supply chain and other related areas;
• Develop recommendations for moving offshore wind forward, given existing federal policy considerations, state contracting rules, equipment availability and other factors;
• Liaise with industry participants and project developers to understand global HVDC energy supply chains and review contracting mechanisms for procuring long-lead time equipment; and
• Co-author grants and funding proposals.

This is a one-year full-time research position. 

Qualifications

A PhD or juris doctorate degree in engineering, environmental science, policy, economics, or law, or equivalent experience.  Candidate should have a demonstrated interest in U.S. energy policy and excellent verbal and written communication skills.  Experience in one of: transmission planning, energy markets, offshore wind, or public policy engagement preferred, but not required. 

Application Instructions

Candidates should upload a letter of application, curriculum vitae, writing sample, and three letters of reference.

Salary Range

The referenced salary range represents the minimum and maximum salaries for this position and is based on Johns Hopkins University's good faith belief at the time of posting. Not all candidates will be eligible for the upper end of the salary range. The actual compensation offered to the selected candidate may vary and will ultimately depend on multiple factors, which may include the successful candidate's geographic location, skills, work experience, internal equity, market conditions, education/training and other factors, as reasonably determined by the University.

Total Rewards

Johns Hopkins offers a total rewards package that supports our employees' health, life, career and retirement. More information can be found here: https://hr.jhu.edu/benefits-worklife/.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Johns Hopkins University is committed to equal opportunity for its faculty, staff, and students. To that end, the university does not discriminate on the basis of sex, gender, marital status, pregnancy, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status or other legally protected characteristic. The university is committed to providing qualified individuals access to all academic and employment programs, benefits and activities on the basis of demonstrated ability, performance and merit without regard to personal factors that are irrelevant to the program involved.

Pre-Employment Information

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Background Checks

The successful candidate(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check including education verification.

EEO is the Law:

https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf

Diversity and Inclusion

The Johns Hopkins University values diversity, equity and inclusion and advances these through our key strategic framework, the JHU Roadmap on Diversity and Inclusion.

Vaccine Requirements

Johns Hopkins University strongly encourages, but no longer requires, at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. The COVID-19 vaccine does not apply to positions located in the State of Florida. We still require all faculty, staff, and students to receive the seasonal flu vaccine. Exceptions to the COVID and flu vaccine requirements may be provided to individuals for religious beliefs or medical reasons. Requests for an exception must be submitted to the JHU vaccination registry. This change does not apply to the School of Medicine (SOM). SOM hires must be fully vaccinated with an FDA COVID-19 vaccination and provide proof of vaccination status. For additional information, applicants for SOM positions should visit https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine/ and all other JHU applicants should visit https://covidinfo.jhu.edu/health-safety/covid-vaccination-information/.

The following additional provisions may apply, depending upon campus. Your recruiter will advise accordingly. The pre-employment physical for positions in clinical areas, laboratories, working with research subjects, or involving community contact requires documentation of immune status against Rubella (German measles), Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Varicella (chickenpox), Hepatitis B and documentation of having received the Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccination. This may include documentation of having two (2) MMR vaccines; two (2) Varicella vaccines; or antibody status to these diseases from laboratory testing. Blood tests for immunities to these diseases are ordinarily included in the pre-employment physical exam except for those employees who provide results of blood tests or immunization documentation from their own health care providers. Any vaccinations required for these diseases will be given at no cost in our Occupational Health office.