Job Description
Position Title: Research Intern or Research Fellow
Reports to: Deputy Director of Research
Position Status: Temporary, non-exempt
About EFI Foundation
The EFI Foundation is a Washington-based registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to harnessing the power of technology and policy innovation to accelerate the clean energy transition. Led by principals with decades of experience and proven track records in government, academia, and the private sector, the EFI Foundation conducts objective, fact-based, and rigorous analysis supported by a multidisciplinary network of experts.
EFI was founded by Ernest J. Moniz, who served as the thirteenth United States Secretary of Energy (2013-2017) during the Obama Administration. Former Secretary Moniz also serves as the co-chair of the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI) and holds a position at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Former Secretary Moniz and other principals of EFI also are principals of EJM Associates, LLC, a Washington-based business consultancy.
Summary As part of its policy analysis and public education mission, EFIF supports an on-going program of Research Fellows and Interns. The purpose of this program is to provide early career clean energy analysts with practical work experience to supplement their academic training. EFIF is currently searching for professional, highly motivated, and detail-oriented Research Fellows and Interns to join our research team for fixed-term appointments. This summer program runs from June 1st, 2025 to mid August.
Research Fellows and Interns primarily do research, analysis, writing, data collection, and visualization development for clean energy analytical and policy development projects. The specific nature of the work for both Research Interns and Fellows varies depending on the project, their level of experience, and will include support for public-policy focused efforts of the EFI Foundation and the more traditional consulting relationships for EJM Associates. EJM Associates LLC is a strategic consulting firm that helps clients navigate the transition to a global clean energy economy by advising on a range of energy policy, innovation, and security issues.
At this time, EFIF's preference is for applicants in the D.C. area able to work on a hybrid schedule, but we are open to discussing completely remote situations.
• Research Interns: EFIF offers internships to individuals who are entering their senior (4th) year or who have completed an undergraduate degree in a field relevant to EFIF's work. Internships are typically for a semester and interns are non-exempt employees and may be full time (40 hours/week) or part time. Interns also do communications and logistical work on an ad hoc basis, usually tasks directly related to research or work products. Interns also assist in office-wide administrative tasks. Internships are paid on an hourly basis at a base rate of $20/hr.
• Research Fellows: EFIF offers research fellowships to individuals who are pursuing or have completed an advanced degree (post undergraduate) in a field relevant to EFIF's work. A Fellow may also have some project management responsibilities, including coordinating with project partners and sponsors, communicating with outside experts on project-related matters, and ensuring principals are up to date on key project updates. Fellowships are offered for a fixed term (typically a semester or aligned with a specific project duration). Fellows are nonexempt employees and are paid on an hourly basis. Fellows may be full time (40 hours/ week) or part time. Fellowships are paid on an hourly basis at a base rate of $27/hr.
Research Interns and Fellows perform analysis under the oversight of the Deputy Director of Research or other designated member of the organization. Research Fellows and Interns work individually and in teams to conduct research and fact-finding missions before consolidating the results into analyses that are complete, accurate, and cogent. They both may participate in meetings to brainstorm analysis, maintain situational awareness, and discuss research design, direction, and strategy. Both occasionally attend outside events and conferences on behalf of the organization. Their analysis is used internally (e.g. discussions, memos) or for external audiences (e.g. public reports, proposals, work products for clients, presentations). It is important for Fellows and Interns to stay up-to-date on events and trends in the energy and climate arenas.
Research Interns Time Breakdown • Individual research, writing, data visualization, etc.: 55%
• Research planning and meetings: 10%
• Communications: 10%
• Administrative: 25%
Who you are • Adapts well to rapid changes.
• Approaches uncertainty with a positive attitude.
• Humble and self-aware.
• Tackles new challenges with enthusiasm.
• Quick thinking, intellectually curious, and creative.
What you will need • Bachelor’s degree (or in process) in environmental science, climate science, public policy, engineering, economics, or related field
• Qualitative and quantitative data analysis
• General skills with internet-based research
• Experience with technical and scientific writing
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Experience with graphic design and data visualization (e.g. Tableau)
Preferred Qualifications • Some limited work and/or study on analytical issues related to energy and/or decarbonization
• Baseline knowledge of energy systems, climate policy, and related topics
• Must have work authorization in the United States
Research Fellows Time Breakdown • Individual research, writing, data visualization, etc.: 55%
• Research planning and meetings: 10%
• Communications: 10%
• Administrative: 25%
Who you are • Adapts well to rapid changes.
• Approaches uncertainty with a positive attitude.
• Humble and self-aware.
• Tackles new challenges with enthusiasm.
• Quick thinking, intellectually curious, and creative.
What you will need • Pursuing or having recently completed an advanced degree (Master’s or above) in environmental science, climate science, public policy, engineering, economics, or related field or be planning to graduate in Spring 2024.
• Baseline knowledge of energy systems, climate policy, and related topics
• Qualitative and quantitative data analysis
• Strong Internet-based research
• Experience with technical and scientific writing
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Graphic design and data visualization (e.g. Tableau)
Preferred Qualifications • 1- 5 years of work and/or study on analytical issues related to energy and/or decarbonization
• Data modeling of the energy sector
• Economic analysis in the energy sector
• Must have work authorization in the United States
Application Materials • Resume
• Short Response Questions
The application period is on a rolling basis but the desired start date for this position is June 1st, 2025.
Statement on Diversity Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. EFIF is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.
EFIF is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Women, people of color, LGBT individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans are encouraged to apply. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
If you need assistance or an accommodation for this job application due to a disability, you may contact us at
[email protected].
Job Tags
Hourly pay, Full time, Temporary work, Part time, Fixed term contract, Work experience placement, Summer work, Internship, Remote job,