Research Specialist, Economics & Finance

Position Title: Research Specialist/Senior Research Specialist – Economics/Finance

Position Status: Fulltime, exempt

Salary and Benefits:

The salary range for this position is $130,000-$150,000. EFI Foundation offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, vision, and dental insurance, 401k with a 5% match; and a pre-tax Flexible Savings Account, Health Savings Account, and parking and metro benefits. We have generous paid time off, plus all federal holidays and the week between December 25 and January 1.

About EFI Foundation

The EFI Foundation advances technically grounded solutions to climate change through evidence-based analysis, thought leadership, and coalition-building. Under the leadership of Ernest J. Moniz, the 13th U.S. Secretary of Energy, the EFI Foundation conducts rigorous research to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy through innovation in technology, policy, and business models. The EFI Foundation maintains editorial independence from its public and private sponsors.

About EJM Associates

EJM Associates LLP is a Washington-based business consultancy under the direct management of Secretary Moniz. The EFI Foundation and EJM Associates participate in a shared services agreement and, pursuant to the agreement, employees of the EFI Foundation perform professional services for EJM Associates consistent with their job description.The EFI Foundation and EJM Associates participate in a shared services agreement and, pursuant to the agreement, employees of the EFI Foundation perform professional services for EJM Associates consistent with their job description.

Position Overview

EFI Foundation is seeking an accomplished, creative, and curious Research Specialist or Senior Research Specialist – Economics/Finance to join our dynamic and expanding team. This core role offers an opportunity to work on the economics and financing of clean energy technologies and industrial decarbonization. This is more than simply a research role; you will be a critical member of an interdisciplinary group focused on developing actionable strategies to enhance the economic feasibility and bankability of clean energy technology investments.

The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping the future of clean energy finance while working within a mission-driven organization led by Ernest J. Moniz, the 13th U.S. Secretary of Energy. The Research Specialist/Senior Research Specialist – Economics/Finance will provide pivotal analytical insight at the intersection of economics and financing for the deployment and scaling of clean energy technologies.

This position will contribute to projects across EFI Foundation’s project portfolio, including clean energy technology innovation, clean energy finance; scaling commercial demand for advanced nuclear; clean fuels; and large scale carbon management. The Foundation tackles issues from regional, national, and international perspectives. Our portfolio will continue to grow and evolve, and the Research Specialist will play a major role in identifying and shaping future work.

The core responsibilities will include analyzing the economic feasibility and financeability of how policies, regulations, and incentives impact the investments in clean energy technology deployment. Key tasks include conducting in-depth quantitative and qualitative research, developing financial models, authoring reports, and presenting findings to key stakeholders. The Research Specialist/Senior Research Specialist will manage project workstreams, mentor junior staff, and contribute creative solutions to complex financial challenges. A material portion of this work will be externally facing.

Key Responsibilities

Research & Analysis:

• Conduct quantitative and qualitative research on the economics of clean energy and industrial decarbonization technologies, commercialization pathways, industry analysis, and financial frameworks.
• Analyze policies, regulations, and incentives that influence investment quality in clean energy and decarbonization projects.
• Develop financial models, assess project feasibility, and evaluate the economic impact of clean energy investments.

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication:

• Author reports, briefing materials, and executive-level presentations.
• Present research findings to internal and external stakeholders, including senior executives.
• Collaborate with teams across functions to ensure alignment with broader organizational goals.

Project Management & Leadership:

• Manage project workstreams, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality research outputs.
• Guide and mentor junior staff on research methodologies and project execution.
• Lead and support the development of financial solutions to address challenges in clean energy investment.

Focus Areas:

The Research Specialist will work on a range of projects, with an initial focus on quantitative financial analysis. The scope of work will be split 60% on U.S. markets and 40% internationally. The approximate amount of time spent on various tasks is as follows:

• Research, writing, data analysis, presentations, briefings, etc.: 80%
• Project coordination: 10%
• Administrative: 10%

This position is based at EFI headquarters in Washington, DC. As of the date of this posting, EFI employees are working on a hybrid schedule with three days per week in-office.

Required Skills

Technical Skills:

• 7+ years of relevant experience.
• 2+ years working in VC/PE, investment banking, project finance/development, tax equity, CIB, capital markets, or, economic research.
• Strong familiarity with capital formation activities: corporate, HoldCo, SPV, and portfolio level, including raising equity, term loans / bonds, credit facilities, managed funds, and other types of capital facilities.
• Advanced knowledge of financial models, project finance, and econometrics.
• Experience with advanced quantitative modeling (R, Python).
• Leadership & Communication:
  • Exceptional presentation and communication skills.
  • Strong interpersonal and leadership skills; ability to work collaboratively and independently.
• Sector-Specific Knowledge:
  • Deep understanding of clean energy policies, programs, and technologies.
  • Experience in cross-sector engagement (public, private, government, NGO).

Characteristics:

• Adaptability and a positive attitude.
• Strong self-awareness and humility, with enthusiasm for tackling new or challenging situations.
• Quick thinking, intellectual curiosity, and a creative approach; you naturally seek out solutions.
• Entrepreneurial mindset: comfortable with taking risks, adaptable to change, and recognizing that striving for perfection can sometimes hinder progress.
• Preferred Qualifications
  • MBA or Master’s degree in finance, economics or relevant engineering field (e.g., operations research, management science, industrial engineering, etc.).
  • Demonstrated track record of successful grant-writing.

U.S. citizenship or authorization to reside and work in the United States is required.

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. EFI 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.

Application Materials

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Writing Sample (5-10 pages, ideally sole authorship)

Statement on Diversity

EFI Foundation 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 info@efifoundation.org.

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