Research Analyst

This is a hybrid position which requires 8 days/month in the office. You can be based in our office. Existing work authorization is required at the time of application submission as WRI is unable to sponsor any visa work sponsorship for this position. To be eligible for this position in US, you must be a resident of DC, Maryland or Virginia at the start of employment.

About the program:

WRI’s Polsky Center for the Global Energy Transition speeds up the transition to a low-carbon, inclusive energy future by helping to build clean energy markets and change institutions. The U.S. Energy team focuses on the US energy transition and decarbonization of the power sector, with a focus of working with local and state governments, large energy buyers, utilities, regulators, NGOs, and others.

Our team accelerates the deployment of clean energy technologies by addressing barriers, replicating successful models, and supporting policies or programs to accelerate adoption and achieve 100% clean energy in the power sector. WRI also undertakes research to support action, covering approaches to: overcoming barriers to clean energy development, expanding wholesale markets and the grid to enable the energy transition, accelerating electrification, and meeting the demand for critical minerals while protecting people and nature.

We focus on removing market and institutional barriers to clean energy deployment through efforts to enable state and local stakeholders to advance clean technologies in light of current context, including growing electricity demand and the changing policy environment. We also lead initiatives under the Polsky Energy Center to address large buyer demand and load growth, siting, critical minerals and circularity and enabling grid expansion WRI integrates equity and social justice concerns into its work to ensure the clean energy transition benefits all.

Job highlight:

You will integrate equity into your work.

Reporting to the US City Energy Transition Lead, you will provide research and coordination support for WRI’s domestic energy projects as part of the US team under the Polsky Center for the Global Energy Transition. This role will support research into new workstreams primarily associated with removing barriers to decarbonization of the power sector, including issues such as managing load growth, enabling power market reforms and grid upgrades, critical minerals and circularity, and siting of utility-scale clean energy generation. You will provide broad research and writing support for briefs, blogs and other WRI reports and knowledge products. You will help organize and coordinate webinars, stakeholder convenings, roundtables, and workshops. This could include technical assistance and education for state and local governments and other stakeholders.

You will be curious about emerging clean energy technologies and solutions, proactive about identifying market trends and anticipating team needs, and adept at concisely compiling and communicating research. This role is a unique opportunity to deepen and evolve your understanding of how various stakeholders are driving clean energy adoption and contribute to analysis and direct technical assistance efforts that have a meaningful impact on the decarbonization of the power sector.

What you will do:

Energy Research & Knowledge (50%):

• Provide research support related to accelerating demand for clean energy and removing key barriers to its adoption, such as advancing new technologies and market reforms, upgrading the grid, addressing load growth and siting barriers, and critical minerals and circularity
• Support development of knowledge products (e.g. reports, briefs, data products) for the US Energy team with senior guidance and adhering to WRI’s quality guidelines
• Conduct literature reviews and qualitative and/or quantitative analysis, with senior support
• Support development of high-quality and impactful tools and resources for local governments and other key stakeholders

Stakeholder Engagement (30%):

• Support engagement with external stakeholders on the execution of convenings, webinars, roundtables, and trainings designed to achieve project objectives and address barriers to clean energy deployment
• Coordinate recruitment, outreach, and participant management for webinars, cohorts, roundtables, and stakeholder convenings
• Liaise with external partners and WRI colleagues across programs and countries

Communications & Administrative (20%):

• Support development of communications products, for example, newsletters, and blogs for the US Energy team
• Organize and support logistics for internal and external meetings, webinars, roundtables, workshops, conferences, and other events
• Track and update projects in internal workforce management platforms
• Be an active member of US Energy team and coordinate with broader Energy and US teams

What you will need:

• Education: You have a completed bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as environmental studies, economics, policy, sustainability, or engineering. Relevant work experience is accepted in lieu of a degree
• Experience: You have 2 years of work experience or understanding of clean energy technologies, utility and regulatory processes, transmission issues, and/or critical minerals and circularity
• Excellent research, analytical, and computer skills
• Prior experience developing or using Excel-based or other analysis tools
• Strong oral and written communications skills
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently as well as part of a team
• Ability to present complex information in a clear, accurate, and concise manner
• Commitment to WRI’s mission
• Languages: You have verbal and written proficiency in English. Other languages are desirable but not required.
• Requirements: Existing work authorization is required where this position is based. WRI is unable to authorize visa work authorization

Potential Salary:

US salary range is between 57,000 and 64,000 USD. Salary is commensurate with experience and other compensable factors.

How to Apply:

Please submit a resume with a required cover letter by the date of 05 Aug 2025. We may close for applications sooner if we receive a high volume of qualified applications.

We are unable to consider your application without a cover letter in addition to your resume.

You must apply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered.

What we offer:

• Access to the WRI global network with the opportunity to exchange with and learn from passionate colleagues working at the cutting edge of their fields across Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America and the US
• The chance to have an impact and to develop your career within a mission driven organization with access to varied learning and training opportunities.
• A workplace that strives to put diversity and inclusion at the heart of our work
• The opportunity to join and get involved in different working groups and affinity groups to shape the future of WRI
• Commitment to hybrid working model with flexible working hours
• Generous leave days that increase with tenure
• Medical Coverage, Dental Coverage, Vision Coverage, retirement plan access and employer contribution

About Us:

World Resources Institute works to improve people’s lives, protect and restore nature and stabilize the climate. As an independent research organization, we leverage our data, expertise and global reach to influence policy and catalyse change across systems like food, land and water; energy; and cities. Our 2,000+ staff work on the ground in more than a dozen focus countries and with partners in over 50 nations.

Our mission and values:

WRI’s mission is to move human society to live in ways that protect Earth’s environment and its capacity to provide for the needs and aspirations of current and future generations.

Our values are shared ideals that bind us together: Independence, Integrity, Impact, Partnership and Care.

Our culture:

WRI is committed to advancing gender and social equity for human well-being in our mission including equal opportunities in employment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, caste, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or protected Veteran status.

Our team in Human Resources carefully reviews all applications