Graduate Student Research Assistant positions available

June 25, 2026

Position Overview

Seeking two Graduate Student Research Assistants (GSRA) to join the Energy Markets and Planning (EMP) department at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). The GSRAs would staff one or more of four potential projects: 

  1. State-of-the-art modeling tools for planning and reliability assessments
  2. Leading utility practices for integrated system planning
  3. All-source competitive solicitations for energy resources
  4. State electric distribution system planning practices

The positions have similar responsibilities and qualifications. Applicants must be based in the United States.

Hiring Process

  • We are looking to hire for Fall 2026, with the potential to extend if mutually desired
  • The positions may be part- or full-time (20-40 hours per week) 
  • Pay scale (step level) depends on experience, in accordance with contract terms
  • In-person, hybrid, and remote work options.

Project Descriptions and GSRA Responsibilities

The GSRAs will join a research team in the Energy Markets and Planning Department working on projects funded by the Department of Energy’s Office of Electricity. Natalie Mims Frick and Myles Collins are the project leads. Berkeley Lab’s research will inform utilities and state officials about tools and leading practices to help improve planning processes and outcomes. Below is a brief description of each project and the GSRA responsibilities:

  1. Modeling tools: Bulk power and distribution system planners use a variety of modeling tools to support objective decision-making. This project will help utilities identify existing tools for a) optimizing capital and operational expenditures, and b) assessing reliability.  The GSRA will collect and analyze data to help inventory and compare available tools.
  2. Integrated system planning: Utilities are moving toward integrated system planning–a holistic approach linking traditionally siloed planning processes across different levels of the electricity system. LBNL is conducting a comprehensive technical review of integrated system planning practices to date. The GSRA will collect and analyze data to compare utility practices with respect to load forecasting, modeling approaches, designing scenarios and sensitivities, reliability planning, and co-optimizing investments across the bulk power and distribution systems. 
  3. All-source solicitations: This project will update an earlier LBNL report on practices, considerations, and emerging issues for all-source competitive solicitations for energy resources. The GSRA will help to collect and analyze information based on recent utility solicitations, including results, and help assess current issues for solicitation design and implementation, with a focus on bid evaluation.
  4. State planning practices: This project will update an annual online resource that provides regulators and other stakeholders with a comprehensive up-to-date catalog and data visualization of state electric distribution system planning requirements and practices. The GSRA will help collect and analyze information included in regulatory requirements and utility distribution system plan filings, including information related to large loads, interconnection, scenario analysis, and affordability.

As time permits, the GSRA may work with Lab researchers to synthesize findings. 

Qualifications

  • Required
    • Educational background in energy and resources, public policy, economics, business administration, city and regional planning, environmental studies, or engineering
    • Highly organized and comfortable working with limited supervision
    • Proficiency in Excel and experience with managing quantitative and qualitative data
  • Preferred
    • Familiarity with electricity markets, utility regulation, and electricity rate design
    • Experience locating, reviewing, and summarizing regulatory documents
    • Experience with Python or R for data analysis

To Apply

Please submit a resume/CV and a single cover letter to Kristan Johnson at [email protected] by July 10, 2026, and state in your email which project(s) you are applying for – or whether you are open to any project.