Research Analyst I, Nicholas School, Social Environmental Systems

Duke University:

Duke University was created in 1924 through an indenture of trust by James Buchanan Duke. Today, Duke is regarded as one of America’s leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

Job Title: Research Analyst I

Location: Duke University, Nicholas School of the Environment, Durham, NC
Division: Social Environmental Systems

Position Overview:

We are seeking an accomplished Energy Professional with a PhD in a relevant field (e.g., Energy Systems, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Engineering, Operations Research) to join our team and lead the development and implementation of advanced probabilistic forecasting techniques, customer interaction models, and stochastic optimization solutions for energy consumption. This role will involve a combination of research, data analysis, and model development to improve energy efficiency, optimize energy resources, and enable more effective decision-making within the energy sector.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in probabilistic modeling, statistical analysis, and optimization, coupled with a deep understanding of energy systems and consumption patterns. Experience in applying these techniques to energy markets, grid management, or customer demand forecasting is highly desirable.

Key Responsibilities:

• Probabilistic Forecasting:
  Develop, refine, and implement probabilistic forecasting models for energy consumption, incorporating variables such as weather patterns, economic indicators, customer behavior, and grid conditions.
• Customer Interaction Models:
  Design and deploy models that simulate customer interactions and responses to dynamic pricing, energy consumption incentives, and demand-side management strategies.
• Stochastic Optimization:
  Develop and apply stochastic optimization models to optimize energy generation, storage, and consumption, taking into account uncertainties such as renewable energy generation, load forecasts, and market conditions.
• Model Validation and Calibration:
  Conduct model validation and sensitivity analyses to ensure that forecasts and optimization solutions are robust and accurate. Adjust models based on real-world feedback and emerging data.
• Collaboration with Cross-Functional Teams:
  Work closely with data scientists, engineers, and customers to integrate the developed models into broader energy system solutions and strategies.
• Research and Innovation:
  Conduct independent research to stay at the forefront of probabilistic forecasting, stochastic optimization, and energy consumption modeling, applying the latest advancements to improve system performance.
• Technical Documentation & Reporting:
  Prepare detailed technical reports, publications, and presentations for funders, internal stakeholders, and potentially for academic journals or conferences.
• Implementation and Scaling:
  Collaborate with implementation teams to transition successful models into production, ensuring scalability and integration with operational systems.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Education:
  A PhD in Energy Systems, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Engineering, Operations Research, or a related field.
• Technical Skills:
  • Strong expertise in the following: probabilistic modeling, time-series forecasting, and statistical analysis
  • Proficiency in stochastic optimization techniques.
  • Advanced programming skills in Julia and Python.
  • Experience with relational database management systems (MySQL, PostgresSQL, Oracle)
  • Experience with energy system modeling software and tools (e.g., PLEXOS, HOMER, GridLAB-D) is a plus.
  • Experience developing standalone web applications or desktop applications is a plus.
• Experience:
  • At least 5 years of relevant experience in the energy industry, academia, or research institutions. This experience should include a focus on forecasting, optimization, or modeling of energy systems
  • Familiarity with energy markets, demand response programs, grid operations, or customer behavior modeling is highly desirable.
• Analytical Skills:
  • Strong quantitative and analytical skills, with experience handling large datasets and complex modeling tasks.
  • Ability to derive actionable insights from model outputs and communicate these to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Communication Skills:
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience presenting complex models and results to a variety of stakeholders.
• Problem Solving:
  • Strong problem-solving skills, with the capacity to develop innovative solutions to complex energy-related challenges.

• Experience in the application of machine learning or AI techniques in energy forecasting or optimization.
• Familiarity with energy policy and regulatory environments.
• Publications in relevant academic or industry journals.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Work requires a bachelor's degree in a field related to the specific position.

Experience

Work requires two years of experience in research/data analysis or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience..

Duke is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essentialjob functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.