| The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), the world’s leading research and development laboratory for renewable energy technologies, is seeking to hire a researcher for its Cold Climate Housing Research Center in Fairbanks, Alaska. CCHRC promotes and advances the development of healthy, durable, sustainable shelter for Alaska and the circumpolar north. Through its core programs of building science research, social & economic analysis, and design, CCHRC develops building and retrofit techniques, mechanical systems, and foundations that have improved the performance and affordability of homes statewide. CCHRC incorporates these technologies in demonstration homes across the circumpolar north that reflect climate and culture. CCHRC’s design development and applied building science research involves a collaborative approach with remote, islanded, and indigenous communities, the building industry, regional leadership, building owners, Federal and State agencies, and a broad cross section of stakeholders. This is an exciting opportunity to join a mission-focused, interdisciplinary team working at the intersection of science, culture, and community resilience in the land of adventure. The successful candidate will work with other designers as well as, building scientists, construction trades, economists, and outreach staff on a diverse range of projects. The primary responsibility will be supporting design work on emerging building technologies to assess their performance and efficacy in cold, islanded, and remote regions. Research projects may be funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, other state, local and federal agencies and/or the private sector. Partnering with other national laboratories, academia, industry and other stakeholders is anticipated. Duties: The candidate will initially support existing projects within the Cold Climate Housing Research Center (CCHRC). This candidate will work with the team to develop and lead new business and research opportunities for CCHRC and other centers within NREL. The duties will include: -
Drafting, three-dimensional modeling, energy usage modeling, and specifications-writing of construction documents -
Assisting in construction administration and education activities related to emerging technologies, field-built prototypes, retrofits, and lab-based mock-ups of buildings and building components -
Collaborating to write and publish research reports, project snapshots, peer-reviewed journal articles, and other articles. -
Creation of graphical representation of data and design across the Design, Building Science, and Social & Economic Analysis programs at CCHRC -
Collaborating with CCHRC technicians in the lab to develop building technologies using advanced fabrication techniques such as 3D printing, CNC routing, and software-assisted fabrication -
Assisting in community education and outreach activities -
Assisting in remote data collection, including building inspections and air leakage testing -
Performing other duties as assigned. Responsibilities: This position will require a specialized combination of strategic leadership, technical knowledge, project management experience, and communication skills to successfully interface with teams of researchers to ensure CCHRC and MTES research priorities and strategic goals are met. The position will also require skills needed to plan, coordinate, and prioritize research projects and to ensure projects in the strategic portfolio are executed on time and within budget. This position will require high interpersonal skills needed to communicate effectively with colleagues and project partners. It is critical that the applicant have a respect and basic familiarity with Alaska’s Native Communities. Responsibilities include authoring construction documents and infographic representation, writing, submission, presentation, and publication of design documents and reports, maintaining clean and safe laboratories, and conducting work with the highest professional standards. |
