How to Apply
Required application materials include a cover letter and resume. The resume should include names and contact information for at least two references. Please email any questions to [email protected]. The cover letter should describe your relevant experiences, publications, and preferred start date. It should also include your thoughts on how to advance Institute goals on equitable access to clean energy; how to build communities on energy topics with different partners (within the UM and externally) and your interests in advancing energy systems.
Job Summary
The Research Specialist for the Institute for Energy Solutions has the exciting role of leading, contributing to, and supporting funding efforts through ideation, grant writing, team coordination, and project management. These efforts will leverage University of Michigan expertise in energy systems, spanning all colleges, schools, and disciplines. The Research Specialist will work with the Institute Director, Associate Director, Program Manager, and Steering Committee to create new opportunities that synergize the UM community energy assets - amplifying positive change to energy systems. Individuals are expected to leverage their research expertise and expand their research leadership through new activities.
Who We Are
The Institute for Energy Solutions (IES) is committed to achieving positive change to national and global energy systems. Our IES mission is to pursue energy science and technologies to enable, accelerate, and inform the transition to an equitable, resilient, clean, affordable, and sustainable energy future. The IES supports and advances the College of Engineering's commitment to advances in technology, education, outreach, DEI, and community building around energy systems. We partner with faculty, staff, students, and external partners to develop and maximize the impact of UM energy expertise and science and technology outcomes. We are looking for an individual who shares our IES goals and wants to help lead the IES forward.
Michigan Engineers are world-class educators, researchers, students and staff who strive to build a people-first future. As part of the nation's number one public research institution, Michigan Engineering's mission is to provide scientific and technological leadership to the people of the world, develop intellectually curious and socially conscious minds, create collaborative solutions to societal problems, and promote an inclusive and innovative community of service for the common good.
Our vision, mission and values are supported by a people-first engineering framework that guides our work. As Michigan Engineers, we strive to apply excellent engineering fundamentals, integrated expertise and equity-centered values to reimagine what engineering can be, close critical gaps, and elevate all people. Information about our vision, mission and values can be found at: http://strategicvision.engin.umich.edu/.
The University of Michigan has a storied legacy of commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). Michigan Engineering models that commitment in our research, culture and collaborations. We seek to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of that commitment. Learn more about DEI at Michigan Engineering:
https://www.engin.umich.edu/culture/diversity-equity-inclusion/
Why Work at Michigan?
In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:
- Generous time off
- A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
- Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
- Life insurance
- Long-term disability coverage
- Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
- Maternity and Parental Leave
Responsibilities*
- Lead, contribute to, and support funding efforts through ideation, grant writing, team coordination, and project management
- Contribute to and support new and existing energy-related research and educational initiatives and projects, both those led by the Institute for Energy Solutions and led by collaborators of the Institute for Energy Solutions
- Help foster interdisciplinary research and community building across UM faculty and disciplines
- Participate in and contribute to Institute for Energy Solutions programming
Required Qualifications*
- Doctoral degree related to energy
- Ability to work independently
- Technical expertise on specific energy science and technologies as well as strong familiarity with a breadth of energy carriers and systems
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with faculty, staff and student constituencies with the ability to deliver consistent and clear messages to a diverse group with differing perspectives or roles in process
- Excellent organizational skills with proven ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities with careful attention to detail
- Excellent presentation skills with demonstrated ability to generate enthusiasm and understanding with a variety of audiences and partners.
Desired Qualifications*
- Doctoral degree in STEM
- Prior experience in research ideation and grant writing
- Prior experience with interdisciplinary collaborations
- High level of creativity and novel ideas on how to build communities to support achieve
equitable access to clean energy
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Underfill Statement
This position may be underfilled at the intermediate level depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate.
Additional Information
This is a term-limited position through August 31, 2025 with possible renewal based on funding extension.
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
U-M EEO/AA Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.