Senior Researcher; RSCH DATA ANL RP

The Senior Researcher provides advanced research, statistical, qualitative, policy, and programmatic support to research initiatives focused on building-energy systems and market transitions such as building electrification, load flexibility, and indoor air quality. The position supports the innovation and commercialization of advanced HVAC and ventilation solutions by evaluating emerging building-energy challenges requiring rigorous mixed-methods research designs-combining statistical analysis and large-scale survey research with qualitative interviews, focus groups, case studies, UI/UX usability testing, customer perspective evaluations, and workforce gap analysis.

Operating with a high degree of autonomy as an experienced professional, the Senior Researcher independently designs survey instruments, determines sampling procedures, plans long-term statistical and qualitative studies, manages project databases, executes multivariate statistical testing, applies qualitative coding frameworks, implements data security protocols, and conducts policy analysis related to state/federal energy regulations. The role also leads outreach and communications efforts to engage stakeholders and disseminate research findings.

The Senior Researcher collaborates with internal and external partners to support program development, inform strategic planning, and advance organizational objectives in building energy research and policy.

10/16/2026 at 11:59pm

• B.S. in sociology, public policy, statistics, data science, environmental social science, science & technology studies, or a related or a related discipline and/or equivalent experience/training.
• Demonstrated experience designing and executing mixed-methods research combining quantitative statistical analysis/survey design with qualitative interviews, focus groups, and case studies.
• Experience conducting policy or program evaluation in an applied research setting including policy analysis and stakeholder consultation.
• Thorough knowledge of research function and design; in qualitative research methods (interviews, surveys, content analysis, policy analysis).
• Skills in statistical analysis, survey methodology, multivariate analysis, and research software programming
• Thorough skills in analyzing and interpreting quantitative and qualitative research data
• Thorough skills in stakeholder engagement and communicating complex information clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in sociology, public policy, statistics, data science, environmental social science, science & technology studies, or a related or a related discipline and/or equivalent experience/training.
• Applied research experience related to building energy systems, HVAC, indoor air quality, load flexibility, building electrification, or adjacent clean energy technology deployment.
• Familiarity with UI/UX and usability research methods, including testing of consumer-facing energy technologies. Knowledge of building-energy technologies (e.g., heat pumps, advanced controls, mechanical ventilation systems), codes and standards, utility programs, and California or federal clean-energy policy landscape. Experience cultivating long-term stakeholder relationships across industry, government, and community-based organizations.
• Track record of peer-reviewed publications or academic/industry presentations.
• Experience with strategic communications, including website content, newsletters, and social media for research dissemination.

• 85% - RESEARCH IMPLEMENTATION
• 10% - OUTREACH & COMMUNICATIONS
• 5% - PROPOSAL DEVELOPMENT

The Western Cooling Efficiency Center (WCEC), a sub-center of the UC Davis Energy & Efficiency Institute (EEI), conducts applied engineering research and technology development to support innovation in heating, cooling, and ventilation technologies. WCEC conducts technology evaluations in its state-of-the-art thermal measurements and HVAC research lab and in the field, both in residential and commercial buildings. It has conducted laboratory and field evaluations of a wide range of systems, including direct and indirect evaporative coolers, air-source and ground-source heat pumps for space conditioning, heat pump water heaters, multifunction heat pumps,…