Research Scientist

Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Massachusetts Institute of Technology, through the MIT Energy Initiative (MITEI), seeks a Research Scientist 2 to conduct and lead techno-economic analyses (TEA) and life cycle assessments (LCA) for energy transition technologies. You will collaborate with researchers across MIT, propose new sponsor-funded work, and represent MITEI with sponsoring companies.

The role requires a PhD in engineering and a proven TEA/LCA track record, with proficiency in Aspen Plus or GREET, plus excellent

Qualifications

• PhD in engineering with TEA/LCA expertise.
• Minimum two years post-PhD experience with TEA/LCA.
• Proficiency in Aspen Plus, GREET, or similar tools.
• Strong publication record in scholarly journals.
• Excellent grant-writing, mentorship, and collaboration skills.
• Experience supervising postdocs or graduate students.

Responsibilities

• Lead techno-economic analyses (TEA) and LCA for energy systems.
• Collaborate with MIT researchers to enhance energy transition studies.
• Propose new competitive research to MITEI sponsors.
• Represent MITEI's research to sponsoring companies.
• Oversee sponsor-funded projects and collaborations.

Skills

TEA expertise

LCA expertise

Publication record

Communication skills

Mentorship

Grant management

Collaboration

Education

PhD in Engineering

Tools

Aspen Plus

GREET

Job description

Posting Description
RESEARCH SCIENTIST 2, MIT Energy Initiative (MITEI), will conduct and lead techno-economic analyses (TEA) and life cycle assessments (LCA) associated with key energy transition challenges and technologies in fields such as low-carbon fuels, hydrogen carriers, industrial process decarbonization, carbon management, and energy storage; will collaborate with researchers at MITEI and across MIT to provide TEA and/or LCA to enhance energy transition studies; will propose new competitive research to MITEI sponsors and conduct sponsor-funded research projects, as well as represent MITEI’s research to sponsoring companies and provide expertise for special MITEI studies or focused symposia.
Find the full job description here: https://energy.mit.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/ResearchScientist2PD_final-May-2025.pdf
Job Requirements
REQUIRED : PhD in Engineering, preferably in chemical, mechanical, or systems engineering, although other engineering fields will be considered; a minimum of two years of post-Ph.D. experience with proved expertise in TEA and LCA for energy systems as exemplified by peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations; proficiency in Aspen Plus, GREET, or similar software; robust publication record in scholarly journals; excellent communication, grantmaking, and mentorship skills with past experience supervising postdoctoral researchers and/or graduate students, securing research funding, and managing collaborations; and ability to manage issues with discretion. Job #25007
Some travel, evening, night, and weekend work required.
6/11/2025