Senior Research Scientist, Energy

Overview

NCASI is seeking a professional for its Sustainability Program team who has expertise in process engineering and energy generation/management. As the Senior Research Scientist, Energy, you will conduct work that directly contributes to addressing the energy-related and in‑plant process engineering information needs associated with the environmental performance of the forest products industry. You will be responsible for comprehensive literature reviews, database searches, and systematic process engineering and energy data analyses. You will work closely with NCASI staff and ensure timely completion of program projects related to fuel, energy accounting, water sustainability, waste reduction, and performance benchmarking. Your work will involve significant interaction with forest products industry companies, trade associations, government at federal and state levels, research organizations, and academia.

Responsibilities

1. Contribute to NCASI’s Sustainability Technical Studies Program research projects :
   • Work closely with the Director, Sustainability and other staff to ensure timely completion of tasks.
   • Execute research activities and technical project work, including literature reviews, database searches, process engineering & energy data analyses, and preparation of original technical reports.
   • Present research findings verbally at NCASI and external meetings and conferences.
   • Read, absorb, process, and communicate complex information in English.
   • Travel to the NCASI office as required.
2. Maintain expertise and knowledge :
   • Stay current with issues and technical advances through literature reviews, professional society conferences, and communication with leading researchers and regulatory personnel.
   • Keep current knowledge of existing and forthcoming U.S. federal and state energy‑related regulations and policy decisions.
3. Provide technical support to industry :
   • Respond to technical and scientific queries from member companies and industry organizations in a clear, competent, and timely manner, delivering material within one working day.
   • Use critical and integrative thinking skills to identify innovative and practical solutions to member company challenges.
   • Maintain a current understanding of industry issues, including basic knowledge of energy‑related issues outside the primary area of expertise.
   • Maintain knowledge of NCASI’s overall technical studies program and staff skill sets relevant for solving member issues.
4. Represent NCASI at conferences, meetings, and off‑site visits :
   • Present scientifically‑sound, credible technical information and objectively evaluate its utility for environmental and energy‑related management decision‑making.
   • Foster relationships with current member companies and potential new members.
   • Develop relationships with external stakeholders in a respectful manner.
   • Conduct all activities in a professional manner.
5. Act as an ethical and collaborative team member :
   • Act honestly and respectfully toward co‑workers, exhibiting integrity and candor.
   • Collaborate with other NCASI staff, fostering a strong team‑based environment built on sharing and learning.
6. Undertake additional activities as assigned by Supervisor.

Qualifications

1. Ph.D. in chemical engineering or closely related field, preferably with professional or post‑doctoral experience in the forest sector on research and/or technical analyses related to energy and/or process engineering priorities; or a Master’s degree in chemical engineering or closely related field with at least 5 years of experience in the forest sector on research and/or technical analyses related to energy and/or process engineering priorities.
2. Familiarity with the theory and principles of process engineering, energy system analysis, and proficiency in data analysis.

Additional Qualifications

• Ability to analyze and interpret process manufacturing and energy‑related data using a methodical approach.
• Knowledge of pulp and paper and/or wood products manufacturing operations.
• Ability to navigate the U.S. environmental regulatory landscape.
• Ability to work with relational databases.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office and programming languages, such as R and/or Python.
• Outstanding attention to detail.
• Organized self‑starter with the ability to work independently and proactively.
• Ability to successfully manage multiple work priorities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.