Senior Associate - Chemicals and Refining

Do you love solving challenging problems, thinking about dynamic systems, and working in groups? Do you also have the self-motivation, curiosity, creativity, and ability to persuade others toward meaningful results? Do you have a passion for making the world a better place? If yes, then join our growing team! RMI is leading the clean energy transition by creating market and technological solutions to address climate change.

Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) is seeking a Senior Associate to support our Chemicals initiative. RMIers bring a variety of skillsets, and we welcome candidates with diverse educational and work backgrounds.

Program Overview

The Climate Aligned Industry Program at RMI is focused on decarbonizing the harder-to-abate sectors, implementing market mechanisms, and supporting policy implementation to limit global warming to 1.5 °C. We collaborate with a global network of NGOs, academics, policymakers, financial institutions, and businesses to enable emissions reductions in some of the highest emitting industrial sectors.

Position Overview

RMI is looking to hire a Senior Associate for our Climate Aligned Industries program, with a focus on the Chemicals industry. You will work with the Climate Aligned Industries leadership team to develop sector transition strategies, build techno-economic models, convene chemicals industry stakeholders, analyze relevant policies, and catalyze market-driven solutions. As an integral member of the team, you will be on the front lines implementing change towards a decarbonized Chemicals sector.

Your Key Responsibilities:  

• Develop, model, and evaluate decarbonization technologies for emission sources throughout various chemicals’ value chains.
• Operate and create analytical tools for handling multivariate datasets, including chemical industry emissions and operational activity data.
• Support and sometimes lead stakeholder relations with chemical and refinery plant operators, industry consultants, regulators, and academic researchers.
• Offer technical assistance on emissions-monitoring capabilities, greenhouse gas inventory calculations, and process engineering.
• Synthesize recommendations into clear and compelling presentations.
• Present quantitative information in a clear, visual format for public consumption, such as for white papers, journal articles, and RMI publications.

Minimum Qualifications:  

• Bachelor’s degree in an applicable field such as chemical engineering, environmental or physical sciences + 4 years of relevant work experience OR a M.S. degree in a related field + 2 years of relevant work experience.
• Driven, entrepreneurial, demonstrates initiative and creativity.
• Strong problem-solving, research and writing skills.
• Commitment to deep decarbonization of the Chemicals sector.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in the chemicals and refining industry, regulatory agencies, consulting, project management, or other related fields.
• Knowledge of chemical manufacturing processes and oil refining.
• Experience with life-cycle assessments and emissions accounting with a preferred focus on chemicals supply chains.
• Familiarity with process simulation tools such as ASPEN-HYSYS, ProMax, PRO/II. 

We invite candidates with a variety of skill sets, educational and work backgrounds to apply.

Location  

This position is not required to relocate to an RMI office, although doing so is encouraged. Climate Aligned Industries colleagues are primarily located in the US at the Boulder CO, New York NY, and Washington DC offices. All employees are expected to travel on occasion for in-person team retreats, meetings, and other gatherings. Important Note: As a U.S. federal contractor, RMI must comply with requirements outlined Executive Order Ensuring Adequate COVID Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors. This Executive Order requires that all federal contractors and subcontractors mandate and verify that all U.S. based employees are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If you are based in the U.S., you will be required to provide proof of full vaccination status as a condition of employment. You may request an accommodation for medical or religious reasons. If you are based outside of the U.S., this requirement does not apply.

Compensation

RMI compensates based on the level and requirements of the role. Salary within our ranges may also be determined by your education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as required by the role, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data. Typically, new Senior Associates based in the U.S. join at the minimum to mid salary range of $79,000-$93,000. You would also have an additional 5% bonus target.

Benefits 

We offer a comprehensive benefits package adjusted to regional norms, including (for U.S. employment): 

•  Medical, dental, vision insurance
• 403b retirement options (up to 5% match immediately)
• Life, AD&D, short-term and long-term disabilityProfessional and personal development (including LinkedIn Learning access)
• Generous paid time off
• Parental leave
• Work from home and commuter allowance

Diversity

Increasing the diversity of thought, perspectives, ideas and opinions within RMI is a critical change element supporting our long-term sustainability and mission to build a clean, prosperous, and secure energy future. 

We strive for a level of diversity that reflects the communities we serve. Achieving this—regardless of ability, race, ethnicity, ancestry, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, veteran status, socioeconomic class, educational attainment or other social identities—is critical to the success of each RMIer and collectively as an organization. This ensures that we: 

• Have the different array of thinking that comes from diverse backgrounds and cultures, enabling us to solve some of the world’s greatest challenges. 
• Strive for a culture of inclusion and belonging by treating others with dignity, respect and appreciation enabling them to feel welcomed, supported and valued. 
• Effectively connect, communicate and build long-lasting relationships with decision makers, stakeholders and constituents within diverse communities. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran

About RMI

RMI is an independent nonprofit founded in 1982 that transforms global energy systems through market-driven solutions to align with a 1.5°C future and secure a clean, prosperous, zero-carbon future for all. We work in the world’s most critical geographies and engage businesses, policymakers, communities, and NGOs to identify and scale energy system interventions that will cut greenhouse gas emissions at least 50 percent by 2030. RMI has offices in Basalt and Boulder, Colorado; New York City; Oakland, California; Washington, D.C.; and Beijing.

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