The Head of Research is integral
to the energy moonshot’s strategic goals, driving research strategy and
research execution for the creation of a modern, clean, intelligent
electric distribution system. The ideal candidate will have deep
research expertise and will create and develop research projects that
deliver results and direction influencing the Moonshot’s strategy,
engineering, product and go-to-market efforts. The ideal candidate
will lead an team of researchers provide the energy moonshot with
direction for the engineering and development of futuristic distribution
technology solutions. Through a combination of independent and
collaborative scientific research the ideal candidate will bring
innovative and ground breaking solutions to solve new challenges in
energy Distribution. A collaborative team effort will ensure Alpha
energy builds and maintains industry wide knowledge and awareness of
innovative activities and breakthroughs that may provide competition
and/or partnership for Alpha Energy.
Responsibilities:
-
Plans, organizes, coordinates, directs and participates in scientific
research aligned with the moonshot’s milestones, projects and
deliverables.
- Structures and leads short and long term
independent (in-house team) and collaborative (with external partners)
research projects.
- Leads an interdisciplinary team of
data-driven researchers and experts spanning across power grid
architecture design, electrical engineering, data science, behavioral
economics, market design, to name a few.
- Translates
research project results into actionable insights, directions and
solutions informing strategy, product, and engineering development.
- Responsible for identifying and managing research partners and establishing project goals and deliverables
-
Works closely and collaboratively with strategy, engineering and
product teams to establish and evaluate technology direction and to
address market demands and needs.
- Lead IP strategy
relating to research activities – this includes writing patent
disclosures and working closely with an expert shared services IP
support team to drive patents from submission to acceptance.
-
Develops and maintains deep knowledge of technology developments
within energy sector, with a specific focus on distribution in emerging
markets, regulatory and policy environments identifying challenges and
opportunities for market entry.
Requirements:
- PhD degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems or Power Electronics, Grid Operations or related field
- Familiarity with micro grids, distribution, grid operations and intelligent power systems is a must
- Ability to effectively communicate research results to drive implementation & impact
- Demonstrated ability to lead teams and work across different disciplines
- 5 - 10 years of research leadership with demonstrable results – ideally in both academia and industry
- Emerging markets experience is not required, but is appreciated.
- Provide
team leadership and coaching, to create an environment oriented to
trust, open communication, creative thinking, and cohesive team effort
- High level of written and spoken level of English is required, Spanish is highly valued
- Startup experience preferred
- Excellent verbal and written communications skills and good at developing relationships across diverse teams
- Travelling might be required (10 to 20%), nationally and internationally.