Description

Position:          Sr. Research Scientist, Energy

Reports to:      Director, Sustainability

Supervises:      Support staff and contract staff as needed
Work Week:    Exempt position; 40+ hours per week to meet work demands
Revised:           March 19, 2026

Duty Station:   Atlanta, GA; potential for hybrid work

Key Terms:      Energy, Pulp and Paper, Forest Products, Combined Heat and Power, Energy Systems, Energy Metrics, Energy Accounting, Biomass Energy Generation, Steam and Electricity

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 be conducting work on projects that will directly contribute to addressing the energy-related and in-plant process engineering information needs associated with the environmental performance of the forest products industry. In this role, you will be responsible for conducting comprehensive literature reviews and database searches; reviewing technical, government, and peer-reviewed manuscripts; and undertaking systematic process engineering and energy data analyses. Working closely with other NCASI staff, you will ensure timely completion of program projects related to energy-related topics of relevance to the forest products sector, including fuel- and energy-related accounting and reporting, water sustainability, waste reduction, and performance metrics benchmarking. This position will involve significant interaction with forest products industry companies, as well as interaction with industry trade associations, government at federal and state levels, research organizations, and academia.

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a respected research organization dedicated to improving the environmental profile of the forest products industry. If you are passionate about energy-related research in the context of environmental performance enhancement, and seek to make a meaningful impact, we encourage you to apply for this position.

To apply for this position, please submit your resumé to:

Dr. Barry Malmberg

Director, Sustainability

NCASI

PO Box 271

Sheridan, WY 82801

bmalmberg@ncasi.org 

Requirements

Essential Job Functions:

1.   As a contributor to NCASI’s Sustainability Technical Studies Program research projects, primary responsibilities include:

        working closely with the Director, Sustainability and other staff members to ensure completion of tasks.

        executing research activities and technical project work that is topically relevant, scientifically credible, cost-effective, and marked by a significant level of self-direction. This work can include conducting comprehensive literature reviews, database searches, and process engineering & energy data analyses.

        preparing timely and original technical reports, journal articles, and other written communications, meeting the highest standards of quality and scientific objectivity.

        presenting research findings verbally at NCASI and other meetings and conferences.

        having the ability to read, absorb, process, and communicate complex information, in English.

        having the ability to get to and work from the NCASI office, as required.

2.    As a scientist in their area of expertise, maintain knowledge of current issues and technical advances through review of current literature, participate in appropriate professional society conferences, and communicate with leading researchers and regulatory personnel involved in this field.

3.    As a resource on relevant energy-related regulations, maintain knowledge of existing and forthcoming US federal and state energy-related regulations and policy decisions.

4.    As a contact providing technical support to industry: 

        respond to technical and scientific queries from member companies and industry organizations in a clear, competent, and timely manner, striving for delivery of material to be used in responses to member-specific questions 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 primary area of expertise.

        maintain knowledge of NCASI’s overall technical studies program, including familiarity with staff skill sets relevant for solving member issues.

5.       As an NCASI representative at conferences, meetings, and off-site visits:

        present scientifically-sound, credible technical information, and objectively evaluate the potential utility of that information for environmental and energy-related management decision-making. 

        foster relationships with current member companies as well as with potential new member companies.

        develop relationships with external stakeholders in a respectful manner.

        conduct all activities in a professional manner.

6.       As a staff member of NCASI:

        act in a manner that is honest and respectful of co-workers, exhibiting a strong sense of integrity and candor.

        undertake research and technical studies in collaboration with other NCASI staff, as appropriate, in a manner that fosters a strong team-based environment that is founded on sharing and learning knowledge from others.

Additional Responsibilities:

1.       Undertake additional activities, as assigned by Supervisor.

Minimum 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:

1.         Ability to analyze and interpret process manufacturing and energy-related data using a methodical approach.

2.         Knowledge of pulp and paper and/or wood products manufacturing operations.

3.         Ability to navigate the US environmental regulatory landscape.

4.         Ability to work with relational databases.

5.         Knowledge of Microsoft Office and programming languages, such as R and/or Python.

6.         Outstanding attention to detail.

7.         Organized self-starter with the ability to work independently and proactively.

8.         Ability to successfully manage multiple work priorities.

9.         Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.