Wood Mackenzie is the global leader in data, analysis and consulting across the energy, chemicals, metals, mining, power and renewables sectors.

Founded in 1973, our success has always been underpinned by the simple principle of providing trusted research and advice that makes a difference to our customers. Today we have over 2,000 customers ranging from the largest global energy companies and financial institutions to governments as well as smaller market specialists.

Our teams are located around the world. This enables us to stay closely connected with customers and the markets and sectors we cover. Collectively this allows us to offer a compelling combination of global commodity analysis with detailed local market knowledge.

We are committed to supporting our people to grow and thrive. We value different perspectives and aspire to create an inclusive environment that encourages diversity and fosters a sense of belonging. We are committed to creating a workplace that works for you and encourage everyone to get involved in our Wellness, Diversity and Inclusion, and Community Engagement initiatives. We actively support flexible working and are happy to consider alternative work patterns, taking into account your needs and the needs of the team or division that you are looking to join. 

Hear what our team has to say about working with us:

https://www.woodmac.com/careers/our-people/

We are proud to be a part of the Verisk family of companies! 

At the heart of what we do is help clients manage risk. Verisk (Nasdaq: VRSK) provides data and insights to our customers in insurance, energy and the financial services markets so they can make faster and more informed decisions.   

Our global team uses AI, machine learning, automation, and other emerging technologies to collect and analyze billions of records. We provide advanced decision-support to prevent credit, lending, and cyber risks. In addition, we monitor and advise companies on complex global matters such as climate change, catastrophes, and geopolitical issues.  

But why we do our work is what sets us apart. It stems from a commitment to making the world better, safer and stronger.  

It’s the reason Verisk is part of the UN Global Compact sustainability initiative. It’s why we made a commitment to balancing 100 percent of our carbon emissions. It’s the aim of our “returnship” program for experienced professionals rejoining the workforce after time away. And, it’s what drives our annual Innovation Day, where we identify our next first-to-market innovations to solve our customers’ problems.   

At its core, Verisk uses data to minimize risk and maximize value. But far bigger, is why we do what we do. 

At Verisk you can build an exciting career with meaningful work; create positive and lasting impact on business; and find the support, coaching, and training you need to advance your career. We have received the Great Place to Work® Certification for the fifth consecutive year. We’ve been recognized by Forbes as a World’s Best Employer and a Best Employer for Women, testaments to our culture of engagement and the value we place on an inclusive and diverse workforce.  Verisk’s Statement on Racial Equity and Diversity supports our commitment to these values and affecting positive and lasting change in the communities where we live and work.  

We are looking for a Senior Research Analyst to join the Grid Edge research team within Wood Mackenzie’s Energy Transition Practice. The Grid Edge team consists of leading analysts covering some of the most cutting-edge topics in the energy transition, including transportation and building electrification, microgrids, distributed energy resource participation in wholesale and retail markets, demand flexibility, and grid modernization and decentralization. Our research and thought leadership inform the strategies of key players throughout the energy industry, driving innovative business models while hastening the energy transition.

The Senior Analyst is expected to conduct original grid edge research and deliver analysis through written reports, public speaking, client engagement, and consulting projects. As a senior member of the team, the Senior Analyst will be a public face of Wood Mackenzie and the Grid Edge team, providing thought leadership through editorials, conference presentations, and media engagement.

The Senior Analyst will take ownership of several research topic areas regarding utility and grid modernization. These include the grid impact of EV charging, distributed solar hosting capacity, DER interconnection, and utility distribution automation. We are looking for someone who understands how utilities operate, the challenges they face, and can develop bold ideas about how utilities can evolve to meet those challenges.

The analyst will establish and maintain relationships with utilities, technology providers, DER developers, and others, developing actionable insights that advance their business models while enabling utilities to safely and cost-effectively support increased penetration of DERs. The technical nature of these topics requires previous experience working at, or with, utilities.

Responsibilities

Own and be the subject matter expert in technical areas related to utility and grid modernization, including:

• The impact of LDV, MDV, HDV and fleet EV charging on the grid, and how utilities should prepare
• Distributed solar hosting capacity
• DER interconnection and interconnection processes
• Utility distribution automation, including enterprise software, dedicated infrastructure, and DER solutions
• Produce research reports and other thought leadership that provides actionable insights for utilities, regulators, technology providers, and DER developers
• Track and report on the commercial landscape of utility and grid modernization, including investment, M&A activity, business models, and competitive advantage
• Publish timely insights and editorials on technology, market, and regulatory developments
• Contribute to recurring teamwide reports, including our U.S. DER Outlook and Grid Edge Quarterly Executive Briefing
• Provide direct feedback and guidance to Grid Edge clients upon request
• Support the Energy Transition Practice’s consulting team on grid edge-related engagements
• Present at Wood Mackenzie and external conferences, moderate panels, and host webinars
• Collaborate with other members of the Grid Edge team, as well as other Wood Mackenzie technology and power teams, on joint research projects and reports
• Mentor junior members of the team and support their professional development
• Assist with customer acquisition, retention, and relationship management
• Travel infrequently, but as necessary, to clients and conferences

• 5+ years of experience working at or with electric utilities, preferably in distribution planning, operations, or interconnection
• Strong understanding of distribution system fundamentals, from cap banks and transformers to power flow and switchgear, along with distribution automation systems
• Expertise with DERs and the challenges they pose, including voltage excursions, power quality, and reverse power flow
• Experience with smart grid technology, procurement, integration, and the vendor landscape
• A problem-solving instinct and a readiness to connect dots, form hypotheses, and confirm them with data
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to write persuasive opinion piece and craft compelling research reports
• Excellent organizational skills, able to balance long-term research projects with near-term publications, client questions, and team development initiatives
• Ability and willingness to work with a distributed team  

 Nice to haves

• Deep expertise with smart grid technologies, their capabilities, costs, and tradeoffs
• Experience with utility enterprise software, including DMS, ADMS, DERMS, MDMS, and SCADA
• Experience on the policy and/or regulatory side, including rate cases, IRP filings, and RTO engagement
• Direct experience with EV infrastructure and solar hosting capacity methodologies and interconnection

 Location

We welcome applicants who could work out of our Chicago, Boston, Houston, or New York offices, but will consider remote applicants based anywhere in the continental United States

Verisk Analytics is an equal opportunity employer.

All members of the Verisk Analytics family of companies are equal opportunity employers. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, veteran's status, age or disability.

http://www.verisk.com/careers.html

Unsolicited resumes sent to Verisk, including unsolicited resumes sent to a Verisk business mailing address, fax machine or email address, or directly to Verisk employees, will be considered Verisk property. Verisk will NOT pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume.

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At Verisk, the health and safety of our people is our number one priority.  Effective November 15, 2021, and subject to applicable law, all prospective hires for office based roles or roles that support any of our businesses’ government contracts will be required to demonstrate that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by their start date, or qualify for a legally-required medical or religious accommodation to this vaccination requirement, as a condition of employment. Hired candidates who do not demonstrate that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by their start date, and who have not been approved for a legally-required medical or religious accommodation will no longer meet the requirements for employment and their offers of employment will be immediately rescinded, in accordance with applicable law.