Job opening: student research assistantship in offshore wind policy

Applications due by Monday, September 8, 2025, at 8 am (Pacific)

Download the full job announcement

The Schatz Energy Research Center has an opening for an undergraduate student research intern to join our policy team to conduct offshore wind energy policy research. This paid internship position is expected to start in October 2025 and continue into the Spring Semester 2026. The position is supported with stipends made possible by funding support from the Philip & Yuriko Anton Climate Endowment.

We work in a hybrid environment that supports flexibility and connection. Our team members currently have the option to work onsite or alternate between working remotely and at least 40% onsite at the Schatz Center. 

Eligible applicants must be undergraduate students in good academic standing at Cal Poly Humboldt who are registered for at least 6.0 units the coming semester (Fall 2025).

About the Research Area

Offshore Wind Policy Research: California’s offshore wind projects depend on a wide range of supporting infrastructure to become fully operational. This includes building port facilities for assembling wind turbines, developing new transmission lines to carry electricity to the grid, and possibly adding battery energy storage systems (BESS) to help manage the variable nature of wind energy and improve grid reliability. These projects also require permits from many federal, state, and local agencies, and must include meaningful community engagement and Tribal consultation to understand and address potential impacts.

Position Summary

In this position, the Student Research Intern will support research on policies affecting OSW projects and related infrastructure, such as battery energy storage systems and transmission lines. The Student Research Intern may also explore opportunities for Tribal co-management, co-governance, or co-ownership of offshore wind-related infrastructure—for example, by analyzing case studies of Tribal involvement in transmission projects.

Responsibilities

Depending on skills, experience, and project needs, the Student Research Intern may:

• Research and summarize policies, regulations, and permitting requirements for offshore wind and related infrastructure with guidance from the project team
• Compile and synthesize information from multiple sources into clear, accessible summaries and tables.
• Investigate case studies of Tribal participation and ownership of transmission infrastructure and/or offshore wind projects.
• Organize research materials, citations, and data using word processing, spreadsheets, and online tools.
• Contribute to written reports, memos, presentations, and other communication materials.
• Participate in team meetings, share updates, and adapt to new tasks or tools as needed.

Note: The list of responsibilities is subject to change.

Qualifications

Minimum qualifications

Education and Experience

• Eligible applicants must be undergraduate students in good academic standing at Cal Poly Humboldt who are registered for at least 6.0 units the coming semester (Fall 2025).
• Experience with policy and/or regulatory analysis gained through academic coursework, projects, work experience, or other relevant activities.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Proficiency with word processing and basic online research tools.
• Ability to learn and apply policy and regulatory analysis techniques relevant to offshore wind and related infrastructure.
• Ability to synthesize information from multiple sources into clear, accurate, and accessible written materials.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to convey complex information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Ability and willingness to work effectively and respectfully as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Interest in renewable energy, climate policy, and/or environmental justice.
• Willingness to learn and use new tools or methods to support research and collaboration.

Compensation

Interns will receive a total stipend of $5,000 for contributing to research during Fall 2025 and Spring 2026. It is anticipated that interns will contribute an average of 8-10 hours per week during each semester to the Center’s offshore wind research efforts.

How to apply

Deadline

All application materials must be received by 8 am Pacific Time (US) on Monday, September 8, 2025.

Materials

Applicants must submit the following via email to schatzenergy@humboldt.edu:

1. In your email subject line, include your full name and the research area. Example:

“Jordan Kim – OSW Policy Internship Application”

2. A formal letter of application (cover letter) addressed to the Schatz Hiring Committee that includes the following,
   1. Describes your background and what motivates you to apply.
   2. Addresses your experience with the qualifications described above and provides examples of experience, including descriptions of relevant work and/or a listing/description of relevant college/university courses successfully completed.
3. A resume (2 page maximum).

Note: Your cover letter will be used as a writing sample to assess the quality of your writing.

Additional materials may be required from candidates invited to interview

Questions and inquiries

• For assistance with the application process, please submit an Accommodation Request Form, or contact the campus ADA Coordinator at (707) 826-3626 or confidential fax at (707) 826-3625. For more information regarding accommodation, you may also visit the Cal Poly Humboldt Campus Disability Resource Center. Individuals in need of a telecommunications relay service may contact the California Relay Service at (877) 735-2929 TTY.  
• Learn more about our employment opportunities at schatzcenter.org/jobs. 
• For additional information, please email schatzenergy@humboldt.edu or call (707) 826-4345.

About the Philip & Yuriko Anton Climate Endowment

Philip and Yuriko Anton are pleased to support research assistantships at the Schatz Energy Research Center through their Anton Climate Fund. Support will go to undergraduate students pursuing extracurricular work at the Center related to clean energy and climate change, with a preference for supporting student involvement in projects involving renewable energy technologies such as offshore wind energy.