Job Opportunity for Research Analyst – Critical Mineral Resources (CMR) at CEEW in New Delhi

Program Description

Globally, countries and companies are aiming to transition to a low carbon pathway in the coming decades. Many countries have already announced their Net Zero emission targets starting 2050. India has also committed to a Net-Zero path and aims to achieve the same by 2070. The country has also committed to setting up 500 GW of non-fossil fuel based power generation capacity, 50 per cent renewable energy capacity, reduction of one billion tonnes of carbon emission and reduction of carbon intensity by 45 per cent by 2030.1

Advancements in hard and soft components of technology will be crucial for reduction, capture and offset of emissions. Technologies need to be designed and developed according to the local requirements. It is hence imperative that technological innovations across the value chain be conceptualised, designed, nurtured and supported proactively for applications in India. Given the magnitude of change that is required, India can become the global powerhouse that co-develops, deploys, manufactures, exports and recycles these emerging and next-generation technologies. The research programme would assess the impacts and eventually drive technological advancements across the value chain – procurement, manufacturing, deployment, reuse and recycling.

Purpose

Often many minerals are required to manufacture various components of a renewable energy system. Sometimes these minerals are concentrated geographically and their reliable availability is uncertain. In this aspect, the Tech for Transition team is planning to hire a Research Analyst to build on the earlier work of CEEW.2,3 The individual will conduct primary and secondary research to identify the minerals critical in India’s context and capture the international trends on mining, processing and procurement. Additionally, the individual will also develop deeper understanding of the supply chain circularity and the role of recovered minerals in India’s energy security.

It is also important to note that many technological innovations are progressing which can significantly alter the mineral demand going forward (for example, development of sodium ion and metal air batteries can reduce the share of lithium ion batteries and ultimately reduce the requirement of lithium, nickel and cobalt). The candidate should build detailed understanding of supply chain of existing and upcoming technologies. The analysis should ultimately lead to policy recommendations which would ensure affordable and continuous access to key minerals required for India’s energy transition.

The candidate will also be expected to develop relationships and work with various stakeholders on this topic. Finally, we are looking for a passionate individual with a knack to connect dots across various sectors of importance and to build new streams of discussions in the existing narratives around critical mineral resources.

Job Duties and Accountabilities

• Build and maintain a database on key minerals relevant to India’s energy transition
• Track international trends on mineral exploration, mining, procurement and processing for critical minerals.
• Develop a technical understanding of the existing and upcoming technologies that require critical minerals. Based on the potential growth, the demand of key minerals may be estimated.
• To analyse existing global policies adopted to secure critical minerals and their implications for India.
• Track bilateral and multilateral forums where critical minerals is being discussed and debated.
• To track best practices of other countries across the value chain where technological innovations and access to minerals have improved.
• Build necessary networks with key stakeholders in the government, industry, venture capitalists, technology startups, academia and research institutions. Leverage the network to conceptualise new projects.
• Develop research outputs in various forms such as publications, journal papers, reports, op-eds, and articles.
• Work with senior researchers on conceptualising new projects (as and when needed)
• To participate in relevant conferences, workshops, training programmes as necessary to communicate research findings and gain insights on new research in focus areas.

Shortlisting Criteria and key skills

• Foundational degree in Mineral and Metallurgical engineering is very important. However, students with other backgrounds may also be considered.
• A graduate/doctoral degree in engineering, public policy, energy economics or related disciplines such as energy management would be desirable.
• Must have a functional knowledge of energy storage sector with a broad understanding of the power sector in Inida.
• Ability to summarise and communicate the insights/findings as reports and presentations

Experience

• We are looking for enthusiastic individuals with 2-5 years of experience in accessing mineral supply chain for renewable energy technologies

Main skills

• Ability to identify technical and policy issues, interpret data, develop quantitative methods, and identify/ develop creative solutions
• Good written and oral communication skills; Good writing skills
• Strong analytical skills, including quantitative research
• Ability to use MS Office application suite including MS Excel

Desirable: Relevant publications in peer reviewed journals/book chapters

Personality

• Willingness to learn new research and project management skills
• Interest in next generation technology with a belief that even small innovations can impact the pace of climate change
• Ability to adapt to new environment and deliver under tight deadlines in a professional environment
• Striving for rigour in research and quality in work output
• Ability to effectively work in a team while being able to independently drive research with minimum assistance, when time demands
• Ability to dig deeper into details, while also keeping a sense of the broader objectives and big picture
• Willingness to learn, grow and develop at personal and professional front, at a rapid pace with a steep learning curve
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary and multicultural environment

CEEW operates in a dynamic environment and the candidate will be required to show flexibility in undertaking a variety of tasks. CEEW is an equal opportunity employer. Female candidates are encouraged to apply.

Compensation

Competitive compensation – commensurate to the experience and matching the best of standards adopted by industry or other similar organisations for similar roles.