LSU

Research Project Director

1139 Energy, Coast, and Environment Building Full time

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Job Posting Title:

Research Project Director

Position Type:

Professional / Unclassified

Department:

LSUAM ORED - Center for Energy Studies (Gregory Brian Upton Jr. (00009417))

Work Location:

1139 Energy, Coast, and Environment Building

Pay Grade:

Professional

   

Job Description:

This position in the Center for Energy Studies (CES) will provide oversight and develop a strategic plan for Louisiana's energy data projects, which includes coordinating with state agencies, supporting research projects, and maintaining data quality using statistical tools. Additionally, the role involves supporting the Center for Energy Studies outreach initiatives by enhancing presentations tailored for stakeholders, managing various high-priority tasks, and developing and implementing project management methodologies, tools, and best practices to optimize project success. The Project Director will also prepare and present comprehensive progress reports to key stakeholders, ensuring effective communication of project status, budget, and resource utilization to leadership.

Job Responsibilities:

Develop and oversee comprehensive database projects for energy data for the state of Louisiana, ensuring it is accessible and beneficial to relevant state agencies, including strategically determining and selecting the types of energy data to be included in the database to meet state and agency needs and ensuring that they are delivered on time, within budget, and according to quality standards. Perform rigorous data cleaning to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data. Maintain and update existing CES energy-related databases and spreadsheets to reflect the most current information. Create detailed code-book-style documentation to describe the data, ensuring clarity and usability for all stakeholders. Collaborate with state agencies to ensure the database meets their requirements and facilitates efficient data sharing. Develop and implement project management methodologies, tools, and best practices. Monitor project progress, identify risks and issues, and develop mitigation strategies to optimize project success. (40%)

Prepare and present regular progress reports to key stakeholders, providing updates on project status, budget, and resources to leadership. Support and participate in research projects by working collaboratively with other research members by conducting literature reviews, collecting and validating data, and performing analysis in addition to contributing to the preparation of research reports and publications. Foster effective communication among team members, stakeholders, and external partners to ensure effective collaboration and coordination. (40%)

Support CES outreach initiatives by enhancing presentations tailored for stakeholders and managing various high-priority tasks to ensure seamless project execution and stakeholder engagement. Other duties as assigned. (20%)

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree and 7 years experience.

LSU values skills, experience, and expertise. Candidates who have relevant experience in key job responsibilities are encouraged to apply--a degree is not required as long as the candidate meets the required years of experience specified in the job description.

Preferred Qualifications:

10 or more years of substantial experience working in the energy sector and being well-versed in the energy supply chain, with specific knowledge in at least one area of the energy sector. Experience in the energy sector and familiarity with software like STATA, R, and GIS preferred.

Additional Information:

Physical ability and eye-hand coordination necessary to use a computer terminal, copier, telephone, and other standard office equipment; ability to sit in the same position for extended periods (5.5+ hours a day) at a time using continuous hand motions when entering data into the computer system.

Additional Job Description:

Special Instructions:

Please provide a cover letter, resume, and three (3) professional references including name, title, phone number, and e-mail address.

Please attach ALL required documents under the "Resume/CV" section of your application.

A copy of your transcript(s) may be attached to your application (if available). However, original transcripts are required before hiring.

Due to the nature of the position and/or position responsibilities this position shall be subject to screening per RS 17.

For questions or concerns about updating your application with attachments (e.g., resumes, RS:17 documents), date of birth, or reactivating applications, please contact the LSU Human Resources Management Office at 225-578-8200 or email HR@lsu.edu.
For questions or concerns regarding the status of your application or salary ranges, please contact Dr. Gregory Upton at gupton3@lsu.edu.

Posting Date:

December 15, 2025

Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):

April 14, 2026

Additional Position Information:

Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.

Benefits - LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!

   

Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University’s partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.

   

Essential Position (Y/N):

   

LSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

   

All candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and maintain that valid work authorization throughout employment. Changes in laws, regulations, or government policies may impact the university’s ability to employ individuals in certain positions.

   

HCM Contact Information:

For questions or concerns related to updating your application with attachments (e.g., resumes, RS:17 documents), date of birth, or reactivating applications, please contact the LSU Human Resources Management Office at 225-578-8200 or email HR@lsu.edu.  For questions or concerns regarding the status of your application or salary ranges, please contact the department using the information provided in the Special Instructions section of this job posting.