Application Guide
How to Apply for Research Fellow
at Energy and Policy Institute
🏢 About Energy and Policy Institute
The Energy and Policy Institute is a watchdog organization dedicated to exposing the harmful practices of fossil-fuel and monopoly utility interests. Working here means joining a team that fights for clean energy, fair rates, and climate justice, making it a mission-driven environment where your research directly impacts policy and public awareness.
About This Role
As a Research Fellow, you'll support investigations into utility monopolies, uncovering actions that block clean energy and increase costs for ratepayers. You'll contribute to investigative research and reporting projects by following money trails, filing public records requests, and analyzing government records and datasets, making your work crucial for accountability and transparency.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with reviewing recent news and filings related to utility regulation, then diving into a document review for an ongoing investigation. You could spend part of the day filing public records requests, analyzing data in spreadsheets, and collaborating with team members via Slack or video calls to discuss findings. The work is dynamic, with tasks shifting based on new leads or breaking stories.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Energy and Policy Institute Is Looking For
- Experienced in investigative research and reporting, with a track record of digging through public records and data to uncover stories.
- Detail-oriented and organized, capable of sifting through large volumes of documents and datasets to identify key findings.
- Able to work in a fast-paced environment, responding rapidly to breaking news or urgent investigative leads with accuracy.
- Willing to travel as needed and eager to learn on the job, adapting to new investigative tools and topics quickly.
📝 Tips for Applying to Energy and Policy Institute
Tailor your resume to highlight specific investigative research projects, especially those involving public records requests or data analysis.
In your cover letter, mention any experience with utility regulation, energy policy, or environmental justice to show domain knowledge.
Include a writing sample that demonstrates your ability to synthesize complex information into a compelling narrative, preferably on energy or utility topics.
Research EPI's recent reports and investigations, and reference them in your application to show genuine interest and initiative.
Be prepared to discuss how you handle multiple deadlines and prioritize tasks in a fast-moving investigative environment.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Emphasize your passion for holding powerful interests accountable and your commitment to clean energy and climate justice.', "Highlight specific examples of investigative research you've conducted, especially those involving document analysis or data sifting.", 'Show how your skills in organizing information and working under pressure align with the demands of this role.', 'Demonstrate your willingness to travel and learn, and your ability to collaborate with a remote team.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Read EPI's latest reports and blog posts to understand their current focus areas and investigative style.
- → Research key utility monopoly issues such as ratepayer-funded lobbying, grid reliability claims, and utility opposition to rooftop solar.
- → Familiarize yourself with EPI's leadership and their backgrounds in investigative journalism or energy policy.
- → Look into recent news about utility scandals or regulatory battles that EPI has covered.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic application that doesn't reference EPI's mission or specific investigations.
- Overlooking the need for a writing sample that is investigative in nature—avoid purely academic or policy-focused pieces.
- Failing to demonstrate comfort with ambiguity and rapidly changing priorities, which are common in watchdog work.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Energy and Policy Institute!