Rosenfeld Building Science Fellowship

Rosenfeld Building Science Fellowship

Purpose

Dr. Rosenfeld receives a 2011 National Medal of Technology and Innovation from President Obama

The Building Technology and Urban Systems (BTUS) Division at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) has created the Rosenfeld Building Science Fellowship to draw outstanding scientists and engineers who have the potential and the desire to contribute to the betterment of society through scientific and technological advances in the field of building technology research. Berkeley Lab is committed to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA) and strives to integrate these values in our work. Research that demonstrates energy and environmental justice values will be of interest. 
The fellowship seeks to honor Dr. Art Rosenfeld by creating a lasting legacy of early career scientists and engineers who will follow in the footsteps of Dr. Rosenfeld. Berkeley Lab strongly believes that breakthroughs in building technology through primary research in this area have the potential to transform the lives of all U.S. citizens and societies across the globe, and work towards this end is best served by contributions from a diverse set of perspectives. It also acknowledges the Building Technologies Office (BTO) of the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE) of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) as the primary sponsor for the fellowship and their support of pioneering, innovative research. The Rosenfeld family is honored by DOE’s support of this fellowship. See below for program and application guidelines.

Honorees and their Guiding Principals 

The Comcast Center skyscraper, a LEED certified building.

Berkeley Lab has a strong history in conducting high-impact research in the field of building energy science and technology. Research in building technologies dates back to the mid 1970’s when Dr. Arthur Rosenfeld of U.C. Berkeley was motivated by the oil crises to explore how to improve energy efficiency in US buildings. Dr. Rosenfeld’s contributions to the fledgling knowledge base of building science were seminal, and he is widely considered the father of energy efficiency. Berkeley Lab’s building energy efficiency program developed a broad range of technologies, including electronic ballasts for fluorescent lighting and a transparent coating for window glass that blocks heat from either escaping (winter) or entering (summer). Dr. Rosenfeld was personally responsible for developing the DOE-2 series of computer programs for building energy analysis and design that has been the gold standard for building energy analysis for more than 25 years.

During Dr. Rosenfeld’s tenure at the California Energy Commission he helped define the vision for California’s goals for demand response, supporting the roll out of advanced meters. He was active in setting goals to ensure that a minimum of 5% of customer peak loads would participate in price and demand response programs. It is widely acknowledged that the future of energy technology must consider both demand and supply side energy systems. Low energy and grid interactive efficient buildings are a critical technology to enable buildings as part of the emerging modernized grid. It is imperative to our continued success that Berkeley Lab and DOE is able to create a community that brings together people with diverse backgrounds, points of view, and approaches to problem-solving, and who are committed to bringing science solutions to the world in order for the lab to maintain its position at the top.

The Building Technologies Office (BTO) of DOE-EERE supports research and development, validation, and integration of affordable, energy- and emissions saving technologies, strategies, analytical tools, and services. EERE’s mission is to accelerate the research, development, demonstration, and deployment of technologies and solutions to equitably transition America to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions economy-wide by no later than 2050, and ensure the clean energy economy benefits all Americans, creating good paying jobs for the American people—especially workers and communities impacted by the energy transition and those historically underserved by the energy system and overburdened by pollution.

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Eligibility to Apply

The Rosenfeld Building Science Fellowship is an open competition accepting applications from candidates of extraordinary scientific research abilities with a record of superior academic performance, demonstrated research and academic accomplishments in areas related to building technology research. Applicants must hold or have received a Ph.D. from an accredited university within the last three years. Additionally, successful applicants must present documents demonstrating that they are legally authorized to work in the United States. 

Participant Expectations

It is expected that Rosenfeld Building Science Fellowship participants will carry out innovative research in the area of building technology, publish impactful papers in peer-reviewed journals, present seminars at ETA and attend major conferences. Additional expectations include a final report at program conclusion to include: a brief summary of the research conducted and copies of publications resulting from the research.

Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Applications are open to candidates of all nationalities, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexuality, gender identity, national origin, ethnicity, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Funding and Salary
  • Salary - DOE funding will be used to support 100% of the salary of the successful applicant in a Postdoctroal Scholar Employee position. 
  • Supplemental support - A supplemental research allowance of up to $10,000 per year for professional development activities plus $10,000 per year for supplies will be provided.
  • Starting salary and benefits - Starting salary is commensurate with step level based on the postdoctoral/research experience since Ph.D. degree is earned. Full benefits package will be offered, as determined by the Human Resources Department.
Appointment Term and Application Cycle
  • Call for applications - The application cycle typically begins in April of each year. Applications are due by the April 1, 2024.
  • Start date - Fellowship start date is generally immediate following the the application process; start dates may be accommodated, pending completion of requirements and funding availability.
  • 2 year appointment, renewable - The appointment is for a two-year term, renewable for 1 additional year (total 3 year appointment) based on performance and availability of funding and project work.
Required Application Materials

The program will be available for a Postdoctoral Fellow who has received a Ph.D within the last three years.  Applicants are required to submit the following in their Application Packet:

  • Curriculum vitae - Including three references’ names who are familiar with the candidate's capabilities and research.
  • Cover letter - Briefly describing candidate’s background, previous research experience as it relates to the research proposed, their career to date, and their long-range career goals.
  • Research proposal  - Guidelines: in a maximum of 3 pages (12-pt, Times New Roman), describe the significance and impact of the proposed research and advantages of conducting this work at Berkeley Lab. Consider the alignment of the proposed research with the research mission and goals of Berkeley Lab and of the field of Building Science, as well as the mission of EERE.
  • Summary of Ph.D. thesis (1 page)
How to Submit your Application
  • Applications must meet the specified deadline (June 3, 2023) to be considered.

​Contact Information

Contact EEHarbin@lbl.gov with questions about the Rosenfeld Building Science Fellowship.