Obama taps research agency chief for senior Energy Department slot

President Obama nominated Arun Majumdar, the head of an Energy Department agency tasked with financing innovative technologies, to a top position at the department Tuesday.

If confirmed by the Senate, Majumdar would become the undersecretary of Energy. The position has remained vacant since Cathy Zoi left the department in March to enter the private sector. Majumdar had taken on Zoi’s responsibilities after she stepped down.

Majumdar currently heads the Energy Department’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E). The program — which was first established in 2007 but didn’t receive funding until 2009 – invests in “out-of-the-box” energy technologies that are potentially risky but, if successful, could transform the country’s energy infrastructure.

A mechanical engineer, Majumdar previously served as an associate director at the Energy Department’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. He also taught engineering at the University of California, Berkeley.

Obama praised Majumdar and several other nominees Tuesday.

“These men and women have demonstrated knowledge and dedication throughout their careers,” he said in a statement. “I am grateful they have chosen to take on these important roles, and I look forward to working with them in the months and years to come.”