He led an industrial chemistry research and development program sponsored by Allied Chemical Corporation (1979 to 1982) and co-authored a U.S. patent[4] for fertilizer formulation and applications (1988).

[8] He has authored, co-authored, or edited more than 125 journal articles and several books on energy and environment science and policy topics, such as Adapting to Climate Change: An International Perspective[9], The U.N.

Framework Convention on Climate Change Activities Implemented Jointly (AIJ) Pilot: Experiences and Lessons Learned,[10] Energy Technology Perspectives, Scenarios and Strategies to 2050,[11] and others.

[22] Dixon was founding executive director, Secretariat for the International Partnership for the Hydrogen Economy (2003 to 2004)[23] At the International Energy Agency (2005 to 2007) of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, he was Head of Energy Technology Policy Division,[24] strategizing and directing technology policy analyses for clients such as the G-20 Heads of State.

Dixon was a member of the United Nations Transitional Committee for the Green Climate Fund (2009 to 2012), advisor to the U.S. National Academy of Sciences and National Academy of Engineering (2002 to present) on energy and environmental projects, delegate to the Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century (REN21) (2004 to 2013),[30] Commissioner General of the China World EXPO 2010 “Better City, Better Life" (2010),[31] and Vice Chairman of the IEA Working Party on Renewable Energy Technologies (2001 to 2004).