Science and Innovation (S&I) is the nexus of science at EDF, ensuring that the science that is the backbone for all EDF policy positions is based on the best available information. To be most effective in this role, S&I provides programmatic support for all scientists at EDF and fosters relationships with scientists outside the organization. S&I at EDF seeks out new and emerging topics that drive innovation in responding to the planet’s toughest environmental challenges. EDF has scientific research underway in a variety of topic areas including methane science, air quality, hydrogen science, carbon dioxide removal, fisheries and ocean sustainability, water availability, climate smart agriculture, social science, and solar radiation modification.
Overall Function
Science and Innovation at EDF seeks candidates with proven analytical and research skills to lead EDF’s Solar Radiation Modification (SRM) research initiative. EDF’s SRM research initiative is focusing on characterizing the potential impacts of SRM on systems such as agriculture, water supply, and ecosystem health. Initially, we are focused on leveraging empirical data (e.g., SRM analogs like volcanoes, available experimental data) to inform knowledge about impacts and characterize uncertainties through a variety of analysis methodologies. The selected candidate will manage a portfolio of research projects with academic partners, conduct research of their own relevant to the program, and contribute to EDF’s overall climate science capacity.Reporting to an Associate Chief Scientist, the successful candidate will collaborate with other EDF scientists, economists, and policy experts as well as scientists external to EDF. The work will include communicating the results of research to stakeholders and government decision makers.
Please include a cover letter with your submission.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead new EDF-sponsored research program on SRM with partners
- Manage external research projects and maintain relationship with external scientists and ensure timely and relevant completion of SRM program work
- Conduct independent research related to program
- Keep up-to-date with scientific and gray literature on SRM
- Lead and participate in the analysis and writing of papers for publication in peer-reviewed journals
- Analyze, interpret, and communicate scientific data to state and federal policymakers and other external partners in support of EDF advocacy
- Attend and represent EDF at external meetings and interact with the scientific community at large
- Provide scientific expertise to other EDF programs and external groups
- Independently support other “rapid response” and/or project development efforts on an as-needed basis
- Support fundraising and progress reports for donors
- Apply excellent organizational, communication, and planning skills in preparing correspondence and reports, responding to requests for information, and helping to coordinate activities among staff members in conjunction with our communication team; ensure scientific integrity of EDF generated materials
- Supervisory role as needed to accomplish the work
- Mentor more junior scientists, fellows, and interns, as appropriate
- Participate in advancing EDF Organizational Effectiveness and Culture goals in which people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included, and empowered to address the environmental and organizational challenges in alignment with EDF values
Qualifications
- A PhD in a science relevant to impacts of climate change and/or Solar Radiation Modification with a focus on empirical data analysis skills relevant to interpreting climate impacts and at least 5 years of related experience
- Research experience on climate change impacts or SRM-related impacts research is desirable
- Senior-level contributor in area of specialization with full mastery of subject matter, as demonstrated by a record of scholarly publications, involvement in conferences or scientific panels, and/or grant awards
- Ability to work independently and to support a multi-disciplinary team, using independent judgment required to plan, prioritize, and organize diversified workload
- Excellent written and oral communication skills; experience in performing rigorous analysis in support of highly visible work
- Breadth of intellectual capabilities aside from specific area of expertise and interest in broader context in which SRM and climate science are situated
- Proven ability to lead a comprehensive science-focused project
- Initiates and maintains extensive contacts within the scientific community
- Ability to synthesize, interpret, and communicate scientific data in an advocacy setting
- Ability to lead and mentor others
- Ability to support fundraising initiatives
- Ability to serve as an expert for media inquiries
- Demonstrates self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across all cultures and backgrounds.
- Willingness and ability to travel up to 15% of time
We offer a strong total rewards package encompassing competitive salary, robust benefits, and professional development opportunities consistent with a modern global organization. We take into account factors such as candidate experience, skills, training, internal team equity and local norms.
Please note that pay ranges are country specific. As a result, the stated currency is not meant be converted into any other currency.
REQ-001496
Pay range
$120,000 – $125,000 USD/Yr.
Type
Regular
Location
Remote – US Home
Posted
June 27, 2025
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Put your passion and skills to work, building a vital Earth – for everyone.
We’re Environmental Defense Fund, a fast-paced nonprofit with a growing staff of more than 1,000 people in nearly 30 countries. We deliver game-changing solutions that cut pollution and strengthen people’s ability to thrive despite the effects climate change is already having. We work wherever we can have the most impact, from local communities to top companies to governments worldwide, and even in space.
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