Marine Biogeochemical Scientist

Overview

Put your passion and skills to work for the planet. Climate change is the most urgent issue of our time, and we need people like you to help us build a vital Earth — for everyone.

We’re Environmental Defense Fund, a fast-paced nonprofit with a growing staff of more than 850 people in nearly 30 countries. We deliver game-changing solutions that cut climate 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.

Our culture, values and commitment to diversity make EDF an exciting and meaningful place to work. Every job here makes a difference. Won’t you join us?

Responsibilities

We kindly ask individuals interested in applying to this position to include a cover letter as well as 1-3 supplementary writing/work samples with their CVs by a deadline of November 25th, 2022.

Position Details:

This is a full-time position on a fixed-term contract through June 2024 with possibiilty for renewal. The position can be performed either 100% remotely from home within the U.S. or on a hybrid arrangement out of any U.S.-based EDF office.

Program Overview

The goal of EDF's Ocean Science Program is to deliver the science that will help build resilient oceans that provide more fish in the water, more - and more secure - food on the plate and more prosperous fishing communities, all over the world, even with climate change.  In recent years, we have focused on the science behind robust transformations of fisheries management in the U.S., China, Japan, Indonesia, the Philippines, Mexico, Peru, Chile, Belize, Cuba and Europe, working in partnership with diverse stakeholders and coastal communities. Scientific priorities include developing new approaches to understand and address the effects of climate change on marine ecosystems, including not only resilient fisheries, but also complementary engagements that enhance marine and coastal ecosystem resilience and human wellbeing, especially for disadvantaged and vulnerable populations.

Overall Function

Under the supervision of the Senior Director for Ocean Science, the Oceans Science team seeks a Ph.D. level Marine Biogeochemical Scientist to work collaboratively with other EDF scientists, economists, and program experts to help develop and advocate science-based climate solutions to improve ecosystem health and provide economically sound, fair and equitable environmental outcomes, geared towards attaining ocean climate resilience for fisheries around the world. The Scientist will work closely with the EDF Oceans Science Team and the Office of the Chief Scientist (OCS) on key scientific priorities, especially around blue carbon and innovative nature-based solutions to address climate change, overfishing, biodiversity and habitat threats, and environmental justice concerns. Work will involve activities such as building models that help address climate change effects on marine ecosystems and identifying potential pilot interventions that could serve as proof points for interventions and strategies suited to improving fisheries in a changing climate, enhancing food security and nutritional outcomes from aquatic foods, and identifying strategies to build resilience to climate change across the socio-economic aspects of various fisheries and with an accounting of equity and environmental justice outcomes.  Additionally, the Scientist will work with closely with colleagues within the Oceans Science team, OCS, People & Nature and Political Affairs teams to ensure that EDF’s action, advocacy and communications on natural climate solutions (NCS) and carbon dioxide reduction (CDR) techniques are science-based.

Key Responsibilities

• Researching priority topics to develop a firm foundation for high-impact engagement

• Synthesize and disseminate research and information on ocean-based NCS and ocean biogeochemistry for EDF scientists, economists, lawyers, and policy specialists, make recommendations on approaches for outreach to external collaborators and stakeholders and influence policy based on scientific results

• Creating new approaches and tools that help EDF staff and others solve priority problems and implement working examples in the field

• Providing scientific support on priority projects to field staff and partner organizations

• Working to build partnerships and collaborations with OCS and other EDF teams

• Publishing in the peer-reviewed literature

• Participating in scientific and marine conservation conferences and working groups and serve as a recognized EDF expert on ocean biogeochemistry and ocean climate issues

• Pursue projects and collaborations in her/his own areas of interest, including initiation and development of new potential internal and external research collaborations that directly support EDF’s work on ocean NCS and other strategic priorities

• Develop and help implement field data collection protocols.

• Communicating results to key audiences, independently and in conjunction with the Oceans Science Team, including via blog posts and reports for nonscientific audiences

• Participate in advancing EDF DEI 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

• Leading and mentoring research assistants, interns, and fellows

• Taking full responsibility for work planning and project implementation

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in marine biogeochemistry, with a focus on carbon cycle dynamics and ocean climate feedbacks

• Post-doctoral experience in applied marine biogeochemistry, marine ecology, climate science or related field

• Strong quantitative skills (statistical analysis, biogeochemical modeling, spatial analysis)

• Field experience in fisheries, oceanography or marine ecology, especially with open-ocean zones

• Field experience working directly with coastal communities and various state, local, Federal, international, tribal and government stakeholders is preferred

• Experience convening diverse groups of scientific and policy partners from non-governmental, academic and government organizations, as well as local stakeholders

• Demonstrated ability to initiate and maintain a strong network of contacts within scientific community on multiple issues surrounding ocean conservation, marine biogeochemistry and ocean resilience

• Demonstrated capacity for carrying out several independent projects simultaneously

• Experience in strategic planning and research in support of strategic planning; leadership of research projects; presentations at scientific conferences

• High level of creativity and mastery of sophisticated analytical methods

• Experience in publishing peer-reviewed papers and presenting at scientific conferences

• Ability to synthesize, interpret, and communicate scientific data in an advocacy setting and for non-scientific populations

• Demonstrates self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures and backgrounds

• Willingness to accomodate up to 20% travel per year as required for research, coordination, and communication purposes

Pay Ranges

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.

The pay range for this role is shown below.

Please note that pay ranges are country specific. As a result, the stated currency is not meant be converted into any other currency.

Minimum Salary

USD $90,000.00/Yr.

Maximum Salary

USD $105,000.00/Yr.

EEO Information

Environmental Defense Fund is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.