Senior Climate Scientist

The Office of Chief Scientist (OCS) 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, OCS provides programmatic support for all scientists at EDF and fosters relationships with scientists outside the organization.

Overall Function

The Office of the Chief Scientist at EDF seeks candidates with proven analytical and research skills to lead EDF’s Solar Radiation Modification (SRM) initiative, including evaluating feasibility, impacts, and risks as well as contributing to EDF’s overall climate change 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 candidate will help to design and implement, with the advice of external experts, a program focused on Solar Radiation Modification (SRM), leading studies and collaborating with others to accomplish the goals. The work will include communicating the results of research to stakeholders and government decision makers.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, planning, execution, analysis and interpretation of new EDF-sponsored research on SRM; conduct independent research and manage work with partners
• Keep up-to-date with scientific and gray literature on SRM
• Manage the relationship with external scientists and ensure timely and relevant completion of SRM program work
• 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 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
• Actively develop reports/fact sheets/blog posts for general audiences on the topics of focus; ensure integrity of EDF generated materials
• 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
• Independently support other "rapid response" and/or project development efforts on an as-needed basis
• Support fundraising and external communication efforts
• 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
• Supervisory role as needed to accomplish the work
• Mentor more junior scientists, fellows, and interns, as appropriate

Qualifications

• A PhD in science related to Solar Radiation Modification (e.g. climate science, atmospheric sciences, climate impact science, climate risk) and at least 5 years of related experience
• Familiarity with conducting assessments of radiative forcing a plus
• Senior-level contributor in area of specialization with full mastery of subject matter
• Demonstrated scientific expertise in cross-disciplinary research, including but not limited to a record of scholarly publications and/or involvement in scientific panels
• 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 is situated
• Demonstrated scientific expertise, including but not limited to a record of scholarly publications and involvement in scientific panels
• 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 diverse cultures and backgrounds.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 15% of time

Please include a cover letter with your submission.