Senior Research Analyst, Global Livestock Methane

Overview

The food system accounts for around one-third of global climate impacts, and this will only increase as we work to feed a growing global population of 10 billion people. Methane emissions are a major part of these impacts but are mostly an under-realized strategy for climate action. The livestock sector must accelerate methane mitigation if the world is to slow the rate of climate change and avoid the worst impacts of climate change.

EDF has been working with the dairy sector across our anchor regions (US, EU. India and China) to advance the science on reducing methane emissions and through interactions with the corporate sector. One example of our corporate work is the Dairy Methane Action Alliance (DMAA) which is a global initiative convened by EDF to spur action and accountability to drive down dairy methane emissions. We are also working to improve livestock health in low and middle income countries to increase productivity and reduce methane intensity of milk and meat products. One of our newest endeavors is to conduct a systems review of the US beef sector to identify levers to reduce the sector’s GHG footprint.

Overall Function

EDF’s Livestock Methane team works in close coordination with the EDF+Business and Climate Smart Agriculture teams.The Senior Research Analyst will be a critical part of the Livestock Methane Science team, joining in its efforts to 1) review and provide scientific input to documents targeting policy, corporate, finance or other audiences to ensure alignment with best available science while staying practical to corporate needs; 2) conduct literature reviews to fill critical scientific gaps that can push our work forward; 3) assist in writing of scientific reports and publications based upon work being undertaken by EDF and colleagues; and 4) support the overall livestock methane science team on critical projects. The Senior Research Analyst will report to a Lead Senior Scientist in the EDF Office of Chief Scientist.

Location

Hybrid from EDF's Raleigh, New York, Boston, or San Francisco office or Remote-US

Term

This is a 2-year fixed term position with full benefits and opportunity for extension

Key Responsibilities

• Perform literature reviews on advances in livestock manure management practices and enteric methane reduction technologies both in intensive and small holder operations.
• Assist in writing scientific reports based upon work being undertaken by EDF and colleagues.
• Engage with consultants and review prepared (white paper) reports for key priority audiences.
• Provide technical support for EDF policy and legislative teams.
• Participate in advancing EDF’s 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 aligned with EDF values.
• Assist in systems analysis of beef industry.
• Publish in scientific journals as part of EDF’s science team and with science partners outside of EDF.
• Build and cultivate internal and external relationships that deliver project goals and support trust building and idea generation.
• Forge strong internal collaborations with the Climate Smart Agriculture and EDF+Business teams as a critical member of a cross-cutting team working on agricultural methane emissions.
• Additional relevant responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a science-related field with at least 2 years of related work experience or Bachelor's degree and at least 4 years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated ability to collect, manipulate, analyze, and interpret scientific data and prepare reports of findings.
• Ability to effectively communicate scientific information in an advocacy setting.
• Experience in publishing peer-reviewed papers and presenting at scientific conferences.
• Demonstrated self-awareness, cultural competency, inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across all cultures and backgrounds.
• Subject matter background in agriculture, animal science, ecology, or chemistry.
• Technical understanding of agricultural greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
• Excellent research, writing and presentation skills, ability to translate technical information for non-technical audiences.
• A broad understanding of food and agricultural supply chains and agricultural GHG emissions reduction opportunities, with dairy and beef knowledge highly preferred.
• Ability to work independently and support a multi-disciplinary team, using independent judgment to plan, prioritize and organize a diverse workload in a fast-paced environment.
• Highly proficient computer skills, including MS Office Outlook, Word, Powerpoint and Excel.
• Ability and willingness to occasionally travel domestically and internationally up to 10%.