Climate Scientist

With world attention on both the environment and the economy, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) is where policymakers and business leaders turn for win-win solutions. By focusing on strong science, uncommon partnerships and market-based approaches, we tackle urgent threats with practical solutions. We are one of the world’s largest environmental organisations, with more than two million members and a staff of approximately 700 scientists, economists, policy experts, and other professionals around the world. We operate in 22 geographies with unique projects running across four programs. You will be part of a vibrant workplace where innovation and results are a way of life.

EDF envisions a world in which people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected to the environmental challenges we face and are engaged in creating durable, equitable solutions. We seek talented candidates who share our Core Values of Respect, Results, Innovation, Optimism, and Integrity, and support our Commitment to Diversity.

We kindly ask that candidates interested in this role submit a full CV as well as a cover letter with their applications.

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 organisation.

OVERALL FUNCTION

Environmental Defense Fund seeks a highly motivated Climate Scientist to conduct in depth scientific analysis to help shape the organisation's policy positions and support its advocacy. Such analyses will include original publishable research, "in-house" analyses for use by other staff within the organisation, as well as white papers aimed at policy makers, journalists, and the public at large. Expertise in the connection between climate change and weather preferred, such as changes in extreme events or shifting atmospheric circulation and precipitation patterns in response to climate change. The Climate Scientist will report to the Sr. Climate Scientist, and work with other scientists, economists, and policy and communication specialists throughout EDF. They may also have managerial responsibilities for more junior staff.

Location: This role can be performed either 100% remotely or on a hybrid arrangement out of any EDF office within the US or EU (The Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium, however you will need to have the right to live and work in these EU locations when applying).

KEY RESPONSBILITIES

• Conducting original scientific research on topics broadly relevant to the work of Environmental Defense Fund ideally with a focus on topics relating to shifting weather patterns and extremes in response to a changing climate and their societal impacts.
• Authoring and co-authoring publications in the peer-reviewed literature.
• Key member of the climate science team, working effectively with other staff and collaborators to identify long-term research needed to develop, inform, and support the organisation's advocacy.
• Leading analytical assessments in support of EDF initiatives related to climate science and policy.
• Overseeing collaborative research projects in partnership with other organisations outside of EDF (e.g., university-based experts and outside researchers).
• Summarising EDF research and climate science literature for a broad audience, as well as public communications including Op-Eds, print media, television, radio, and blog posts.
• Participating in advancing EDF DEI goals in which people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included, and empowered to address the environmental and organisational challenges in alignment with EDF values
• Working with EDF's development team, including communicating with donors and foundations and writing proposals to secure funding.
• Participating in the development of public positions taken by EDF.
• Representing EDF at public meetings including policy forums, academic conferences and workshops, gatherings of advocacy organisations, and the general public briefings.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Ph.D. in climate science-related field such as atmospheric and ocean sciences, climate dynamics, earth science, or related field.
• An applicable level of relevant professional experience outside of post-doc.
• Proven ability to conduct cutting-edge research.
• Ability to deploy a diversity of analytical approaches, theoretical and/or empirical studies to back-of-the-envelope analyses.
• Familiarity with the empirical and theoretical literature on climate science.
• Interest in relating scientific research to real-world policy and in bridging the worlds of advocacy and academia.
• Ability to convey scientific concepts to non-scientists and desire to communicate science to a broad range of audiences.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrates self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures and backgrounds
• Ability to initiate and maintain a strong network of contacts within scientific community on relevant topics
• Excellent problem solving and multi-tasking skills.
• Self-direction and independence of mind.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and cultural competency.
• High attention to detail. 
• Willingness to travel up to 15%.
• Passion for environmental protection.

Preferred

• Expertise in atmospheric dynamics, such as large-scale atmospheric circulation, weather patterns, and extreme events, and familiarity with related scientific literature.
• Experience in science policy and communications.
• Experience and interest with media and representing EDF as a brand ambassador through various channels.
• Computer modeling experience is a bonus.