Scientist, Super Pollutants Program

PURPOSE: Clean Air Task Force (CATF) is a non-profit global organization dedicated to the near-elimination of harmful air pollution from Earth’s energy, agricultural, waste, and forest management systems.

CATF is highly respected for its deep expertise and research on energy and industrial systems and potential strategies, technologies, and policies that can radically shrink their impact on the planet’s atmosphere. Our team of two dozen experts and advocates (and a global network of subject matter experts and civil society partners) put this research and knowledge into action by designing and enacting public policies that drive toward zero emissions. We also support policies and work directly with private industry to innovate in technology to make the path to zero emissions swift and affordable.

CATF is based in the United States and headquartered in Boston. But it also operates globally through work with partners in Europe, Asia, Canada, Latin America, and in multilateral international forums ranging from the International Maritime Organization to the International Energy Agency to the Climate and Clean Air Coalition to the Responsible Steel Coalition. CATF is growing its presence in Europe through this hire and a few others.

CATF’s super pollutants initiatives aim to reduce pollutants that will have the greatest impact on warming the planet over the near term and offer the most promising targets for immediate cleanup. Taken together, efforts to reduce super pollutants globally could prevent more than half a degree C of warming along with numerous other public health and ecological benefits.

The Scientist will support advocacy efforts related to reining in super pollutants from the oil and gas industry and other sources. Responsibilities will include performing direct decision-maker advocacy (mainly in Europe, also in other regions) in coordination with the program team, vetting work products for technical accuracy, overseeing tactical scientific research, and technical analysis. As part of this work, the Scientist will collaborate with CATF’s European staff and US-based members of the Super Pollutants team.  The Scientist will work closely with technical and policy staff at the European Commission and ministries of key member states, international agencies, oil and gas companies, standards-setting bodies, NGOs, and academic researchers. The Scientist will also represent CATF at conferences, in meetings with external partners and advocacy meetings with decision-makers, and in communications with members of the media on technical matters and other matters as needed.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Perform Direct Decision-maker Advocacy:

• Help to identify opportunities for advocacy meetings and opportunities to answer policy-relevant questions through research and analysis.
• Meet regularly and follow up with staff from key EU institutions and international organizations and elected officials to present technical information, policy-relevant scientific research and reports, and to advocate for and report back to CATF on the status of policies to reduce emissions of methane and other super pollutants.

Vet Super Pollutants Program Work Products:

• Review draft external communications for technical accuracy and consistency, including fact sheets, reports, public comments, blogs, website content, presentations, press releases, key talking points, and select other communications, as needed.
• Review and help craft research and technical content for grant proposals and reports, as needed.

Oversee Tactical Scientific Research and Technical Analyses:

• Collaborate with Senior Scientist and Technical Analyst, outside consultants, and other team members and external collaborators to implement tactical scientific research and technical analysis projects. Lead development of technical comments for the public record and other work products, as needed.
• Undertake independent research and analysis to support programmatic goals and strategies.
• Work with Senior Scientist to stay abreast of and make other program members aware of notable research developments in the field of super pollutants.
• Provide the program team with monthly updates on this work.

Represent CATF in meetings and public venues:

• Provide expert testimony at public hearings and present on behalf of CATF at conferences and meetings, as needed.
• Present at scientific and technical meetings held in Europe; and, as needed in other regions.
• Builds, maintains, and expands an active network of stakeholders and interested parties and communicates with reporters on technical matters, in coordination with CATF’s Communications Director.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ph.D. in physical science or relevant Engineering degree.
• Knowledgeable about EU institutions and advocacy efforts.
• Oil and gas industry experience a plus.
• Consistently takes a high degree of initiative, working independently while providing regular updates and seeking help and guidance when needed.
• Strong organizational skills, with keen attention to planning, detail-oriented, strong follow-through, and a commitment to high-quality work.
• Agile and flexible self-starter able to work on multiple competing deadlines and extending outside of usual work hours to accommodate team members in different time zones.
• Strong computer skills, including comfort with the Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent written and oral communications in English, strong interpersonal skills, and additional language ability a plus.
• Valid passport, and ability to travel frequently, mainly within Europe.
• Passion for CATF’s mission.
• Strong English language ability necessary; additional language skills highly valued (French and German in particular).

COMPENSATION AND LOCATION:

This is a full-time, funding-dependent position. CATF offers a competitive salary that is commensurate with experience. CATF’s central office is in Boston, MA. This position will be based in Europe. CATF provides equal employment opportunities.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Please email a resume, referencing the position title, and cover letter including contact information for two to three academic and/or professional references to apply@catf.us.