Staff Scientist: Climate and Energy Policy

SEI US (Seattle) seeks a passionate early- to mid-career researcher to contribute to SEI’s work on emerging topics in climate policy, which could include, among others, low-carbon cities, carbon pricing, climate finance, energy and development, just transitions, and the economics or politics of oil, gas, and coal extraction (see as part of the SEI US climate policy team (https://www.sei.org/centres/us/research-areas/climate-policy/).

Initial activities are likely to include contribution to reports on the global mitigation potential of urban climate action and on the consistency of national plans for fossil fuel production with global climate goals. This position may also provide support to the SEI US Sustainable Bioenergy and Development program (https://www.sei.org/centres/us/research-areas/sustainable-bioenergy-development/), in partnership with SEI’s centers in Africa and Asia.

Deadline: Jan 31st or until position is filled

Salary: Commensurate with experience and qualifications

Start date: February-March, 2019

Key responsibilities

Contribute to innovative research projects by:

• Designing and implementing research strategies and methods
• Preparing, applying, and helping conceptualize analytical tools and models
• Gathering information and data, including literature, internet, and phone research
• Drafting reports, articles, and blog posts
• Providing coordination and support to project managers

• Assisting with the preparation of proposals and fundraising

• Delivering external presentations, trainings, and other outreach

Requirements

Capabilities

You should have a desire to work in the non-profit sector within a small, informal, yet highly professional team. Desired capabilities include:

• Familiarity with, or a strong curiosity in, climate policy; environmental science; greenhouse gas emissions quantification and accounting; economics; energy systems: city policy and planning; and sustainable development (international work experience would be a plus)
• Strong proficiency with quantitative and technical analysis and/or modeling
• Excellent critical thinking skills and reasoning abilities; ability and tendency to question and evaluate methods, findings, and conclusions, including one’s own
• The ability to clearly communicate research and analysis, orally and in writing, to a wide range of audiences
• Thorough, disciplined, and well-documented research techniques
• Collegiality and the ability to work collaboratively with both internal and external colleagues
• Personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work and the ability to manage time, priorities, and resources effectively
• A passion for interdisciplinary, objective research and analysis

Formal qualifications and experience

• College degree with strong analytical background
• Four or more years of work experience, and/or an advanced degree (e.g., in policy, economics, physical sciences, engineering, sociology, or other science)
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Powerpoint; programming and statistics capabilities would be a plus

Benefits

SEI US offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental and disability insurance, retirement, and paid parental and family medical leave after one year of employment. We have a casual work environment and flexible work schedules, and offer 10 holidays, 15 days of vacation, increasing to 20 days after five years of employment, and 10 days of sick leave each year.

SEI US is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity, an inclusive work culture, and do not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, religion, color, national origin, gender identification, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

Location

This position will be in SEI US’s Seattle office, with a dedicated group of professionals committed to effective climate policy. Our office is in the heart of downtown Seattle, near Pike Place Market, in a building with other environmentally focused NGOs.

The Seattle office works closely with governments, foundations, international agencies, and other research organizations to inform policy development at local, national, and international scales. We work collaboratively to research, analyze, evaluate, and design policies using insights from the physical and social sciences, economics, and other disciplines.

Please note that applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.