Research Analyst, Climate Change Innovation

The Environmental Defense Fund is hiring a Research Analyst for its Climate Change Innovation initiative in Austin, TX and other locations. This role involves conducting data analyses, synthesizing scientific information, managing projects across disciplines, and collaborating with experts to advance climate technologies. The analyst will support the Office of Chief Scientist in developing policy recommendations and publications to promote effective climate solutions.
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.To stabilize the global climate, the world will need safe, large-scale technological innovation that delivers effective carbon mitigation on an accelerated timeline. Countless concepts and technologies are now in the nascent stages of scientific research. The more quickly we can identify obstacles to developing solutions that deliver benefits to people and the environment, as well as the means to safely address these obstacles, the more effective the investment community and governments can be in mobilizing effective strategies and technologies from demonstration to deployment. This position generates research which brings climate-positive innovations to the fore.OVERALL FUNCTIONEDF seeks a Research Analyst for its leading Climate Innovation Initiative – a group that generates new and interesting science on a variety of global-scale topics. The Initiative builds expert teams from multiple disciplines to assess potential climate implications, hidden opportunities, and the economic and sociopolitical factors at play in multiple global-scale climate mitigation technologies and innovations. Outcomes include comprehensive, science-based policy recommendations, peer reviewed publications, and real-world impacts. This position is part of the core OCS Science Innovation team which selects the specific topics, generates data and analyses as needed, builds, and coordinates teams, and drives the science. The Research Analyst will report to a Senior Climate Scientist within EDF’s Office of Chief Scientist and work in close collaboration with other EDF teams including Energy Transitions, Natural Climate Solutions, and Climate Smart Agriculture.Past innovations – some of which have grown into their own stand-alone work efforts – include international workshops on nature-based climate solutions, carbon capture plants, solar radiation modification, nitrous oxide remote sensing platforms, biomanufacturing, and ammonia-based shipping technologies, and others.KEY RESPONSIBILITIESProvide initial data analyses on complex scientific topics in climate technology and mitigation, including statistical modeling and coding, as necessary. For more complex data, collaborate with leading experts to do the same as neededSynthesize and fact check complex information orally and in writingPerform literature reviews and find, analyze, and synthesize scientific information on emerging climate technologiesManage key pieces of projects with partners from multiple disciplines, often spanning multiple independent topics at the same timeIdentify leading experts on these topics and stay current on relevant research and literature Assist with global workshop/meeting planning and execution, including scheduling and other logistics as neededHelp develop reports, peer reviewed journal articles, fact sheets, blog posts, and other materials on emerging climate technologies for general and specific audiencesMaintain and build ties to research communities, through outreach, presentations at workshops and conferences, informal contacts, etc.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 valuesAdditional relevant responsibilities as assignedQUALIFICATIONSBachelor’s degree in environmental science or energy-related field with 3 or more years of related experiencePreferred: Master’s degree in environmental science or energy-related field with 1+ years of related experienceKnowledge of the principles, concepts, and methods of a relevant technical or scientific field. Broad interests in climate change mitigation and intellectual curiosity. Coursework or experience in climate change mitigation and technology is a plusStrong Python or R coding experience, and willingness to continue to develop those skills. Additionally, spatial data analyses (raster, vector, or both) is a plusDemonstrated quantitative skills and experience in performing rigorous statistical analyses, including data compilation, spreadsheet management, and data developmentAbility to synthesize, interpret and communicate scientific information. Peer reviewed publishing experience, or the desire to learn and participate in that process, is a plusIntellectual agility, curiosity, and comfort with working across disciplines and learning new skills and topic areasStrong written and verbal communication skills; ability to translate complex information for non-technical audiencesAbility to complete small complex projects and research assignments. Project management experience is a plusAbility to work independently, manage time efficiently, have high attention to detail, and collaborate effectively with diverse colleagues in a fast-paced, remote environmentExcellent problem solving and multi-tasking skillsDemonstrated self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to collaborate with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures and backgroundsAn interest and commitment to solving environmental problems through collaborative projects based on rigorous science and solutions-focused advocacyWillingness and ability to travel domestically up to 4 times a year