Senior Contributing Scientist (Part-Time)

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Environmental Defense Fund

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Remote

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Program Overview

Science & Innovation (S&I) is the nexus of science at EDF, ensuring that all EDF positions are based on the best available natural and social science. S&I leads EDF’s exploration of emerging issues, pioneers new projects, provides programmatic support for all scientists at EDF and fosters relationships with scientists outside the organization.

Overall Function

The Senior Contributing Scientist (SCS) will work with the science team to provide scientific guidance to EDF policy staff on key issues related to working with Chinese academics and corporations with dairy supply chains in China. The SCS will be an Agricultural Scientist residing in North America, fluent in English and Mandarin, with research interests in reduction of methane emissions from livestock. Must be affiliated with a research institution and have a mature research career.

The Senior Contributing Scientist (SCS) will represent EDF through remote interactions with Chinese academics and corporations, especially those collaborating with EDF, to explain research findings to EDF policy staff in China as well as with policy and science staff in the US. The SCS would also help Chinese academics and corporations better understand EDF objectives. In addition, the SCS would provide critical analysis of relevant academic publications and government policy documents for EDF policy and scientific staff. The Senior Contributing Scientist will report to a Lead Senior Scientist.

Term: This a 1-year fixed term 20% part-time position with the potential for renewal.

Key Responsibilities

  • Serve as a scientific advisor on issues related to livestock methane emissions, and livestock-related local air quality.
  • Stay current and engaged with the latest scientific and science policy literature relevant to livestock methane measurement and mitigation and livestock-related local air quality.
  • Collaborate and guide science team members in cutting-edge research projects relating to livestock methane measurement and mitigation, livestock-related local air quality.
  • Contribute to research papers with EDF staff in peer-reviewed journals as appropriate.
  • Advise on data analyses as needed in support of EDF science and advocacy.
  • Facilitate networking between Science Team members and external scientists.
  • Effectively translate and distill complex climate science concepts into accessible language for EDF staff.
  • 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.

Qualifications

  • Ph.D. in agricultural science or a related field and extensive research experience with a strong record of publications in the peer-reviewed literature.
  • Recognized expert in their field with deep, original, and comprehensive subject matter expertise.
  • Desire to pursue actionable climate science research, a commitment to rigorous analysis, creativity, and familiarity with the real-world application of scientific theory put into practice.
  • Proven strategic thinker with a high-level mastery of sophisticated scientific and analytical methods.
  • Ability to synthesize, interpret, and communicate scientific data in an advocacy setting and for non-scientific populations in writing, orally, and through presentations.
  • Proven ability to lead a comprehensive science-focused project.
  • Demonstrates self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across all cultures and backgrounds.