SUMMER ASSOCIATE
To apply, please fill out this form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeOTjQCeMWiacaEGAyRcGiBtqFOFgOMGdyKwYo93JfSUMS6nQ/viewform?usp=publish-editor
The Grantham Foundation for the Protection of the Environment is a Private Foundation, established in 1997, with a mission to protect and conserve the natural world. We identify and support the most promising climate opportunities - prioritizing efforts that could really matter, but are harder for others to fund.
We are a small team that identifies needs, develops strategies, and catalyzes new ideas. Our funding spans a range of funding types, including grants to NGOs and universities, as well as venture investments in early-stage climate tech startups.
We are seeking a Summer Associate to join our team for Summer 2026. This role is designed for candidates who want to bridge advanced academic research and real-world climate impact, and who are excited to see how frontier science and technology translate into investment and philanthropic strategy.
You will work closely with the Foundation’s investment and grantmaking team on live opportunities, helping evaluate cutting-edge climate technologies, assess scientific and technical claims, and shape funding and investment theses. This is a hands-on, intellectually demanding role with direct exposure to decision-making.
SKILLS & BACKGROUND
- Currently pursuing, or recently completed, a masters or PhD in engineering, physical sciences, climate science, economics, or a closely related field.
- Deeply curious about how science and technology intersect with capital, policy, and real-world deployment.
- Passionate about environmental protection
- Comfortable engaging with academic papers, technical data, and quantitative models, and translating them for non-academic audiences.
- Self-directed, thoughtful, and excited to take ownership of research questions.
- An excellent communicator, both in writing and in conversation.
- Motivated by impact and eager to contribute to a small, mission-driven team.
- Previous exposure to climate tech, venture capital, impact investing, or applied policy is a plus, but not required.
RESPONSIBILITIES
As a Summer Associate, your time will be spent:
- Lead and support deep-dive research into emerging climate technologies and systems (e.g. agriculture, energy, carbon removal, industrial decarbonization, climate resilience, and land systems).
- Conduct technical and scientific diligence, including reviewing academic literature, assessing technology readiness, and stress-testing key assumptions.
- Support financial and techno-economic analysis, working alongside the team to evaluate cost curves, scalability, and pathways to impact.
- Source and assess new opportunities, including early-stage startups, research initiatives, and grant candidates.
- Build and refine investment and grantmaking theses, translating complex research into clear, decision-ready insights.
- Communicate findings through written memos and presentations for internal discussions and external stakeholders.
- Support dealflow and portfolio operations, helping track opportunities and maintain high-quality internal processes.
Duration: June to August, 2026; flexible 10-12 week term
Pay: commensurate with experience.
Location: This role will be entirely remote with potential travel to Boston. If the successful candidate is in the Boston area, hybrid work is also an option.
Eligibility: candidate must be eligible to work in the US