Senior Scientist, Oceans Science

About the role

Science and Innovation at EDF seeks candidates for a Senior Scientist position with proven topical expertise to develop and oversee EDF’s new Phytoplankton Carbon Solutions (PCS) Research Initiative. PCS are a set of marine carbon dioxide removal methods that attempt to manipulate aspects of the ocean’s biological carbon pump to enhance carbon sequestration in the ocean. EDF’s PCS Research Initiative aims to drive forward a strategic research agenda that was developed by an international team of diverse experts to generate decision-quality evidence concerning the effectiveness and socio-ecological impacts of PCS interventions and their associated uncertainties.

Responsibilities

• Manage design of public requests for proposals, external research projects, and research portfolio
• Manage relationships with prospective and funded grantees and partner institutions to develop research projects and a project portfolio that strategically advance the goals of the research program
• Develop and maintain relationship with external scientists and organizations and ensure timely and relevant completion of PCS program work
• Work closely with operations and grants staff to ensure that scientific objectives, timelines, and administrative processes remain aligned
• Participate in advancing EDF organizational effectiveness and culture goals, so people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included and empowered to address environmental and organizational challenges in ways that align with EDF values
• Keep up to date with scientific and gray literature on PCS
• Conduct independent research, lead and participate in the analysis and writing of papers for publication in peer-reviewed journals, including any synthesis efforts stemming from the PCS Research Initiative
• Analyze, interpret, and communicate scientific data to state, federal, and international policymakers and other external partners in support of program objectives
• Organize meetings with grantees and other partners and stakeholders
• Attend and represent EDF at external meetings and interact with the scientific community at large
• Serve as a subject matter expert and provide scientific expertise to other EDF programs and external groups on a “rapid response” or as-needed basis
• Support fundraising and progress reports for donors
• Apply excellent organizational, communication, and planning skills in preparing correspondence and reports, responding to requests for information, and helping to coordinate activities among staff members in conjunction with our communication team; ensure scientific integrity of EDF generated materials
• Mentor more junior scientists, fellows, and interns, as appropriate

Qualifications

• A PhD in ocean science, biological oceanography, biogeochemistry, marine ecology, or other related field, with at least 5 years’ relevant experience (inclusive of postdoctoral)
• Senior-level contributor in area of specialization with full mastery of subject matter, as demonstrated by a record of scholarly publications, involvement in conferences or scientific panels, and/or grant awards
• Proven history of leading comprehensive science-focused projects and experience managing a portfolio of research projects
• Ability to work independently and to support a multi-disciplinary team, using independent judgment required to plan, prioritize, and organize diversified workload
• Excellent written and oral communication skills. Ability to synthesize, interpret, and communicate scientific data in an advocacy setting and serve as an expert for media inquiries
• Experience in performing rigorous analysis in support of highly visible work
• Initiates and maintains extensive contacts within the scientific community
• Ability to lead and mentor others
• Experience in supporting fundraising initiatives
• Willingness and ability for occasional domestic and international travel up to 15 % of the time

Benefits

We offer a strong total rewards package encompassing competitive salary, robust benefits, and professional development opportunities consistent with a modern global organization. We take into account factors such as candidate experience, skills, training, internal team equity and local norms.

Pay

$124,000 - $130,000 USD/Yr.

Schedule

Fixed Term Contract

Location

• Boulder
• Washington DC
• Boston
• New York
• Remote - US Home
• San Francisco
• Austin

Application Deadline

Monday, July 20, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST.

Application Instructions

Please provide your CV and a 2-page maximum cover letter.