Research Associate

The Carolinas Integrated Sciences & Assessments (CISA) team is seeking applications for a Research Associate to enhance CISA’s efforts to provide timely and relevant climate-related information and resources. Through active engagement with regional stakeholders and decision makers, the Research Associate will identify and respond to the most salient climate information needs in the region. 

The Research Associate will be integrated into CISA’s ongoing efforts to provide outreach to stakeholders and support climate resilience throughout the Carolinas. The position will substantially enhance CISA’s capacity to work with regional stakeholders and expand dissemination of existing as well as newly-developed resources and tools.

Applicants should be able to translate and tailor climate data and information in order to clearly visualize and communicate meaningful elements of emerging climate science and related impacts. Audiences will include state, local, and tribal government leaders, emergency managers, natural resource managers, public health officials, and others.

Based at the University of South Carolina, CISA is one of eleven Regional Integrated Sciences and Assessments (RISA) programs supported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to integrate climate science into decision-making processes and improve society’s ability to respond to climatic events and stresses. Working at the intersection of water, coasts, and health, CISA creates, tailors, and contextualizes climate information to help the Carolinas improve planning and management approaches to support healthier, safer communities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Analyze climate data and information to address the needs of planners and decision makers for information and technical assistance in developing resilience plans
• Work closely with stakeholders in the Carolinas to identify climate information needs and improve techniques for incorporating climate information into decision making
• Generate resources that effectively translate and communicate climate science online, in-person, and in print
• Contribute to an assessment of the network of climate adaptation practitioners in the region and the needs of those stakeholders for information and technical assistance in developing resilience plans in the face of climate change 
• Develop organizational relationships with federal, state, and local agencies, professional associations, non-profit organizations, and private entities
• Present CISA projects and research findings at various meetings, workshops, and conferences, primarily for stakeholder audiences but also for the climate adaptation science community
• Organize workshops and engagement activities that provide stakeholders and decision makers with opportunities to learn about and share tools, data, best practices, and other resources for climate risk management
• Seek grant and other funding opportunities to help support climate research and outreach in the Carolinas
• Provide technical support and input to the CISA team and the RISA network for evaluation of climate integration and outreach techniques

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in climate or atmospheric science, geography, environmental science, or related discipline
• Candidates must demonstrate knowledge of climate processes, experience working with different types and sources of climate data, and the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences about complex scientific concepts.
• Candidates should be proficient with basic computer software, such as the Microsoft Office Suite, and have some GIS training
• Candidates will also need to be able to demonstrate:
• Strong interpersonal and written communication skills
• Strong analytical, organizational, and planning skills
• Ability to work independently and comfortable working in complex, interdisciplinary environment
• Ability to travel frequently, throughout the Carolinas and to regional and national meetings
• One year relevant work experience, which may include graduate assistantships, required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proficiency with computer applications, including GIS software; Tableau or other data visualization tools; Python, R, or similar programming languages
• Familiarity with the Carolinas and regional environmental and climate-related issues
• Familiarity or experience with the NOAA RISA program or other climate service agencies and organizations
• Experience working with communities and/or decision makers in an outreach capacity
• Experience in writing project proposals and securing grants

Location and Duration:

The position will be based in the Geography Department at the University of South Carolina with projects covering both North and South Carolina. The position is funded through the Carolinas Integrated Sciences & Assessments program through August 2021, with the possibility of extension beyond that date, pending performance and availability of funds.

Compensation: Compensation includes salary in the range of $42,000 to $65,000 as well as a comprehensive benefits package, commensurate with experience and qualifications.