Research Assistant Positions - Physical Climate Risk

Research Assistant Positions

Physical Climate Risk, CSRA21

Falmouth, Massachusetts or Remote

POSITION SUMMARY: Woodwell Climate Research Center (Woodwell) is the leading independent climate research institute, with a mission to advance science-based climate policies through scientific research and outreach. The keys to Woodwell’s success are the quality of its research and the ability to deliver that science to policymakers and decision makers.

Woodwell seeks to hire a group of research assistants (up to 4) to join our climate risk group. Your role will be in support of ongoing efforts to understand the nature and extent of near-term physical risk to ecosystems, economies and societies. You will work with a range of external partners; from municipalities to businesses, asset management companies, environmental nongovernmental organizations and national security think tanks. Successful candidates will have experience using global/regional climate model simulations and Earth observations to quantify physical risk across a suite of climate perils: from flooding to famines, hurricanes to heat stress, and sea level rise to severe wildfire risk. This position requires familiarity in working with geospatial data, “big data” analytics and advanced programming skills—with emphasis on familiarity with Linux and cloud-based computing using Google Cloud Platform and Google Earth Engine.

Responsibilities:

• Process and analyze multi-temporal geospatial data, primarily climate model output and climate observations.
• Develop metrics of climate stress to inform physical risk and downstream consequences on human systems.
• Harmonize global climate model output with observational databases.
• Develop current and future maps of various climate risk indices.
• Work in a highly collaborative, fast-paced, cross-disciplinary environment to analyze, synthesize, and present results.

Desired Qualifications and Experience:

• M.S. (preferred) or B.S. (with commensurate experience) degree in physical or environmental science, geography, mathematics or a related discipline, with demonstrated strong data analysis skills.
• Experience managing large (terabyte scale) data volumes for analysis and visualization in a Linux environment and/or Google Earth Engine and/or other cloud-based platform.
• Ability to develop programming code (e.g., R, Python, and/or Matlab) and to learn new skills as needed.
• Knowledge and interest in global climate change research.
• Ability to assess and implement appropriate computational needs
• Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a highly collaborative environment.
• Experience using a hydrodynamic or flood risk model (ideally LISFLOOD) is preferred.

Application Deadline: February 26, 2021.

Desired Start Date: March 15, 2021 or earlier.

Fixed-term: This is a one-year fixed-term position. The position is funded for 3 years, renewal beyond fixed-term is contingent upon satisfactory job performance.

Classification and Compensation: This is a full-time, salaried, exempt position, the salary range is $50-55,000 per year. Woodwell offers a generous benefits package.

Location: Falmouth, Massachusetts or remote.

Application Instructions: To apply, please email your cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references in one PDF to careers@woodwellclimate.org.  Please type CSRA21 in the subject line.

Located on a 10-acre campus near the village of Woods Hole, the Woodwell Climate Research Center (Woodwell) is a private, non-profit research center. Woodwell is a leading source of climate science that drives the urgent action needed to solve climate change. Woodwell has 60+ staff members, and attracts some of today’s top experts on global climate change science.

Woodwell is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, mental, or physical disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, familial status, veteran status, or genetic information. Woodwell is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for all individuals in employment practices, services, programs, and activities.