Research Scientist/Engineer 3 - Climate Impacts Group

Job Description

The UW Climate Impacts Group has an outstanding opportunity for a Research Scientist 3 to join its growing team.

About this Opportunity

Reporting to a senior scientist, the Climate Impacts Group Research Scientist 3 will independently lead tasks within and support management of moderately sized applied climate resilience and water management projects. This position will play a critical role in advancing climate resilience for the Pacific Northwest and requires advanced analytical skills using spatial and quantitative analysis methods and mixed methods research approaches, as well as a highly collaborative mindset.

This is a research position with no teaching requirements and no path to university tenure. This position is focused on applied research which may come at the expense of published research.

This is a hybrid eligible position with expectations to work in person at the UW Seattle campus at least two days per week, with additional on-site requirements for meetings and events. Our current in-office days are Mondays and Wednesdays. A telework agreement is completed annually with your supervisor.

Key Responsibilities

Research [50%]

• Independently lead tasks and support management of moderately sized applied climate resilience and water management projects;

• Evaluate the benefits, tradeoffs, uncertainties, and implementation considerations of water management and/or climate adaptation strategies to support evidence-based planning and decision making;

• Apply spatial and quantitative analysis methods to analyze, integrate, and communicate complex social and environmental data using R, Python, GIS, or related tools;

• Apply mixed-methods research approaches to holistically evaluate complex environmental management and climate resilience challenges (e.g., semi-structured interviews, surveys, literature reviews, policy analysis, case studies, spatial analysis).

Project Management [25%]

• Lead or co-lead project-specific research activities, such as literature reviews, contextual analyses, needs assessments, monitoring and evaluation strategies, and development of technical guidance, as part of larger projects;
• Develop and manage timelines and coordinate on assigned project tasks while contributing to broader project management activities;
• Co-design and facilitate workshops, interviews, advisory committee meetings, and other engagement activities with project partners;
• Supervise and mentor junior staff, interns, and/or graduate student workers;
• Contribute to maintaining high-quality project deliverables through effective coordination, documentation, and communication with internal and external collaborators.

Partnerships and External Engagement [15%]

• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with Pacific Northwest water managers and utilities, local government agencies, Tribes, non-profit organizations, and research collaborators to advance climate adaptation planning and implementation;
• Develop technical guidance, decision support resources, reports, visualizations, and presentations for practitioner, scientific, and public audiences;
• Represent the Climate Impacts Group through participation in project advisory groups, collaborative initiatives, and professional meetings;
• Respond to emerging partner needs and contribute to identifying opportunities for future applied research and decision-support resources.

Grant Writing and Proposal Development [5%]

• Collaborate with Climate Impacts Group research scientists and principal investigators to support development of competitive proposals for externally funded research and applied projects;
• Contribute technical expertise to support proposal development efforts, including scoping and drafting relevant sections, coordination with project collaborators, and related activities;
• Help identify emerging research opportunities and cultivate relationships with external collaborators.

Other duties as assigned in service of the Climate Impacts Group mission [5%]

• Support special projects, strategic initiatives and timely responses to partner and UW needs.

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Manager.

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, hydrology or engineering, natural resources, planning, geography, public policy, economics, or a related field
• A minimum of 4 years of experience managing climate resilience and/or water management projects
• Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Additional Qualifications

• Familiarity with water resources management, watershed planning, environmental management, or related fields, including familiarity with climate impacts on water systems and adaptation strategies;
• Experience collaborating with state and local government agencies, utilities, Tribes, watershed organizations, community-based organizations, and/or practitioners;
• Strong analytical skills, including familiarity with mixed-methods approaches and the application of spatial and quantitative analysis methods to analyze, integrate, and communicate complex social and/or environmental data using R, Python, GIS, or related tools; and
• Superior writing and oral communication skills, including demonstrated ability to communicate complex scientific information clearly and concisely for technical and non-technical audiences.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree and/or experience working on applied water resources projects involving water supply, watershed management, stormwater, nature based solutions, water quality, water reuse, or related topics;

• Experience developing climate change impacts and adaptation guidance and/or decision-support tools;

• Experience working with environmental, climate, hydrologic, or other complex datasets;

• Experience with applied social science research methods such as interviews, case studies, literature reviews, policy evaluation, and/or related qualitative and quantitative approaches;

• Experience with co-production and use-inspired research;

• Experience facilitating meetings and collaboration among researchers, practitioners, decision makers;

• Knowledge of climate adaptation planning and implementation in the Pacific Northwest;

• Attention to detail and demonstrated commitment to technical accuracy and reproducibility;

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and build strong collaborative relationships within interdisciplinary teams (spanning physical science, engineering, policy and social science), and within hybrid and geographically distributed teams.

Working Conditions

Occasional travel may be required across the UW Seattle campus and to partner sites across the states of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho.

About the Team

The University of Washington Climate Impacts Group (CIG) supports the development of climate resilience by advancing understanding of climate risks & enabling science-based action to manage those risks. Since 1995, the Climate Impacts Group has linked cutting-edge scientific research with innovative approaches to community engagement to produce exceptional research products, develop strong relationships among resource managers, planners, and policy makers in the region and build regional capacity for addressing climate variability and change. The Climate Impacts Group sits within EarthLab, in the UW College of Environment.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

Pay Range Maximum:

Other Compensation:

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Temporary or Regular?

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About the UW

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives - on our campuses, in our state and around the world.

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Our Commitment

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [email protected].

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.