Conservation Research Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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We are seeking a Research Associate to carry out and supervise some of the activities of foundation grants. The grants fund the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Sustainability Initiative (JEDSI) Lab at the Yale School of the Environment (YSE). The Research Associate will focus on the portion of the JEDSI that conducts and disseminates research on food insecurity; green infrastructure; institutional diversity; environmental grantmaking; and environmental attitudes, perceptions and behaviors; and environmental justice. For about half a century, activists and scholars have identified and tried to mitigate the disproportionate amounts of environmental hazards people of color and low-income communities face. Despite these efforts, environmental injustices such as exposure to toxic wastes, heavy pollution burdens, lack of access to healthy and affordable foods, exorbitant utility rates and high levels of utility shutoffs, and climate disasters are commonplace in poor and people of color communities. JEDSI seeks to identify interconnected actions, impacts, processes, and outcomes that give rise to and perpetuate environmental injustices. JEDSI also identifies initiatives, amenities, and resources that can help to reduce inequities and foster community resilience.

The Principal Investigator is Dorceta E. Taylor of YSE.

The Research Associate will identify and assess environmental injustices in people of color and low-income communities. They will collaborate with research scientists and program managers in the JEDSI Lab to research and publish articles and reports on food insecurity, green infrastructure, institutional diversity, environmental grantmaking, and related environmental justice issues. The research associate help identify and compile resources to help document and archive environmental inequalities and achievements. The Research Associate will collaborate with lab staff, supervise lab students, help organize the New Horizons in Conservation convenings, and track and manage budgets. This is a one-year fixed-duration position.

• Carries out research within the scope of the established study protocol. Adheres to all human subjects regulations defined by Yale University and the federal government pertaining to research studies.
• Develop criteria for admission of study subjects based on the goals and objectives of the project.
• Determines potential sources of funding and prospective partnerships.
• Evaluate the feasibility of accepting potential projects through analysis of staffing needs, resource requirements, financial costs, and the group's current planned capacity.
• Negotiate contracts and/or changes with funders, consultants, and service providers.
• Develop original IRB submissions. Based on knowledge of science and research goals, collaborates with investigators on major revisions and contributes to scientific protocols. Plans and implements changes.
• Develop forms, questionnaires, and the application of research techniques; write procedures manuals for data collection and coding.
• Responsible for the documentation and transmission of study data. Ensures that report forms are accurately documented and completed in a timely manner at each site location.
• Works independently to develop, manage, and organize databases and multi-site studies. Serves as a primary coordinator between University, non-Yale collaborators, IRB, and funding sources.
• Performs spatial mapping and descriptive and multivariate statistical data analyses using computer software.
• Designs and implements quality control measures to ensure accurate collection and processing of data.
• Contributes to in-depth, original thought and relevance to written reports and the writing of abstracts and manuscripts.
• Help to organize the New Horizons in Conservation and other research convenings.
• Help provide new content for and update materials on the lab’s website and maintain it.
• Help to supervise student research assistants.

• Strong oral and written communication skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent advocacy skills.
• Spatial analysis (example creating maps with ArcGIS or similar software).
• Statistical analysis (with SPSS, R, SAS, or similar software); ability to do qualitative and quantitative research analyses).
• Experienced with data visualization (R, Adobe Illustrator).

• A master’s or doctorate in Environmental Studies, Environmental Sciences, Environmental Management, Conservation, Biology, Geography, Environmental Policy, Environmental Justice, Urban Planning, Industrial Ecology, or Public Health is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of and experience with community-based engagement and research and demonstrated ability to develop relationships with a diverse group of constituents.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex processes and projects and experience with budgets.
• High level of proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SPSS, ArcGIS, R, Adobe Illustrator, and other web-based tools.

Must have a valid driver’s license at the start of the appointment.

Must be able to travel; some evenings and weekends may be required.

• Recommends the design and implementation of procedures and protocols under the direction of a higher-level authority.
• Investigates, analyzes, and reaches preliminary scientific conclusions related to research planning.
• Ensures data results are compiled, analyzed, and presented properly.
• Analyzes, develops and interprets scientific results. Maintains clear documentation of results. Prepares scientific reports and papers for research proposals and published reports.
• Performs independent research and laboratory techniques and participates in experimental research planning.
• Interacts with internal contacts including the PI, research assistants, graduate students, Radiation Safety and Biological Safety officers, and Animal Care personnel to discuss and evaluate research results and to ensure the smooth and safe operation of the laboratory.
• Interacts with external contacts such as researchers at other institutions, staff at biotechnology and reagents companies to consult on research methods and to keep abreast of product information and developments.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

Master’s Degree in a scientific discipline and one year experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

08/13/2026

Professional

NON

Clinical & Research

Research Associate 1 MS (22)

$61,500.00 - $91,875.00

Full time

Staff Fixed Duration (Fixed Term)

Hybrid

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Certain positions have associated health requirements based on specific job responsibilities. These may include vaccinations, tests, or examinations, as required by law, regulation, or university policy.

Salary offers are determined by a candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education in relation to the position requirements, along with the role’s grade profile and current internal and external market conditions.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of the position and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties throughtheir hiring department.

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