Phd Climate Scientist Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Location

Remote US Home, Austin, Boulder, Boston, New York, San Francisco, Washington DC.

Duration

This is a 2.5-year fixed-term position with the possibility of extension.

Application Instructions

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

Application Deadline

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

Program Overview

Science and Innovation (S&I) is the nexus of science at EDF, ensuring that the science that is the backbone for all EDF policy positions is based on the best available information. To be most effective in this role, S&I provides programmatic support for all scientists at EDF and fosters relationships with scientists outside the organization. S&I at EDF seeks out new and emerging topics that drive innovation in responding to the planet's toughest environmental challenges. EDF has scientific research underway in a variety of topic areas including methane science, air quality, hydrogen science, carbon dioxide removal, fisheries and ocean sustainability, water availability, climate smart agriculture, social science, and solar radiation modification.

Overall Function

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. The goal of this coordinated, outcome-agnostic research initiative is to reduce the most consequential uncertainties in PCS and determine whether or what aspects warrant further investment, where their risks or potential benefits lie, and under what conditions continued research or discontinuation is justified. The selected candidate will develop and manage a portfolio of research projects and partnerships, conduct research of their own relevant to the program, and contribute to EDF's overall ocean and climate science capacity.Reporting to the Associate Vice President, Ocean Science, the successful candidate will collaborate with other EDF scientists, economists, and policy experts as well as scientists and organizations external to EDF. The work will include communicating the results of research to stakeholders and government decision makers.

Key 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

• Additional responsibilities assigned as required or needed

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

• 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.

• 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

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.
Please note that pay ranges are country specific. As a result, the stated currency is not meant be converted into any other currency.