Global Footprint Network is seeking to hire a Research Scientist to support the continuous improvement of the National Footprint Accounts, which serve as the basis of Ecological Footprint analyses worldwide, and to apply the accounts in projects with governments, businesses and other organizations. In these projects the Ecological Footprint is often used in conjunction with other methodologies, such as life-cycle analysis (LCA), Input-Output (I/O) analysis, and scenario modeling.
The Research Scientist will work closely with other members of the National Footprint Accounts development team, project managers, and others working to apply the Ecological Footprint and will directly manage some of these applications. Most activities will require contributing to and writing of reports and papers, some of which may be submitted for publication in scientific journals. Additional responsibilities will include providing data, graphs and maps as needed by other departments, leading projects that require I/O or LCA analysis such as Ecological Footprint calculators, and helping manage research fellows and interns. Opportunities will exist for presenting on the Ecological Footprint method and on the outcome of specific research projects.
The Research Scientist will report to the Director of Research & Standards and the Director for Europe.
PERFORMANCE PROFILE
Specific responsibilities include:
National Accounts (~20%)
- Reviewing specific areas of scientific research, such as on carbon sequestration or fisheries, and incorporating findings into National Footprint Accounts calculation to improve the accuracy and relevance of the metric.
- Collaborating with research partners such as government agencies, academic institutions, and NGOs to validate and improve the data in the accounts and the calculation methodology, and to develop needed scientific information not otherwise available.
- Contributing to programming of the National Footprint Accounts, and to developing and applying quality assurance procedures.
- Building models that project future values of the Ecological Footprint, biocapacity and overshoot.
Applications (~80%)
- Developing and refining approaches for applying the Ecological Footprint in a wide variety of contexts.
- Managing projects, especially those that focus on application of the Ecological Footprint.
- Applying methodologies such as LCA and I/O in conjunction with Footprint analysis, and documenting why a particular method was chosen and how it was used.
- Supporting the use of Footprint data and method by other project managers, including training them in the use of LCA and I/O methods.
- Contributing to and writing of reports and other documentation that serve as project deliverables.
- Providing summaries and interpretations of Footprint data for Global Footprint Network internal use, as well as for clients, partners, and the general public.
- Supporting the communications department in its use of Footprint concepts and data.
QUALIFICATIONS
The successful candidate will have the following minimum qualifications, skills and experience:
Education
- Minimum of a Master’s degree or at least 2 years equivalent research experience in a relevant field, such as environmental science, environmental or natural resource management, or ecological economics.
Experience
- Ability to analyze and manipulate large data sets in Excel, MySQL, MATLAB. Proficiency in Java and MS Visual Studio is desirable.
- Working knowledge of process and I/O based LCA, as well as hybrid methods, and ability and motivation to quickly develop expertise in these analysis methods without the need for supervision. Interest in global resource issues.
- Ability to lead projects, and to work well in a highly interactive team environment.
- Well-organized, self-motivated, and able to meet project deadlines.
- Skilled in both written and oral communication.
- Good interpersonal skills, and ability to work well with individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds and cultures.
- Fluency in non-English languages a plus.
- Excitement about being part of a small but growing organization whose influence on global movement toward sustainability is rapidly expanding!
TRAVEL
The position is based in Geneva (Switzerland) and covers Europe, Africa and Asia primarily. Occasional travels may be undertaken to attend meetings, conferences, events, and for project scoping and development.
SALARY AND BENEFITS
Salary is commensurate with experience. Benefit package is provided. Our collegial, open-plan office is located in the International Environment House which is close to Geneva down-town and enjoys good transit access.
APPLICATION
Please send your resume and statement of career goals to jobs@footprintnetwork.org; subject line MUST include the term "Research Scientist.” Global Footprint Network is committed to diversity in the workplace. For more information about Global Footprint Network and the Ecological Footprint visit: www.footprintnetwork.org.
