United By Nature Senior Research Specialist

University of Washington; Seattle (WA); Remote; USD 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution seeks a Senior Research Specialist to support the United By Nature Initiative. This role involves managing interdisciplinary teams, contributing to assessments on biodiversity, and creating products to connect the public with environmental values. Applicants should have a bachelor's degree in environmental studies and four years of relevant experience. The position is full-time, offers remote work within the United States, and includes travel as needed.

Benefits

Outstanding benefits

Professional growth opportunities

Qualifications

• 4 years of experience in biodiversity or ecosystems research.
• Experience in large author teams.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to research projects supporting nature's benefits.
• Manage interdisciplinary research teams.
• Create science-associated products for public engagement.
• Develop internal and external communications.

Skills

Project management skills

Excellent oral communication

Data analysis

Interpersonal skills

Synthesis and assessment

Education

Bachelor's degree in environmental studies

Master’s degree in environmental studies

Job description

Overview

EarthLab (http://earthlab.uw.edu/) at the University of Washington seeks a Senior Research Specialist to support the United By Nature Initiative.

The United By Nature Initiative (http://weareunitedbynature.org/) (UBNI) will provide a holistic picture of the state of nature, the many changes that are underway, and how nature matters to our lives. United By Nature will identify opportunities for nature to help us achieve our societal and economic goals and will be a vital tool for governments, businesses, communities, and leaders across sectors. As part of the Initiative, an Assessment is expected to be completed in 2026.

The Senior Research Specialist will be a core part of the UBNI team, working closely with the other members of the team on the Assessment and associated products, and with EarthLab staff. The UBN Assessment is an analysis of the status, observed trends, and future projections of lands, waters, wildlife, biodiversity, and ecosystems and the benefits they provide, with a focus on facilitating innovative, just and equitable solutions to environmental challenges and climate action. The Senior Research Specialist will be a UBNI staff member working towards the success of the Initiative as a whole; support multiple interdisciplinary teams and contribute to the development and production of the Assessment; develop, contribute to, and communicate associated products that link Assessment findings to policy and people; and represent the Initiative internally and externally.

This is a full-time research scientist/engineer 3 position represented by UAW Research. Work can be conducted remotely within the United States and will entail some travel (1-3 trips) depending on budget, need and ability.

EarthLab is a visionary institute at the University of Washington taking equitable action on climate change. At our core, we are a dynamic hub of programs, organizations, event spaces, and collaborative activities that are grounded within the UW College of the Environment. We develop programs that connect the incredible resources at the UW — including the passion and talent of our students — as well as partners in community, public agencies, and industry to create new knowledge and take collective action. We also provide collaborative resources and capacity building services to other research centers and initiatives within UW, such as the United by Nature Initiative, in addition to grantees, students and external community partners.

Primary Responsibilities

Function area 1: Contribute to the creation and implementation of syntheses, assessments, and other research projects

• Develop scientific and technical projects to support decisions and actions to support the continued delivery of nature's benefits to people in the U.S., and to facilitate solutions to environmental change including climate action

• Ensure the scientific and technical outputs are accessible, compelling, and impactful across diverse audiences

Function area 2: Manage and support interdisciplinary research teams

• Supportinterdisciplinary author teams, including their interactions with an external Technical Support Unit and contractors

• Support author logistic needs, helping authors navigate the process of development, review, and publication of the report

• Ensure assessment guidance is followed

Function area 3: Contribute to the creation of science and technology-associated products aimed at connecting the broader public to the value of the environment, including arts and literature products

• Help develop derivative products to inform decision-making at local to federal scales

• Evaluate policy, programmatic, regulatory and decision needs for linking to scientific outputs

• Help develop programs, products, and materials aimed at linking arts (film, poetry, visual art, music) to scientific and technical outputs

Function area 4: Develop internal and external communications

• Create and contribute to presentations made at conferences, public engagement events and other venues, representing the program

• Create and contribute to internal program communications

• Contribute to development of white papers, fact sheets, and other derivative products

Additional Responsibilities

Function area 5: Ensure integration and coordination across interdisciplinary research teams and between research teams and external audiences and stakeholders

• Ensure transparency and accountability in workflow

• Ensure integration and coordination across multiple teams

Function area 6: Identify opportunities to improve internal systems and organizational effectiveness

• Ensure integration and coordination across multiple teams

• Develop tools and materials in support of programmatic activities, such as guidance materials

Minimum qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in environmental studies, science or related field and 4 years of experience in any of the following areas:

• Research related to the status and trends of biodiversity, ecosystems, or nature's benefit to people

• Working in large group or author teams

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 requirements:

• Experience in the synthesis and assessment of national-scale information related to the status and trends of biodiversity, ecosystems, and nature's benefits to people, and relevant national policies

• Experience in large cross-sector, multi-disciplinary working groups or author teams

• Quantitative and qualitative analysis of data to support environmental decision-making

• Excellent project management skills and attention to detail

• Demonstrated excellence in organizational skills, including the ability to successfully execute detailed projects and processes; prioritize projects or deliverables; and carry out multiple tasks under tight deadlines

• Ability to proactively identify program needs and propose solutions to complex problems

• Excellent oral and written communications skills

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to problem solve

Desired Experience:

• Master’s degree in environmental studies or science, or a related field

• Experience in national and/or state government policy or environmental office(s)

• Cross-sector work experience, including in the private sector, academia, and government

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$0.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$0.00 annual

Other Compensation:

-

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

UAW Research

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 proud to be an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer (https://hr.uw.edu/eoaa/) . All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

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

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 (https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=28B.112.080) .

University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.