Research Associate - Remote | Wfh

Are you passionate about addressing climate change and promoting equity? We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Researcher to join our dynamic team. As a Researcher at our organization, you will play a pivotal role in supporting various water-climate-equity research projects and creating decision-support resources for frontline communities, community-based organizations, natural resource managers, and policymakers. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of strategies and solutions for vulnerable groups and disadvantaged communities to prepare for and respond to the impacts of climate change on their water systems.
Responsibilities
As a Researcher, you will:
Collaborate with our Water and Climate Equity Lead, Pacific Institute researchers, and partners to conduct collaborative and rigorous interdisciplinary research and analysis on water-climate-equity topics.
Engage with a diverse group of individuals to meet project objectives within established timelines.
Collect and analyze primary and secondary data, conduct literature reviews, and connect with other researchers, practitioners, and organizations to gather information.
Synthesize large amounts of complex information and prepare comprehensive reports and written products.
Develop non-technical communication materials such as blog posts, issue briefs, opinion articles, and oral presentations to effectively communicate research findings.
Contribute to fundraising activities by preparing proposals and periodic reports for foundations and donors.
Assist with programmatic and project tasks, including coordinating internal and external meetings, documenting discussions, and summarizing next steps.
Required Qualifications
Proficient knowledge of the US water sector, including understanding federal, state, and local policies and funding programs that support climate-resilient water systems for frontline communities.
Advanced degree (Master's level minimum) in social sciences, water resources, environmental or sustainability sciences, or natural resource management.
Minimum five years of relevant work experience, focusing on climate-water-equity issues in frontline communities.
Experience with a co-production model of research.
Strong qualitative and quantitative analytical skills with a publication track record.
Ability to conduct interdisciplinary research and translate technical information to non-technical audiences.
Proficiency with citation databases and bibliographies (e.g., Zotero).
Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to create compelling presentations.
Exceptional organizational and time management skills, with the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
Desired Qualifications
Interdisciplinary advanced degree, ideally in combined social-natural sciences.
Familiarity with usable climate change sciences and tools for water-related decision making.
Proficiency with software such as Microsoft Excel, QDA (e.g., Atlas.ti, NVivo, MAXQDA), database management, and/or Geographic Information Systems (e.g., ESRI ArcGIS, QGIS).
Knowledge of water challenges in urban and rural areas or small water systems, with experience working with tribes, Indigenous communities, communities of color, and/or Spanish proficiency as a plus.
Experience working on large, interdisciplinary assessments such as the US National Climate Assessment.
Ability to develop web-based maps or visualizations to share research findings.
Keen interest and understanding of capacity building for frontline communities to adapt their water systems to climate change impacts.
Join our team and be part of a collaborative and impactful research environment where you can make a difference. This position offers exciting opportunities for professional growth beyond the initial two years, dependent on performance and funding availability.
Employment Type: Full-Time
Salary: $ 75,000.00 85,000.00 Per Year