Blue Carbon Research Scientist

Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of humanity. Through science, policy, fieldwork, and finance, we spotlight and secure the most important places in nature for the climate, biodiversity, and for people. With offices in 30 countries and projects in more than 100 countries, Conservation International partners with governments, companies, civil society, Indigenous peoples, and local communities to help people and nature thrive together.

POSITION SUMMARY - This position is preferably based out of Singapore, but open to other CI country locations in Asia-Pacific.

The lack of usable data on blue carbon is preventing its adoption into policy, decision-making, and financing solutions. The International Blue Carbon Institute (IBCI) and the Smithsonian Institution (SI) have established a joint program to increase data accessibility and availability in coastal blue carbon, with an initial phase centered in the Asia-Pacific. Outputs from this collaboration will contribute to including blue carbon in national GHG inventories and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the UNFCCC.

To advance this work, we are hiring a Blue Carbon Research Scientist to lead efforts to increase the quantity and quality of freely accessible blue carbon data in the Coastal Carbon Network (CCN), an open-access global repository for blue carbon data developed and managed by SI. The candidate will lead in collecting data on ecosystem carbon stocks and sequestration, conducting meta-analyses of blue carbon dynamics across various geomorphologies, exploring drivers of change in carbon stocks, and identifying co-benefits within these ecosystems. Responsibilities also include organizing and conducting training workshops for blue carbon data collection, field methods, quality control, and data preparation for the CCN, as well as co-designing resource materials for scientists and blue carbon practitioners.

Learning opportunities for the scientist include advancing blue carbon research in Southeast Asia, joining a network of coastal carbon professionals, participating in field and laboratory exchanges, enhancing skills through training, and accessing the International Blue Carbon Scientific Working Group with opportunities to attend annual meetings and scientific fora.

Responsibilities

Reporting to the IBCI Technical Director, and co-advised by a Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) principal investigator, the Blue Carbon Research Scientist will be responsible for:

Data Management and Research

• Collate carbon stock datasets for inclusion in the Coastal Carbon Network (CCN), an open-access global repository for blue carbon data.
• Ensure that all datasets meet established quality standards and are supported by appropriate data-sharing agreements.
• Conduct analyses to generate actionable insights from regional and global datasets.
• Co-develop best practices for data collection that support high integrity blue carbon projects and improve accessibility and availability of blue carbon data.
• Disseminate and present research findings to diverse audiences, including stakeholders, policymakers, and the scientific community.

Capacity Building and Partnerships

• Collaborate with regional blue carbon scientists, practitioners, and academic institutions to encourage the incorporation of existing blue carbon data into the CCN.
• Co-design and deliver training materials and workshops to equip users with the skills to input data into the CCN and effectively utilize the platform to derive insights from compiled datasets.
• Co-organise, design, and conduct training workshops on blue carbon data collection and field methods with partner organisations and institutions.
• Work in close collaboration with the IBCI's Capacity and Partnerships Director to develop new knowledge products (e.g., factsheets, science and policy briefs) and increase access to, and utilisation of, blue carbon training materials and resources.
• Foster regional partnerships to enhance collaboration and improve data-sharing practices.

Platform Development and User Engagement

• Address the diverse needs of partners to inform updates to the CCN dashboard, enhancing its accessibility, usability, and utility.
• Engage users to ensure the platform meets their evolving requirements and supports effective decision-making.
• Support the effort to further enhance the CCN to improve user experience and data management functionality.
• Lead efforts to socialise the functions and capabilities of the CCN to improve adoption and usage amongst researchers and practitioners for managing their blue carbon data.

People and Resource Management Responsibilities

• Does not manage staff but assists peers and may direct the work of interns, volunteers, contractors, and others.
• Does not have authority to allocate resources or approve budget expenditures.

Other Responsibilities

• Regularly contribute to the existing programs of work in the IBCI.
• Contribute to ongoing SI efforts on the CCN and other data collection programs, e.g., the development of CCN architecture for incorporation of new databases (e.g., biomass, surface elevation change), development of data carpentry courses and tools, development of R software environment scripts to improve data visualization and usage by diverse stakeholders.
• The candidate is encouraged to develop an independent investigation project using the CCN datasets and tool resources.
• The candidate is expected to visit SERC in Edgewater, MS (USA) for 30 days at least once a year to promote exchange with the SI's CCN staff, strengthening the collaboration and alignment between CI and SI goals. On-campus housing will be made available at no cost to the candidate.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• This role is a fixed-term contract position (2 years with possibility of extension depending on funding and satisfactory performance).
• This is a full-time hybrid position.
• The position requires frequent overseas travel for meetings, conferences, and workshops with research partners, stakeholders, CI program offices, and partner institutions in the Asia-Pacific region, accounting for 30% or more of the candidate's time.
• The position may require work in natural settings and remote locations.
• Flexibility in working hours is essential to accommodate time differences between Conservation International's and Smithsonian's headquarters and international field offices across multiple time zones.

Qualifications
Required

• A PhD in a relevant field such as marine science, ecology, environmental science, conservation or a related discipline with research focused on carbon stock and dynamics in coastal blue carbon ecosystems.
• Knowledge of drivers of change in blue carbon ecosystem.
• 2 to 4 years of experience with data management and geospatial analysis.
• Strong analytical and research skills to interpret data and effectively communicate findings in written and verbal formats, as evidenced through scientific publications and presentations.
• Excellent presentation and communications skills, with an emphasis on science communication and ability to distil complex concepts into simple terms.
• Proven ability in field work and organising field sampling in remote locations with 2 or more years of experience.
• Proven ability in blue carbon field and laboratory methods and approaches with 2 or more years of experience.
• Track record of successful collaborations in academia, government or NGOs. Experience with building partnerships and networks is beneficial.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage priorities and meet deadlines in dynamic environments.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team, engaging effectively with multiple stakeholders.

Preferred

• Experience working with diverse research teams in the region.
• Experience working with local and indigenous communities is strongly preferred.
• Skills or experience in developing and delivering training materials or workshops to build capacity in data collection and platform usage.
• Language skills: Bahasa, Tagalog or other Southeast Asian languages.
• A demonstrated passion for science, capacity building and fostering regional collaboration.

To apply for this position, please submit a resume and cover letter.

Application Deadline: March 28, 2025 (11:49 PM EST)

See all Conservation International Career Opportunities HERE

Conservation International is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals. We believe in hiring based on merit and qualifications, ensuring a fair and inclusive hiring process for everyone.
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