Are you interested in the intersection of ocean science and policy and want to be part of building solutions for current and future ocean issues? If so, the Stanford Center for Ocean Solutions, an initiative of the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment, invites you to apply as a Research Associate to enhance our research capacity within our portfolio of collaborative projects.

The Stanford Center for Ocean Solutions (COS) catalyzes research innovation and action to improve the health of the oceans for the people who depend on them the most. COS capitalizes on Stanford’s broad expertise in ocean science and in the many other disciplines crucial to developing ocean solutions including engineering, computer science, political science, design and business. Our core team of researchers partner with other research institutions, national and international non-governmental organizations, businesses and governments, as well as established and emerging leaders in the data revolution.

Position Summary

The Research Scientist (RS) will be responsible for leading innovative scientific research and actively engaging in the development and implementation of COS’ work on key initiatives including: Oceans & Food Security, Sustainable Ocean Economies, Small-scale Fisheries & Technology, Managing Ocean Risk, and Curbing Illegal Fishing. Consistent with the mission of COS, we seek a person with experience and/or interest in both advancing scientific frontiers and addressing real-world challenges of sustainability in coastal and ocean environments. We seek a creative individual with expertise in a relevant ecological or social science discipline and the ability to effectively work in interdisciplinary teams on cross-cutting issues.

OS strives to nurture diversity and is committed to including a diversity of people and organizations in our work to develop robust solutions to ocean challenges. We aim to make our projects inclusive, to engage diverse perspectives, and to equitably represent those whom our solutions affect.

Job Description & Duties

The primary responsibility of the Research Scientist is to lead scientific research and programmatic work for key COS initiatives.  

Tasks include:

• Lead scientific and policy research that underpins key COS initiatives
• Build COS’s current projects, connect the expertise of COS’ partners, and help develop new projects with guidance from COS’ Deputy Director and Co-Directors and in collaboration with investigators from collaborating institutions
• Work with COS colleagues and collaborators to advance COS’ presence in peer-reviewed publications
• Engage with COS staff, project faculty, researchers and collaborators to compile competitive, interdisciplinary grant proposals as well as develop communications and education and training strategies to produce tangible change to the coast and ocean
• Serve as a vital link between and among COS’ researchers and collaborators and decisionmakers from the public, private and NGO sectors, to ensure that research and project development are designed and carried out to meet actual decisionmaker needs
• Mentor COS Early Career Fellows (recent PhD, MBA or JD recipients), Research Analysts (MS recipients) and Research Assistants working on COS project

Hours, Location, and Compensation.

This is a full-time, two-year appointment that will be renewed biennially based on programming and funding requirements. The Research Scientist will be based at either our Palo Alto office at Stanford University or our Monterey office at Hopkins Marine Station. The salary and benefits are competitive within the field and are based on candidate experience. Future opportunity for advancement to Senior Research Associate is possible with exceptional performance and availability of funding.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a related field and at least 4–6 years of experience in advanced technical work
• Demonstrated depth of knowledge in at least one of the fields that underpin COS’ work, including: marine sciences, marine resource management, fisheries science, social-ecological systems, resource economics, social sciences, spatial analysis, data analysis and synthesis, and sustainable development.
• Strong publication record in the peer-review literature
• Strong teamwork skills and ability to work effectively with staff at many levels as a colleague and supervisor, as well as work successfully with a variety of faculty and researchers in connecting across ecological and social science disciplines, developing project ideas, and embedding science and technology in management and policy
• Demonstrated project management experience as well as strong networking and relationship-building skills, budget development, and management skills, and experience in writing grants and securing funding
• Strong written and verbal communications skills
• A “self-starter” mentality, with the ability to work independently and as a member of a team
• Wide network of collaborators in different disciplines across academia, NGOs, and government

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in marine, ecological, or social science methods and technologies as well as demonstrated grant writing experience
• Strong quantitative and statistical skills
• Demonstrated ability to proficiently and effectively guide and manage interdisciplinary teams comprised of staff with diverse backgrounds and varied skill sets

To Apply: To be considered, interested candidates will provide a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three or more references.

Deadline: Applications will be reviewed beginning on May 1st. The position will remain open until filled.

A background check will be required for all final candidates.

Stanford is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Job:  Social Science Research Scholar
Location:  Dean of Research, Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment
Schedule:  Full-time
Exemption:  Exempt
Grade R99
Job Code: 6784