Senior Researcher

Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

Hours: Full Time (35 hours per week)

Location: Eligible for remote work within the United States

Salary: $85,000 to $95,000 commensurate with qualifications, includes a competitive benefits package, and subject to location-based adjustment

Travel: Some business travel may be required, including overnight stays

Start Date: Available immediately

Organization Description

Founded in 1987, the Pacific Institute is a global water research and policy non-profit organization based in Oakland, California. Our mission is to create and advance solutions to the world’s most pressing water challenges. We combine science-based thought leadership with active outreach to advance water sustainability and resilience in communities around the world. Our science-based approach draws from many disciplines and benefits from collaboration with diverse stakeholders, from local governments and UN agencies to businesses and grassroots organizations.

Position Description

We are seeking a collaborative, impact-focused self-starter with a passion for and experience in water efficiency and reuse and excellent technical and analytical skills, including in geospatial analysis, to join our mission-driven team as a Senior Researcher. This position would lead work that supports efforts to advance water sustainability and resilience in the United States and around the world, with an explicit focus on water efficiency and reuse.

Core Responsibilities

Senior researchers are expected to fulfill the following core functions:

• Independently and creatively design and manage projects, relationships, and contributions of project team members and co-authors, as well as from collaborating organizations;
• Lead fundraising for research projects and initiatives, including identifying funding opportunities, writing concept notes and grant proposals, and building relationships with funders;
• Conduct primary and secondary research and analysis, including through collaboration with other researchers and partner organizations to advance Pacific Institute’s mission and organizational goal;
• Prepare final reports and written products in technical and non-technical areas; and
• Present findings, recommendations, and best practices at conferences, webinars, and other events.
• Supervise, advise, and/or mentor other team members.

Desired Qualifications

• Advanced degree in relevant field, such as environmental sciences, engineering, hydrology, or relevant work experience in place of a degree;
• At least 10 years of relevant work experience;
• Demonstrated ability to initiate and conduct research on interdisciplinary topics;
• Demonstrated ability to write successful grant and research proposals;
• Demonstrated ability to manage major projects with several team members;
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills;
• Experience working with spatial analysis and remotely sensed data;
• Experience working at the research and policy interface to advance evidence-based strategies;
• Excellent written communication skills, including peer-reviewed publications that show research and writing experience;
• Excellent oral communication skills with public speaking experience;
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to collaborate with a variety of people from diverse backgrounds; and
• Experience working with diverse stakeholders.

Diversity Equity and Inclusion

Pacific Institute is committed to workplace diversity and inclusion. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Recognizing the inherent inequities that exist in our society, our sector, and our work, the Pacific Institute is dedicated to improving our internal policies, procedures, and programmatic priorities to ensure a diverse workforce and culture of inclusion. We have accelerated our efforts and refreshed our approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). We are committed to building a culture where diversity is valued at all levels of the organization. We believe this approach will improve our organizational culture and the quality of our work. As part of this commitment, we request that all candidates include a short statement in their cover letters to address how your addition to our staff would contribute to our DEI efforts.