Scientist, Global Methane

The Office of Chief Scientist (OCS) is the nexus of science at EDF, ensuring that the science that is the backbone for all EDF policy positions is based on the best available information. To be most effective in this role, OCS provides programmatic support for all scientists at EDF and fosters relationships with scientists outside the organization.

EDF has set an ambitious goal to achieve a 45% cut in global methane pollution from the Oil and Gas supply chain by 2025 in an effort to reduce the rate of warming we will experience over the next 20 years, equivalent to closing one third of the world’s coal fired power plants.

Overall Function

The Scientist, Global Methane will be a key contributor to oil and natural gas-associated initiatives within EDF. Minimizing methane emissions from oil and natural gas supply chains is a core part of EDF’s energy and climate work. The Scientist will (i) help EDF stay at the cutting-edge of how to measure and mitigate anthropogenic methane emissions, and (ii) work to develop the scientific understandings required to mitigate methane emissions associated with global production and distribution of oil, gas, and coal.

The Scientist will work with EDF's Office of the Chief Scientist team in close collaboration with policy and legal experts and report to the International Senior Scientist.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research, analysis and provide scientific guidance and support for EDF’s work to characterize and mitigate methane emissions from oil and gas operations.
• Design, plan and execute EDF’s work on characterizing methane emissions from oil and gas supply chain; collaborating and coordinating effectively with academic and other relevant partners.
• Provide scientific guidance on the design and development of robust, empirically based measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) frameworks for methane emissions from the oil and gas industry.
• Coordinate and manage partnerships with research institutions.
• Coordinate and ensure rigor of scientific initiatives collaboratively undertaken with a diverse group of stakeholders including industry, academics, multilateral organizations and the public sector.
• Synthesize scientific results and insights from recent literature and communicate that information to a multi-disciplinary team, including EDF scientists, policy experts, and corporate and community partnership specialists.
• Provide scientific support to EDF’s global oil and gas methane initiatives and program.
• Remain at the cutting-edge of climate science, including staying up-to-date with the scientific literature.
• Ensure scientific integrity of EDF generated materials.
• Participate/lead in the analysis and writing of papers for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Attend and represent EDF at external meetings and interact with the scientific community at large.
• Participate in advancing EDF DEI goals in which people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included, and empowered to address the environmental and organizational challenges in alignment with EDF values.
• Independently support other “rapid response” and/or project development efforts on an as-needed basis.

Qualifications

• A PhD in atmospheric science, physical sciences or engineering (e.g., chemical engineering) or related field with at least 2 years of experience, post-doc required.
• A track record of performing and publishing methane-focused research.
• Familiarity with methane emission datasets (i.e., in-situ measurements, satellite remote sensing).
• Experience coordinating methane field measurement campaigns.
• Understanding of methane monitoring technologies.
• Strong quantitative analysis skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills. 
• Initiates and maintains contacts within the scientific community.
• Experience in performing rigorous analysis with short deadlines in support of highly visible work.
• The ability to communicate complex ideas in writing and orally to multiple stakeholders with different levels of expertise, including the public and industry.
• Must demonstrate cultural awareness and the knowledge, attitude, behavior and skills that lead to a culturally competent workplace. Must demonstrate a commitment to continued self-assessment, learning and growth to increase and broaden culturally competent skillsets that produce effective interactions with people across diverse cultures and backgrounds. This includes the ability to adapt to cultural change.
• An ability to work both independently and as a member of small teams on multiple projects in a fast-paced, dynamic. and creative environment.
• Demonstrates self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures and backgrounds.

Additional Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with emission inventories.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis and understanding of atmospheric modeling.
• Willingness to travel internationally (<10% of time).
• Understanding of current methane MRV frameworks

Locations: Remote – US; Belgium; Netherlands

Range for Belgium: 66,000 – 72,000 EUR

Range for Netherlands: 67,000 – 74,000 EUR

NOTE: If you’re applying for one of our European locations, you must have the right to live and work in the applicable country when applying.