Wurster Postdoctoral Science Fellow

Application Materials

Interested applicants should attach their cover letter, CV and copy of a relevant publication (can include a manuscript in prep or in review) to the EDF application.

Any EDF U.S. office location (Austin, TX; Boulder, CO; Boston, MA; New York, NY; Raleigh, NC; San Francisco, CA; Washington D.C.) or U.S. Remote. Fellow supervisor is in Texas and many team members are in Colorado and Washington, DC.

Eligibility to work in the U.S. is required for the duration of the fellowship.

This is a two-year fixed-term position, with full benefits and the possibility of extension.

Science and Innovation (S&I) is the nexus of science at EDF, ensuring that the science that is the backbone for EDF policy positions is based on the best available information. S&I also drives innovation at EDF, seeking out emerging topics and exploring the science needed to underpin new solutions to environmental priorities. S&I provides programmatic support for all scientists at EDF and fosters relationships with scientists outside the organization.

The S&I team works on projects across all EDF programs, translating basic and applied research in the natural and social sciences into actionable ideas to have impact on climate change priorities, air quality and health, and building resilient communities.

EDF is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow to conduct research on the role of empirical greenhouse gas emissions data on driving mitigation rates. The Fellow will belong to a cohort of EDF post‑docs that receive professional development training through mentoring and workshops, with an emphasis on sustainability leadership. This position is made possible by the EDF Founders’ Fund honoring the scientists who founded EDF, including Charles Wurster.

Key responsibilities include exploring evidence on the relative role of empirical greenhouse gas emissions data in driving mitigation rates, compared to traditionally estimated data. The Fellow will analyze new sources of remotely sensed data, atmospheric and other observations, to identify the potential for these data to produce more spatially and temporally constrained emissions inventories and how such data may accelerate climate action.

The work will result in original publishable research, internal analyses for EDF staff, and communications to policy makers, journalists, and the public.

• Conduct research to identify existing and novel datasets that could be used to produce independent, actionable greenhouse gas emissions data at varying temporal and spatial scales to drive accelerated mitigation.
• Evaluate attributes and potential role of selected datasets relative to conventional datasets.
• Lead and participate in preparation of manuscripts for peer‑reviewed journals and applicable reports or blog posts for general audiences.
• Stay current on relevant scientific literature and policy contexts, synthesis and dissemination for EDF scientists and specialists.
• Represent EDF in external meetings with a high degree of professionalism.
• Support related research projects and, if needed, supervise interns.
• Participate in advancing EDF’s organizational effectiveness and culture goals, fostering inclusion and empowerment.
• Travel may be required for work related matters.

• A recent Ph.D. in atmospheric science, earth system science, or a related natural science, engineering, or environmental studies field, suitable to examine data for greenhouse gas measurement and impact.
• Strong quantitative skills (statistical analysis and modeling) with proficiency in R, Python, SQL databases (e.g., Postgre
  
  SQL, Google Big Query) and SQL scripting;
  JavaScript programming optional.
• Spatial data analysis experience using R or Python scripting, ArcGIS/QGIS, Google Earth Engine, or similar.
• A track record of relevant research including peer‑reviewed publications and conference presentations.
• Excellence in rigorous scientific analysis and effective communication to general audiences.
• Intellectual agility and ability to work inter‑disciplinarily and learn new skills.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize, and manage a diverse workload.
• Commitment to solving environmental problems through collaborative science and solutions‑focused advocacy.
• Willingness and ability to travel within the U.S.
• Demonstrated self‑awareness, cultural competency, and inclusivity.

We offer a strong total rewards package including a competitive salary, robust benefits, and professional development opportunities. The annual salary for this role is $72,000.