Director of Ecology

Hourglass Climate is a USA-based non-profit organization with the mission to strategically research the safety and efficacy of mineral-based Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement (OAE) techniques for responsible carbon removal and climate impact, and to disseminate our findings for the public benefit.

The ocean is our greatest resource for capturing hard-to-abate, and historical, carbon dioxide emissions, a non-negotiable part of limiting climate warming to 2ºC, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). OAE via alkaline minerals has the potential for permanent, gigatonne-scale carbon dioxide removal (CDR) with significant co-benefits such as a reduction in ocean acidification. However, targeted, independent and integrated research that rapidly de-risks the key uncertainties around OAE techniques is urgently needed.

To do just that, Hourglass brings together an ecosystem of scientists to conduct model, laboratory, and field research for the public benefit.

We encourage members of groups historically underrepresented in science and engineering to apply to this role.

Hourglass Climate is seeking a Director of Ecology to lead its ecology research program, assessing the effects of mineral-based ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE) on marine life and ecosystems. The Director will work closely with Hourglass’ Executive Director to set scientific priorities that integrate into the organization's overall mission and scientific roadmap. This senior scientific leadership role is multi-faced; it combines program strategy, hands-on science, mentorship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and communications.

The Director will have a strong scientific background in marine fauna ecology and assessment of ecological impacts. The position is remote, with occasional travel to field sites and scientific meetings.

• Lead Hourglass’ overall ecology program, including research strategy, priorities and delivery against project milestones, integrated into the larger organization’s scientific roadmap.
• Design and execute field and laboratory experiments that advance Hourglass’ scientific objectives.
• Design and oversee field-based environmental monitoring programs assessing marine fauna and ecosystem responses to OAE.
• Support lab-based ecotoxicological research, including experimental design, organism-level responses to stressors, interpretation of dose–response evidence, and assessment of ecological risks.
• Oversee collection, quality assurance, integration and interpretation of ecological and oceanographic data.
• Manage, mentor and supervise ecology team members, including work planning, technical guidance, performance feedback and professional development.
• Plan and coordinate research activities with internal teams and external collaborators to meet scientific deliverables and project milestones.
• Establish robust, reproducible approaches to statistical analysis, data management, quality control and scientific reporting.
• Develop environmental impact assessments for responsible OAE field research.
• Collaborate with researchers to interpret datasets in the context of field observations and physiological findings
• Lead and prepare funding proposals
• Identify and build external scientific partnerships to advance the ecology research agenda.
• Lead and contribute to peer-reviewed publications; report results to internal and external research partners; present at conferences and workshops.

• PhD in Marine Ecology, Biological Oceanography, Ecotoxicology, Marine Biology or a closely related field.
• Substantial postdoctoral or equivalent professional research experience, including demonstrated scientific leadership and project delivery.
• Demonstrated expertise in marine fauna…