Research Scientist​/Engineer 2 - Social Scientist

Job Description

The UW Climate Impacts Group (CIG) has an outstanding opportunity for a Research Scientist 2 – Social Scientist to join their team.

Reporting to one of CIG’s Principal Investigators, the Research Scientist 2 – Social Scientist is responsible for expanding the CIG's social science, policy, and governance capabilities. We are seeking a candidate with a social science or policy background and project management experience who can add breadth to the work we do and support CIG’s senior researchers on climate change adaptation projects with our federal, tribal, state, and local partners.

While educational attainment is valued, we also encourage applications from practitioners who have worked in government, non-profits, and consulting who can bring a practical social science orientation to the CIG team.

This is a full-time research position with no teaching expectations and no path to university tenure. This position is primarily intended to serve applied research, which may come at the expense of opportunities to pursue published research.

This is a hybrid position with an expectation to work on-site at the UW Seattle campus at least two days per week; the remaining days may be worked remotely, with supervisor approval. Our in-office days are currently Monday and Wednesday.

Independent Research and Research Support [55%]

• Independently apply social science and/or policy research methodologies to implement and support CIG research and engagement objectives, including integrating climate considerations into a variety of policy mechanisms
• Assist and provide leadership in project-specific research needs, such as literature reviews, contextual analyses, needs assessments, or developing monitoring and evaluation strategies
• Proactively work with CIG senior research staff to identify opportunities to assist existing clients to move from climate change planning to implementation
• Support the director and deputy director in CIG-relevant policy processes and initiatives

• Work with CIG senior research staff to provide logistical support for projects
• Develop project tracking and reporting mechanisms
• Organize meetings, which may include note taking, agenda development, room reservations, etc.

• Collaborate with state or local government decision makers
• Collaborate with frontline community partners
• Collaborate with partner scientists from other universities

• Collaborate with CIG senior research scientists to integrate social or policy sciences into project opportunities or proposals
• Maintain records and submit reports related to grant opportunities
• Write grant or proposal sections as needed

To be considered for this opportunity, your application must demonstrate that you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, geography, psychology, sociology, economics, or a related field
• Minimum of 2 years of experience supporting public policy and/or research

• Knowledge of or experience in applied climate change impacts and adaptation
• Demonstrated familiarity with applying social science methods to policy issues and/or the practical needs of federal, tribal, state and/or municipal governments

• Master’s degree in a related field
• Social science methodological experience associated with applied social science research (e.g., interview methodologies, literature reviews, policy evaluation)
• Demonstrated experience working directly with frontline communities
• Demonstrated experience working in state or municipal government or in a practical policy- or governance-focused position
• Experience with co-production and use-inspired research
• Experience evaluating complex social and policy processes
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and an…