Research Associate

About CarbonPlan

CarbonPlan is a nonprofit research organization dedicated to accelerating climate action by leveraging science and data. Our team evaluates climate program design and execution across both public and private sectors, while developing open datasets, models, and interactive tools. Our main focus areas include carbon accounting and evaluating climate impacts, ensuring scientific integrity and transparency in climate-related services and solutions.

Role Overview

Our mission emphasizes creating publicly accessible resources based on the most reliable science and data concerning climate solutions and impacts. As climate risks intensify, understanding these risks at granular levels such as individual buildings and neighborhoods becomes critical. Yet, climate risk data remains largely privatized, costly, opaque, and lacks verification. To address this gap, CarbonPlan developed the first fully open platform estimating wildfire risk for U.S. buildings. We are expanding this initiative to shape adaptation and mitigation policies, especially considering climate risk and affordability intersections.

As a Research Associate, you will undertake research activities supporting these objectives and assist in defining and executing additional projects to guide decision-making regarding climate impacts and solutions. You will report to the Research Scientist Grayson Badgley and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research on climate impacts with an initial emphasis on one or more areas: climate risk modeling and private risk analytics, wildfire adaptation and mitigation, or exploring new potential projects.
• Contribute to creating CarbonPlan’s research articles, interactive tools, blogs, and scientific journal publications.
• Support outreach efforts to engage media, research communities, and policymakers.
• Collaborate effectively with internal team members and external partners.

Qualifications and Experience

• Strong enthusiasm for CarbonPlan’s mission.
• A degree or relevant training in Earth sciences, environmental or data sciences, statistics, economics, or a similar discipline connected to climate impacts and solutions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills outside academic contexts.
• Experience conducting interdisciplinary or policy-relevant research.
• Proficiency in data analysis with meticulous attention to detail.
• Familiarity with scientific programming languages such as Python or comparable coding skills.
• Ability to juggle multiple responsibilities and meet deadlines while working remotely.
• Curiosity, teamwork skills, and an affinity for collaborative, cross-functional environments.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Direct experience in climate risk modeling or adaptation initiatives.
• Understanding of climate change’s political economy.
• Experience bridging science with decision-making frameworks.
• Familiarity with academic research and publication procedures.
• Hands-on experience with scientific Python tools such as Jupyter notebooks.
• Knowledge of git, GitHub, and software testing practices.
• Experience contributing to open-source software projects.

Compensation and Benefits

This is a regular full-time position offering an annual salary of $115,000. CarbonPlan provides a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Health insurance covering 99% of employee costs and 75% for dependents.
• Dental and vision insurance plans.
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care.
• Life insurance coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer contributions.
• Generous paid time off policies.
• 16 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Reimbursements for remote work-related expenses.

Additional Information

CarbonPlan is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage applications from qualified individuals, including those who may not meet every listed qualification exactly. Accommodations are available during the application process upon request.

The position is remote within the United States, with the hiring manager based in Seattle. Visa sponsorship is not available; applicants must have existing authorization to work in the U.S.

Application Note: Instead of a traditional cover letter, applicants are asked to respond to specific questions independently to help us get to know their expertise and motivations.