Graduate Researcher

How can protecting nature help secure food, energy and water - and enhance the quality of life - for 10 billion people? 

Science for Nature and People - a new scientific collaboration among The Nature Conservancy, the Wildlife Conservation Society and the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis - is taking on this key question for the planet.

We intend to uncover approaches that will benefit humankind, especially the planet's poorest and most marginalized citizens.

Position Overview

A graduate researcher is sought to support research associated with a Science for Nature and People (SNAP) working group led by the Nature Conservancy and the Wildlife Conservation Society.

The research of the working group is focused on quantifying the ability of coastal ecosystems to reduce hazards associated with storms; and identifying the policies and incentives that enable their inclusion in disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation strategies, when appropriate.

We are seeking a researcher to conduct a 5-6 month study on the policies and/or incentives that support or impede the use of nature-based defenses, where they are appropriate options for coastal protection.

Responsibilities

• The researcher will be tasked with conducting a systematic review of the major types of grey and natural interventions used for flood defenses, wave dissipation, and coastline stabilization and the key factors that influence decision making with respect to the selection of different interventions.
• The research will also entail identifying the prevailing policies at local, sub-national, national, and international scales associated with the selection/implementation of different interventions used to support disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation.
• The research may focus on a few specific countries to be finalized with project leads.
• Bi-weekly updates will be required.

Qualifications

• Graduate degree in coastal zone management, coastal policy, disaster risk reduction, or related field.
• Experience conducting policy analyses.
• The ability to synthesize large amounts of literature and complex information.
• The ability to conduct interviews with select experts if necessary as a supplement to desk research.
• Experience writing peer reviewed publications. 

To Apply

Please click below: "Apply Now Online!" to submit your cover letter and CV to Carter Ingram with subject line "SNAP Coastal Research Application."