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.

About this Opportunity
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.

Key Responsibilities 

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

Project Management [20%]

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

Stakeholder Engagement [15%]

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

Grant Writing and Proposal Development [5%]

• 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

Other Duties as Assigned [5%]

Required Qualifications 

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.

Minimum Qualifications 

Applicants who do not meet these qualifications will not be forwarded to the Hiring Department.

• 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

Additional Qualifications 

• 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

Preferred Qualifications 

• 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 ability to quickly adapt to new topics and challenges (e.g., research topics, institutional contexts, new methodologies or software tools)
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex scientific information in clear and concise language appropriate for diverse audiences (e.g., scientists, businesses, policy makers, university students, mass media, etc.)
• Demonstrated experience deploying and interpreting results from technologies that support synthesis, analysis, and modeling, such as large language models. geospatial analysis platforms (GIS, QGIS), databases (SQL), and/or coding environments (R, Python, vibe coding)
• Proficiency with quantitative and qualitative data analysis may include meteorological data, geospatial data, time series analysis, development and computation of metrics, etc.

Working Conditions 

Occasional travel within the UW Seattle campus and partner sites across the states of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho may be required. 

About the Team
The University of Washington Climate Impacts Group (CIG) supports the development of climate resilience by advancing understanding of climate risks & enabling science-based action to manage those risks. Since 1995, the Climate Impacts Group has linked cutting-edge scientific research with innovative approaches to community engagement to produce exceptional research products, develop strong relationships among resource managers, planners, and policy makers in the region and build regional capacity for addressing climate variability and change. The Climate Impacts Group is administratively housed within EarthLab in the College of the Environment.
 

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

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Other Compensation:

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About the UW 

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.  

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [email protected]. 

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.