Senior Research Analyst, Methane Science, Asia

SENIOR RESEARCH ANALYST, METHANE SCIENCE, ASIA

Remote-U.S. or any EDF U.S. Office Location (San Francisco, CA, Austin, TX, New York, NY, Washington, DC, Boston, MA, Boulder, CO)

The Office of Chief Scientist (OCS) is the nexus of science at EDF, ensuring that the science that is the backbone for all EDF policy positions is based on the best available information. To be most effective in this role, OCS provides programmatic support for all scientists at EDF and fosters relationships with scientists outside the organization. 

OVERALL FUNCTION

OCS seeks a candidate for senior research analyst position with proven research, analysis, and writing skills to work collaboratively with scientists and technologists from EDF and MethaneSAT and external partners to quantify methane emissions from the Asia oil and gas sector using state-of-the-art measurement and modeling approaches.

The Senior Research Analyst will be a key team member in the Office of the Chief Scientist, supporting research and analysis on quantifying and tracking methane emissions in key Asian countries. The Senior Research Analyst will report to a Senior Scientist in the Office of the Chief Scientist and will work in close collaboration with the Energy Transition team.

This is a 1-year fixed term position with opportunity for extension.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Analyze MethaneSAT data on its major Asian targets and provide mitigation recommendations, with research activities including but not limited to:
  • Identify super emitters from MethaneSAT Level 4 point source dataset
  • Collect and track existing measurement data on methane emissions from these regions, including both oil gas source and non-oil gas sources
  • Estimate methane emissions from all emitting sources based on inventory models and measurements available
  • Derive diffusive oil gas methane emissions from MethaneSAT Level 4 flux dataset
  • Compare MethaneSAT methane emissions with inventories and government reporting
  • Attribute oil gas methane emissions to various activities if possible
  • Reveal temporal and spatial variation characteristics of oil gas emissions
  • Scale up oil gas emissions from MethaneSAT targets to basin and national levels
  • Provide methane mitigation recommendations
• Perform literature reviews and find, analyze and synthesize scientific information on topics largely related to methane emissions to inform the design and development of EDF projects related to climate and energy in Asia; stay up to date on the latest research on this topic.
• Fact-check and help develop reports, fact sheets, blog posts, website content and other materials for general and specific audiences on a variety of topics.
• Work with a team of staff scientists to summarize and visualize research and project results for staff, partners, donors and peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Apply excellent organizational, communication and planning skills in preparing correspondence and reports, responding to requests for information and helping to coordinate activities among staff members.
• Represent EDF at external events with a high degree of professionalism.
• Assist in preparing notes from important internal and external meetings.
• Participate in advancing EDF DEI goals in which people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included, and empowered to address the environmental and organizational challenges in alignment with EDF values.
• Support other "rapid response" and/or project development efforts on an as-needed basis.
• Additional relevant responsibilities as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree with 2 or more years of relevant experience in an environmentally relevant science field, and related work experience in environmental science, oil & gas industry, policy analysis, environmental advocacy, or related fields.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Mandarin.
• Background in methane emissions and knowledge on oil gas industry are desired.
• Strong quantitative background in geospatial data analytics and tools (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS, geostatistics).
• Ability to work independently and support a multi-disciplinary team, using independent judgment to plan, prioritize, and organize a diverse workload in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in programming languages is desired.
• Experience working with large geospatial and satellite datasets is highly desired.
• Intellectual agility and comfort with working on a wide variety of environmental topics.
• Comfortable with translating quantitative analytical information for non-specialist audiences.
• Demonstrates self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures and backgrounds.
• Experience in project management is a plus.
• Willingness to travel internationally (<10% of time) preferred.