Research Scientist/Research Associate (Canada Fire Management) in Falmouth, Massachusetts at Woodwell Climate Research Center Inc

Mission:

Woodwell Climate Research Center (Woodwell Climate) conducts science for solutions at the nexus of climate, people, and nature. We partner with leaders and communities for just meaningful impact to address the climate crisis.

Woodwell Climate is a rapidly growing, top-ranked, independent non-profit climate research institute whose mission is to advance science-based climate policies through scientific research and outreach. Our world-leading research and impact helps individuals, organizations, corporations, communities, and nations understand the realities of climate change, recognize the impact on our planet, and embrace the urgent action needed to safeguard the future of life on Earth.

Summary;

Join Woodwell Climate’s Research team as a Research Associate or Research Scientist to lead research and outreach efforts on wildfire management in the Northwest Territories, Canada. In this role, you will work with a team of researchers and policy experts at Woodwell, including the Permafrost Pathways project, and partnering institutions to assess the benefits and cost-effectiveness of using fire management to protect carbon and permafrost while also centering community values and other impacts. The Research Associate or Research Scientist will join a large multi-institution team and help build a focal program of research and outreach in the Northwest Territories.

Responsibilities include, but not limited to:

Collaborate with project staff and partners to analyze the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of fire management interventions to protect carbon in the Northwest Territories, Canada

Co-lead outreach and engagement with stakeholders and rightsholders in the Northwest Territories and related jurisdictions

Identify opportunities for further collaboration, including on-the-ground pilot projects involving fire management for carbon protection

Collaborate with the project research team on analyses and modeling related to fire management interventions and carbon dynamics in the Northwest Territories

Integrate research into broader project communication, policy, and partnership activities

Schedule own work and lead implementation

Lead manuscript preparation and publication

Present results at relevant meetings, convenings, and conferences

Travel to the Northwest Territories, Canada

Must have the Following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of wildfires, arctic-boreal ecosystems, carbon cycling, and fire management

Knowledge of climate, environmental, and social issues in the Northwest Territories, Canada preferred

Ability to work across disciplines and engage with right shareholders and stakeholders outside the academic community

Ability to work independently as well as a member of a highly collaborative team

Demonstrated record of publication in scientific journals

Excellent written and oral communication skills

Experience with data manipulation and analysis

Demonstrated ability to develop and apply research techniques to complex problems

Ability to travel up to 10% annually

Qualifications:

Research Associate: 3+ years experience with a Master's degree in Environmental Sciences, Earth System Science, Ecology, Geography, or a related discipline, or 5+ years experience, appropriate for the requirements of the job with a bachelor's degree

Research Scientist: 2+ years experience and Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences, Earth System Science, Ecology, Geography, or a related discipline

Work Environment:

The functions of this role are conducted indoors

Hours of Work:

This role is paid on a salary basis.

Typically, full-time employees work 40 hours during a Monday through Friday workweek. However, this is a salaried position. Therefore, the individual is expected to work as required to complete the duties of the position.

Application review will begin on June 15, 2026

Desired Start Date: August 2026

Fixed-term: 2 years with potential for extension

Classification and Compensation: This is a full-time, salaried, exempt position, the annual salary range starting at $74,000 plus dependent on qualifications/experience. Woodwell offers a generous benefits package and work life balance

Location: Falmouth, Massachusetts, hybrid, or remote

Application Instructions: To apply, please send your cover letter addressing your experience and qualifications in relation to the responsibilities of this position and curriculum vitae as a single PDF to our career’s portal.

Please visit Woodwell's website to learn more about Woodwell’s work.

Located on a 10-acre campus near the village of Woods Hole, the Woodwell Climate Research Center (Woodwell) is a private, non-profit research center. Woodwell is a leading source of climate science that drives the urgent action needed to solve climate change. Woodwell has 100+ staff members and is excited to welcome new employees to this work.

Woodwell Climate is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, mental, or physical disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, familial status, veteran status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. Woodwell is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for all individuals in employment practices, services, programs, and activities.