About the Job Title: Lead Scientist and Research Director Hours: 100% FTE Job Code: Researcher 6 Salary: $100k-125k Department: Department of Applied Economics, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN 55108 Reports to: Professor Steve Polasky About Us In the Department of Applied Economics at the University of Minnesota, we bring economics to life: with you, for you. We believe in the power of evidence and economic thinking to help people make smart decisions. Research in our department cuts across all areas of peoples' lives, improving everything from the lakes they swim in, to the food they eat, to the viability of the businesses in their community. We work with big datasets that present opportunities to work across disciplines to answer new questions and better address long-standing ones. At the heart of our research is a focus on improving the world through informed decisions about the economics at play in our daily experiences. The work that happens in the Department of Applied Economics affects the world. We regularly partner with governments, NGOs, and international organizations to evaluate their existing programs and inform the design of new ones. Our legacy of international engagement is strengthened by our student body, research staff, and faculty who come from around the globe to learn from our world-class researchers. Background Humanity has entered the Anthropocene, a new geologic era in which humans are the dominant force shaping earth systems. Changes in earth systems have wide-ranging consequences for the economy and human well-being. The Department of Applied Economics recently established a new Center for Natural Capital Project: The Earth-Economy Modelers (NatCap TEEMs). The Center will build tools to improve our understanding of the integrated earth-economy system to inform sustainable development decisions. TEEMs is a partner of the Natural Capital Project (NatCap), whose mission is to pioneer science, technology, and partnerships that enable people and nature to thrive. Our role within the partnership amongst others is to integrate earth systems models with economic models, data, and approaches that are widely used within important institutions, such as central banks, international development organizations, finance ministries, and the business and financial sectors. This Earth-Economy Modeling approach provides specific, operational, policy-relevant information to stay within the safe and just operating space for sustainable development. Position Overview The Lead Scientist and Research Director of the newly established center, Natural Capital Project (NatCap): The Earth-Economy Modelers (TEEMs), plays a strategic leadership role within the Natural Capital Project at the University of Minnesota and within the NatCap Partnership. The center's primary focus is on advancing research, fostering partnerships, and developing decision-support tools related to integrating natural capital, ecosystem services, and climate resilience into decision-making processes. This individual will contribute to expanding the natural capital and ecosystem services community by promoting collaboration among UMN faculty, post-docs, graduate students, and researchers from the NatCap partner institutions. The Research Director will also engage with local and international researchers and decision-makers outside these institutions to facilitate broader collaboration and knowledge exchange. Reporting to Professor Stephen Polasky, the supervisor for this position, and working closely with Assistant Professor Justin Johnson, the co-founder of NatCap TEEMs, the Director will lead interdisciplinary teams, collaborate with stakeholders within and beyond the University of Minnesota, and drive initiatives that support sustainable development, biodiversity conservation, and climate adaptation. The Director will also lead external fundraising efforts to cover a portion of their salary and hire fellow researchers, postdocs, and students. Although this role does not include teaching duties, exploring teaching opportunities, such as co-teaching or guest lecturing will be encouraged and supported. The candidate may be considered for graduate faculty status to participate in graduate student committees. Key Responsibilities Research and Publications - 50% of Efforts * Oversee and contribute to cutting-edge research on natural capital accounting, ecosystem service valuation, climate adaptation strategies, and related topics. * Engage with policymakers, government agencies, NGOs, and industry stakeholders to integrate climate and earth systems models with economic models, data, and approaches to influence policy development, and promote evidence-based decision-making. * Lead the development of reports, publications, and policy briefs to communicate research findings and recommendations to diverse audiences. Leadership and Strategy - 15% of Efforts * Develop and implement the center's strategic vision, goals, and objectives aligned with the Department and Natural Capital Project's mission and values. * Provide strong leadership in managing interdisciplinary teams, fostering innovation, and collaboration, promoting equity, and delivering research projects on time. * Provide visionary leadership to ensure the NatCap and TEEMs research agenda remains at the forefront of natural capital analysis, earth-systems modeling, climate risk modeling, ecosystem service valuation, and mainstreaming into policy * Identify emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities in natural capital, ecosystem services, and climate resilience, and develop strategies through research projects to address them effectively. * Foster a culture of inclusivity, diversity, and excellence in recruitment and selection. Project Management and Fundraising - 15% of Efforts * Manage and coordinate multiple projects within the center, ensuring timely delivery, high quality, and alignment with project objectives and stakeholder expectations. * Effectively allocate resources, including budgetary and personnel, to optimize research outcomes. * Identify and pursue funding opportunities to support the center's research activities. * Collaborate with local and international partners and funders to secure project funding and report on project outcomes and impact. * Ensure compliance with ethical standards and research integrity. Capacity Building and Training - 10% of Efforts * Develop and deliver capacity-building programs, workshops, and training sessions for students, early career researchers, and other stakeholders, including government officials, practitioners, and community leaders. * Encourage professional development and ensure the team is equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their roles. * Mentor and supervise staff, fostering professional development and building a cohesive and motivated team. Partnerships and Engagement - 10% of Efforts * Build and maintain strategic partnerships with existing NatCap partners and with new academic institutions, research organizations, government agencies, NGOs, and private sector partners to leverage expertise, resources, and networks. * Participate in global conferences on nature, climate, and biodiversity-related matters such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of Parties meetings * Promote the dissemination of research findings through publications, presentations, and other relevant channels. * Engage with local communities, indigenous groups, and marginalized populations to ensure inclusive and participatory approaches in project design and implementation. Required Qualifications * Advanced degree (Ph.D. preferred) in environmental science, ecology, natural resource management, climate change, or related field with substantial research and publication record. * Expertise or experience using InVEST or working with the Natural Capital Project. Preferred Qualifications * Experience in Natural Capital Project leadership role in Minnesota or across the NatCap partnership. * Proven leadership experience in managing interdisciplinary teams and leading complex projects related to natural capital, ecosystem services, and climate resilience. * In-depth knowledge of environmental economics, natural capital accounting approaches, ecosystem valuation, climate adaptation strategies, and relevant policy frameworks. * Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills, with a track record of publishing research in peer-reviewed journals and influencing policy. * Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities, with experience working effectively with diverse stakeholders across sectors and cultures. * Demonstrated project management expertise, including budget management, grant writing, and reporting. * Commitment to sustainability, conservation, social equity, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Application Process The application review process will continue until the position is filled. Interested candidates should submit via the online job posting: 1. Detailed CV/Resume. 2. a cover letter outlining their research vision for this position, and 3. contact information for three professional references The deadline for applications is August 6, 2024. Remote working Option This position will be based on the St. Paul campus, allowing for the possibility of remote/virtual work for approximately 1-2 days per week. Your office will be located in Ruttan Hall, 1994 Buford Ave, St Paul, MN 55108. Diversity The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds. The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu Employment Requirements Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.