Research Associate

Published on by for Pacific Institute

Research Associate

Pacific Institute Research Associate
[Posted June 2021]
Position Title: Research Associate
Application Deadline: Open Until Filled
Hours: Full Time (35 hours per week)
Location: Flexible (based in the United States)
Salary: $56,000 to $68,000 and a generous benefits package
Travel: Some business travel may be required, including overnight stays
Start Date: Available immediately
Organization Description
Founded in 1987, the Pacific Institute is a global water research and policy non-profit
organization based in Oakland, California. Our mission is to create and advance
solutions to the world’s most pressing water challenges. We combine science-based
thought leadership with active outreach to advance water sustainability and resilience
in communities around the world. Our science-based approach draws from many
disciplines and benefits from collaboration with diverse stakeholders, from local
governments and UN agencies to businesses and grassroots organizations.
Position Description
We are seeking a collaborative, impact-focused Research Associate to support research
and analysis that advances water sustainability and resilience. The ideal candidate will
have an interest and ability to learn new topics quickly; passion for water sustainability
and resilience; strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to work
independently and in collaborative teams; and willingness to support a variety of tasks,
from project coordination to quantitative research.
Research Associates support projects led primarily by Senior Researchers and the
Director of Research. In 2021 and 2022, the Research Associate will support projects in
at least three areas: (1) quantifying opportunities and assessing barriers for stormwater
capture, agricultural and urban water reuse, and water efficiency throughout the United
States; (2) evaluating economic, environmental, social equity benefits and trade-offs of
water projects and investments; and (3) engaging with utility and business stakeholders to
develop resilience metrics.

Core Responsibilities

Research Associates are expected to fulfill the following core functions:
• Conduct primary and secondary research and analysis on water-related topics;
• Gather information and data through analysis of primary data, literature review,
and contacts with other researchers and organizations;
654 13th Street, Preservation Park, Oakland, California 94612, U.S.A.
510-251-1600 | fax: 510-251-2203 | email: jobs@pacinst.org | www.pacinst.org
• Document and write up results of work performed, including preparing final
reports and other written products;
• Prepare non-technical communication materials on research topics, such as blog
posts, opinion articles, oral presentations, and press releases;
• Write and submit comment letters to federal, state, and local agencies;
• Assist with fundraising activities, and help prepare reports for foundations and
donors; and
• Provide support to Senior Researchers, including coordinating internal meetings
with the project team and external meetings with stakeholders and taking notes
during meetings.

Desired Qualifications
• Advanced degree in water resources, natural resource management, engineering,
or relevant field, or work experience in place of a degree;
• Three to five years of work experience in relevant field;
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills, including familiarity with managing
large/complex datasets;
• Familiarity with data analysis and statistics, including analyses covering large
spatial extents (e.g., regional, national) and/or data volumes;
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, database management, and Geographic
Information Systems software (e.g., ESRI ArcGIS, QGIS);
• Familiarity writing code (e.g., R, Python, Matlab) for data cleaning and analysis;
• Interest or experience developing web-based maps for sharing research findings;
• A keen interest in connecting data-driven research with water management
decisions;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills;
• Good organizational skills; and
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work people from diverse
backgrounds.
Compensation and Benefits
Pacific Institute offers an excellent compensation package including a generous health,
dental, and Institute-matched retired plan and a competitive salary that is commensurate
with experience and reflects the geographic location and field. The salary for this position
is expected to range from $56,000 to $68,000.
Diversity Equity and Inclusion
Pacific Institute is committed to workplace diversity and inclusion. We are an equal
opportunity employer and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of 
654 13th Street, Preservation Park, Oakland, California 94612, U.S.A.
510-251-1600 | fax: 510-251-2203 | email: jobs@pacinst.org | www.pacinst.org
race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, gender, marital status, sexual
orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by
federal, state, or local law.
Recognizing the inherent inequities that exist in our society, our sector, and our work,
the Pacific Institute is dedicated to improving our internal policies, procedures, and
programmatic priorities to ensure a diverse workforce and culture of inclusion. We
have accelerated our efforts and refreshed our approach to diversity, equity, and
inclusion (DEI). As part of this commitment, we request that all candidates include
a short statement to address how your addition to our staff would contribute to
our DEI efforts in their cover letters.

To Apply
Please send a cover letter (including the DEI statement described above), resume, and
technical writing sample. The writing sample should be 5 to 10 pages in length. Email
these items to jobs@pacinst.org. Please include Research Associate in the subject line
of your email. No phone calls please. Applications will be accepted until the position is 

Information

Industry experience

Education: Masters

Seniority: Expert, Engineer, Consultant

Years of experience: 1 to 5 years

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