Program Scientist

The Program Scientist serves as a critical bridge between Arete Glacier Initiative’s internal technical and scientific teams and the broader glaciological community. This self-motivated, action-oriented leader translates rigorous science into operational structures by advancing data collection and modeling efforts, field deployments, grantmaking, and strategic partnerships.

Climate change is destabilizing marine ice sheets, creating a risk of catastrophic sea-level rise over the next century. Arete Glacier Initiative is a nonprofit dedicated to improving forecasts of ice-sheet change and rigorously evaluating potential options to reduce that risk. Our work includes assessing whether proposed interventions are effective, safe, environmentally responsible, technically feasible, economically viable, and socially legitimate. We follow a staged research and technology development process, and advancing to later stages depends on evidence demonstrating that these criteria can be met.

Digital Harbor Foundation is dedicated to fostering learning, creativity, productivity, and community through education with a vision of digital equity for everyone. Driven by our sincere belief that access to opportunity is a basic right, we take bold yet practical actions to support making a better future now. Through a portfolio of projects focused on developing leadership within communities, we support those closest to challenges to take deliberate actions based in design thinking approach, backed by data analysis, grounded in a practice of collective impact, and driven by a commitment to racial equity.

Education and Experience Requirements

• PhD in a relevant scientific or engineering field, such as glaciology, geophysics, physics, mathematics, or engineering.
• Demonstrated expertise in glacier dynamics, including a record of innovative research.
• Track record of publishing in scholarly literature and presenting at scientific conferences.
• Demonstrated interest in shifting day-to-day work toward scientific program and project management responsibilities.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong interpersonal, diplomatic, and presentation abilities.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects and deadlines, and proactively identify and complete tasks.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across scientific, technical, engineering, operations, government, and external partner communities with a positive disposition.
• Ability to think strategically and make recommendations that account for competing scientific needs, evidence, and priorities.
• Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, organizational, and multitasking skills, with close attention to detail.

Field Planning and Operations

• Ability to evaluate contrasting ideas, build alignment, and move scientific work forward constructively.
• Ability to translate rigorous science into practical programs, partnerships, funding processes, and field plans.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word and Excel) and Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, and Slides).
• Ability to create technical reports, proposals, maps, plots, and accessible public-facing scientific communications.
• A collaborative, energetic, action-oriented approach; resilience; open-mindedness; and willingness to work outside one’s comfort zone in support of mission-driven science.

Additional Notes

This position is fully remote and requires travel to scientific conferences, workshops, field sites, and fieldwork locations, including Antarctica and other glaciated regions, as needed to fulfill the responsibilities of the position.

Role and Responsibilities

Engagement with Scientific and Technical Communities

• Serve as an ambassador for Arete, fostering strong, collaborative relationships across the international glaciological community.
• Develop a field engagement strategy that communicates Arete’s mission and roadmap, structures engagement for scientific critique and collaboration, and supports broader field-building.
• Represent Arete at scientific workshops and conferences.
• Keep the glaciological community informed about Arete funding opportunities and other relevant developments.
• Respond to questions from glaciologists about Arete and its work.
• Convene targeted workshops, collaborate with established scientific organizations such as the American Geophysical Union (AGU) and the International Glaciological Society (IGS), and organize scientific networks.
• Own critical Arete partnerships across science, engineering, government, and other relevant domains.

Scientific Program Management

• Work with scientific and technical teams to maintain alignment between their respective roadmaps.
• Partner with Arete’s operations team to manage the external grant portfolio.
• Communicate with potential grantees about proposal ideas, including identifying candidates and conducting targeted outreach.
• Coordinate proposal review, including contacting potential reviewers, organizing panels, and compiling funding recommendations for Arete’s leadership team.
• Maintain communication with grantees and help ensure they have what they need to succeed in the work they proposed.
• Work with grantees to help ensure projects remain aligned with Arete’s mission and the funded proposal.

Scientific Communication and Research

• Keep Arete’s leadership team informed about the latest scientific developments.
• Advise on scientific strategy.
• Write technical reports and scientific proposals.
• Write social media and blog posts about Arete’s science and funded research grants.
• Perform related scientific tasks, including making maps and plots, as needed.

Field Planning and Operations

• Build partnerships and collaborations between Arete and organizations conducting fieldwork in Antarctica and other glaciated regions.
• Work with Arete’s Chief Scientist, Deputy Scientist, Field Logistics Coordinator, and Chief Technology Officer to identify promising field sites and plan field deployments.
• Keep Arete leadership informed of developments in fieldwork and logistics.

Other Duties

Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Compensation

Compensation for this full-time position is $150,000–$200,000 annually, commensurate with experience.

Digital Harbor and Arete Glacier Initiative provide a best-in-class, comprehensive set of benefits to support the team. All regular, full-time employees are eligible to receive:

Health Benefits & Insurance

• Carefirst Blue Cross Blue Shield - Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance (100% of the premium paid for employees and 85% of dependents)
• Pre-Tax Health Savings Account (HSA) (with $365 monthly employer contributions)
• Pre-Tax Flexible Savings Account (FSA)
• Paid Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
• Paid Short-Term & Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Paid Basic Life Insurance
• Supplemental Voluntary Life Insurance (Employee, Spouse & Dependent Children)
• Total Pet Plan and Supplemental Wishbone Pet Insurance
• Employee Opportunity Program (EAP) - Health and Wellness
• Wellness Reimbursement Program

Retirement

• 401k Retirement Plan (with 6% matching)

Paid Time Off

• 15 Days Paid Time Off Per Year
• 20 Days Paid Time Off Per Year (after 3rd Anniversary)
• 25 Days Paid Time Off Per Year (after 6th Anniversary)
• 16 Paid Holidays (14 common plus 2 flexible holidays, including Dec 25 - Jan 1)
• Paid Bereavement Leave
• Paid Parental Leave for Moms and Dads (two weeks after first year)

If our mission and vision align with your personal values, please apply!

A cover letter outlining your qualifications for the position, along with your resumé, is required. Interviews will be conducted virtually.

Digital Harbor and Arete Glacier Initiative are equal opportunity employers.

Originally posted on Himalayas