(Remote Work) Senior Scientist, Head of Research Impact – Global Fishing Watch

Job Overview

• Job Title Senior Scientist, Head of Research Impact
• Hiring Organization Global Fishing Watch
• Company Website https://globalfishingwatch.org/
• Remote Locations Americas, Europe, Philippines
• Job Type   Remote, Full-Time

As part of our growth, GFW’s Research and Innovation team has expanded from 12 to 20 members. To further drive the impact of our work, we are seeking a Senior Scientist, Head of Research Impact. This leadership role will be central to translating GFW’s cutting-edge datasets into meaningful outcomes for ocean conservation and human livelihoods.

This position focuses on two key areas:

Partnerships and Research Impact: You will lead efforts to identify and cultivate high-value partnerships with NGOs and the research community, ensuring our data and insights are applied effectively. This work will involve collaborating internally as well with our program team and supporting their engagement within our priority countries as needed. By leveraging GFW’s unique datasets, you’ll help address critical challenges in fisheries management, the impacts of global shipping, greenhouse gas emissions, offshore energy development, and other key ocean conservation issues. Your work will focus on identifying where our data can have the greatest impact and driving collaborations that translate scientific research into tangible environmental outcomes.

Team Leadership: You will also serve as a key leader within the Research and Innovation team, overseeing a small group of researchers and data scientists. Reporting to the Chief Scientist, you’ll manage 2 to 5 team members and guide the execution of impactful research projects. These projects may result in scientific publications, new datasets, or inputs into GFW’s public-facing tools. These innovations will also feed into and support GFW’s program team’s engagement with core countries and international policy. You will help shape our research strategy and work closely with our technical and scientific leaders to ensure GFW remains at the forefront of ocean conservation innovation.

Job Responsibilities

• Identify Strategic Partnerships: In collaboration with the GFW Program team, develop high-impact collaborations with NGOs, researchers, and other key stakeholders to ensure our datasets are driving real-world change in ocean conservation.
• Lead Research Initiatives: Oversee research projects that leverage GFW’s satellite and GPS data to address issues like fisheries management, marine pollution, and the environmental impacts of shipping, offshore energy, and mining.
• Team Management: Provide leadership and technical guidance to a small team of researchers and data scientists, fostering an innovative and collaborative work environment.
• Set Research Strategy: Work with senior leadership to define research priorities and ensure that GFW’s work continues to deliver on its mission of safeguarding our oceans.
• Assist identifying new funding: While not the primary focus of this role, in the act of identifying new partnerships and projects, this role will be in a position to identify and assist with funding proposals.
• Promote Equity: Ensure that all partnerships are built on principles of equity, with an emphasis on amplifying underrepresented voices and addressing systemic challenges in ocean conservation.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in ocean science or a related field and at least seven years of professional experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proven ability to build partnerships within the research and NGO communities, especially in areas related to ocean science.
• An understanding of how satellite imagery, GPS data, and machine learning can contribute to marine conservation and better ocean management.
• At least two years of team management experience, with the ability to lead and motivate researchers in a dynamic, fully remote, and global organization.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to convey complex scientific information to a variety of audiences, including non-technical partners.
• At least some experience with Python or R.

Nice to Have

• PhD in ocean science or a related field.
• Significant experience with Python, R, or SQL.
• Experience working with satellite imagery and GPS data.
• Familiarity with the ethical considerations of data privacy and bias in remote sensing.

How To Apply

Click “Apply” below to fill in the application form!