Data Scientist

Company Description

Sequoia Climate Foundation is a new philanthropy that seeks to decarbonize the world economy at a speed and scale equal to the problem. We support bold strategies and efforts that will have both near-term impact and the greatest probability of long-term success. We believe that solving climate change requires the adoption of ambitious, evidence-based policy solutions that transform markets, advance clean technology, and lead to large‐scale change.

Job Description

We are looking for a Data Scientist who will lead Sequoia’s in-house modeling team to iteratively develop and refine cutting-edge analytical tools to support decision-making for ambitious climate action. You will design and manage decision-support tools that foster iterative experimentation based on evidence.  You will manage a small team focused on designing and analyzing policy scenarios via a range of tools, including sequoia’s in-house avoided-warming tool, as well as other relevant external tools (including the energy policy simulator, en-roads, and, where appropriate, integrated assessment models).  The Data Scientist will build and maintain a strong peer network to ensure Sequoia’s analytical work is up-to-date and that it can support the broader field of climate change mitigation.   The Data Scientist will collaborate closely with Sequoia leadership and our partners.

Location:                  Irvine, CA (Preferred Location) or Washington, DC

Type:                        Hybrid Role (In-person at our Irvine, CA location and Remote)

Compensation:         $180,000 annually

What You Will Do:

• Leads the development, refinement, and implementation of probabilistic models to inform (a) strategic prioritization of climate action and (b) portfolio-wide monitoring efforts.
• In collaboration with other Evidence and Learning staff, co-creates custom decision-support tools that allow Sequoia staff and our partners to experiment iteratively on the design, implementation, and adaptation of evidence-informed strategies for climate action.  
• Gathers and synthesizes large external datasets, such as climate scenarios, into clear, compelling data products to support decision-making needs.
• Provides or commissions custom analytical outputs to support Sequoia staff on topics of strategic importance.
• Synthesizes scenarios and modeled outputs clearly to both modelers and non-modelers, supporting the development of products that support interpretation.
• Builds and maintains an external network to remain up to date on advances in energy policy and climate change modeling. 
• Represents Sequoia Climate Fund at conferences and meetings with NGOs, funders, experts, and consultants, ensuring follow-up as needed. 

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in science, statistics, applied mathematics, or related field required.  
• A minimum of seven years working in climate change policy analysis, scenario modeling, or a related field is required.
• Familiarity with Bayesian probabilistic models is preferred. 
• Demonstrated experience and proficiency in RStudio (including RShiny and RMarkdown), Python and GitHub required.

Additional Information

You will be a part of an organization that promotes positive change in the world to minimize the impacts of climate change.  We provide competitive wages, health, and wellness benefits, paid vacation, holidays, and other perks to promote work/life harmony. We operate in a hybrid model which means, both workdays from home and in the office located in Irvine, California.

Other Information:

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Sequoia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe in the importance of cultivating teams with diverse backgrounds and offering equal opportunities to all. We strive to create a welcoming, inclusive environment where every team member feels valued, and diversity is celebrated.

COVID-19 Update: To ensure the safety and well-being of our employees, we will continue to monitor the situation and follow the recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as local advisories from the California Department of Public Health and the Orange County Health Care Agency. As permitted under applicable law, all offers of employment will be conditioned upon new hires providing proof of vaccination prior to their start date, unless the individual qualifies for an accommodation. 

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