[Coral-List] Position as Science Director with COMPASS

Joanie Kleypas kleypas at ucar.edu
Tue Jun 29 08:06:37 EDT 2010


COMPASS (Communication Partnership for Science and the Sea) is seeking a 
new Assistant Director of Science. They are looking for a recent PhD 
(within past 5 yrs) who is eager to work at the nexus between science 
and policy. This individual will support and continue to grow a program 
to capture and advance the state of the science of ocean ecosystems and 
strategically connect that science to decision-makers, both regionally 
and nationally.

This is a great opportunity for an early career scientist, and details 
are below (NOTE THE JULY 9 DEADLINE)

Job Announcement: Assistant Director of Science

COMPASS (Communication Partnership for Science and the Sea) seeks 
motivated candidates for the position of Assistant Director of Science.

COMPASS works to advance marine conservation science and communicate 
that science to policymakers, practitioners, the media and the public. 
We seek to raise awareness of ocean issues and inform ocean policy 
discussions with credible, peer-reviewed science. Staff are based at 
locations throughout the country including academic institutions (Oregon 
State University; the University of Washington; the National Center for 
Ecological Analysis and Synthesis / University of California, Santa 
Barbara; Stanford University’s Hopkins Marine Lab; and Clark University) 
and other organizations (Monterey Bay Aquarium and SeaWeb in Washington 
DC). See www.compassonline.org for more details.

Position Description
The Assistant Director will work with COMPASS’ Director of Science to 
support and continue growing a program to capture and advance the state 
of the science of ocean ecosystems and strategically connect that 
science to decision-makers. The Assistant Director will support the 
synthesis, development, and communication of peer-reviewed science 
related to the role and importance of ocean ecosystems, the threats 
those ecosystems face, and policy solutions to address those threats. 
These efforts are designed to ensure that the latest science informs, 
frames, and catalyzes policy discussions and that the scientific 
community is well-positioned to address key gaps that arise in those 
discussions. The Assistant Director will also work with the broader 
COMPASS team to support a broad range of activities.

In support of COMPASS’ science development and synthesis program, the 
Assistant Director will:
• Build relationships and synergies within the ocean science community
• Stay current on new and emerging marine science
• Support the synthesis of emerging marine science and the strategic 
communication of that science to decision-makers
• Support the implementation of ongoing initiatives to advance salient 
ocean science through policy-relevant scientific working groups, 
workshops, and larger meetings
• Create opportunities to advance the state of the science by seeding 
and supporting symposia at key scientific meetings, catalyzing new 
research, and seeding new collaborations
• Develop and lead the implementation of new strategies to capture and 
advance the state of ocean science
• Stay current on regional and national ocean policies
• Work with COMPASS’ communications and policy teams to ensure science 
is better communicated and used
• Provide scientific content and strategic input to COMPASS staff, 
programs, and initiatives

Qualifications
COMPASS welcomes applications from candidates with strong communications 
skills, exceptional organizational skills, strong backgrounds in 
relevant marine science, and experience in marine policy and/or ocean 
conservation issues.
The candidate must have:
• A recent PhD (within last 5 years) in marine sciences (marine ecology, 
fisheries science, oceanography, or related social sciences with a 
marine emphasis)
• A detailed understanding and appreciation for marine sciences beyond 
her specific area of expertise
• Ability to evaluate and synthesize diverse marine scientific concepts
• Ability to effectively and succinctly communicate scientific 
information to broad audiences, especially managers and policymakers
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a 
fast-paced environment, and manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Excellent written and oral communications skills
• Excellent organizational skills

In addition, the candidate will preferably have:
• Ability to understand and evaluate national, regional and state-level 
marine policy and management issues, particularly science needs related 
to these issues
• Experience with science-policy communications
• Ability to communicate and coordinate with diverse audiences 
(government, non-governmental organizations, academia and/or the private 
sector)
• Demonstrated initiative
• Familiarity with social media and online communications

Application Deadline: For full consideration, application materials must 
be received by July 19, 2010.

Compensation and Location
Salary is commensurate with experience, including a generous benefits 
package. The preferred location for this position is at Oregon State 
University in Corvallis, Oregon (co-located with the Director of 
Science). However, locations in other university settings, particularly 
those proximate to other COMPASS staff (e.g., University of Washington, 
Stanford University, University of California Santa Barbara or Clark 
University) may be possible and negotiable.

How to apply
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, CV, writing sample, 
and contact information for three professional references to Dr. Karen 
McLeod, COMPASS Director of Science, at 
karen.mcleod at science.oregonstate.edu.

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Joanie Kleypas
Integrated Science Program / Climate & Global Dynamics
National Center for Atmospheric Research
PO Box 3000
Boulder, CO 80307-3000
ph: 303-497-8111
fx: 303-497-1700
kleypas at ucar.edu
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