Senior Scientist, Head of Research Impact

Application period closes on January 8th

Background

Global Fishing Watch (GFW) is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing transparency of human activity at sea, with the goal of improving ocean management. By combining cutting-edge technology, satellite data, and machine learning, we publicly share insights into human activities at sea to foster fair and sustainable use of our ocean.

Founded in 2015 through a collaboration between Oceana, SkyTruth, and Google, GFW became an independent organization in 2017. Our groundbreaking efforts have resulted in the first-ever global map of industrial fishing and offshore energy activity, using satellite data and cloud computing.

We are now expanding this work with the Open Ocean Project (learn more here), which will map and monitor all major human activities at sea. This includes industrial and small-scale fishing vessels, offshore energy infrastructure, aquaculture operations, and more. By applying deep learning and data fusion techniques to massive datasets, GFW aims to provide actionable information that governments, researchers, NGOs, and the private sector can use to protect our oceans and the communities that depend on them.

The Position

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.

Key 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.

What We’re Looking For

• 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.

If you’re passionate about ocean science and believe you have unique skills to offer—even if you don’t meet all the qualifications—we encourage you to apply. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and would love to hear from candidates who share our mission of safeguarding the world’s oceans. If you don’t think you check all the boxes, but believe you have unique skills that make you a great fit for the role, we want to hear from you!

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Additional Information

Note: The application period for this role closes on Jan. 8th 

Reporting to: David Kroodsma

Manages: 2-4 direct reports

Please note: Visa sponsorship is not supported at this time.

Location: This is a remote role, but candidates must be legally authorized and based in the following countries to be considered: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Fiji, France, Gabon, Germany, Ghana, Ireland, Italy, Kenya, Mexico, Panama, Philippines, Senegal, Spain, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, UK, USA

This is a permanent, full time role.

Recruiting process: Recruiting Process: A cover letter along with a CV will be requested to see how your experience and interest connect to the position. We expect the cover letter to allow applicants an opportunity to explain details on how their skill set aligns with the role and provide a better understanding of their suitability for the position. If selected for consideration, the hiring process for this position will include:
1. Interview with our Talent Acquisition team
2. Interview with 2 team members 
3. Candidates advancing beyond this round will be asked to complete a take home exercise and an interview discussing the exercise
4. Final interview with 2-4 teams members 

Compensation: A compensation range for this position is US$ 140,000-155,000 for US-based employees, GBP 85,000-95,000 for UK Based, and EUR 75,000-85,000 for Europe Based - For applicants located outside of the US/UK/EU,, the pay range will be adjusted to the country of hire. Compensation is commensurate with experience and will vary depending on the hired candidate’s country of residence, in accordance with local laws and regulations. GFW offers pension/retirement, health and other benefits commensurate with similar level GFW employees in the country of employment. The position may be a GFW employee or consultant, depending on the country of residence 

Equal opportunities: Global Fishing Watch is an equal opportunities employer. Global Fishing Watch is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within our organization and in the greater ocean management and conservation community. We believe that diverse backgrounds, skills, knowledge and viewpoints make us a stronger organization. Bringing together professionals who possess broad experiences and a spectrum of perspectives will enable us to reach our goal of improved ocean governance faster. We hire and promote qualified professionals without regard to actual or perceived race, color, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or parental status, national origin, age, physical or mental disability or medical condition, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Our organizational goals match the urgent challenges facing our global ocean, and our mission is designed to help secure a healthy ocean for all. We are committed to building a workforce that is representative of humanity’s diversity, by providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees of Global Fishing Watch and for our partners, vendors, suppliers and contractors.

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