SNAPP Qualitative Research Fellow, Nature Assessments for Futures Thinking

The Science for Nature and People Partnership (SNAPP) a collaboration between The Nature Conservancy and Wildlife Conservation Society has joined the Doris Duke Foundation in an innovative partnership known as the SNAPP Innovation Hub to develop strategies and priorities to advance nature positive solutions in the United States. The SNAPP Innovation Hub combines one regional and two distinct perspectives on US national priorities through interdisciplinary working groups led by Principal Investigators (PIs) holding positions at different institutions in the US. All working group members will convene October 20-24 2025 and Fall 2026 at a pre-arranged time and place to both pursue their independent agendas and intentionally cultivate cross-group synergies. The Nature Conservancy is seeking three full-time post-doctoral Research Fellows each with a unique set of skills and experience. The Research Fellows will coordinate working group research and coalition building as well as administering arrangements for working group convenings and work products.

All three SNAPP Research Fellows will be hired by The Nature Conservancys Global Science Business Units Science Capacity Team and will report to the SNAPP Program Manager for working group coordination. Research will be conducted under the guidance of working group Principal Investigators and working group members. All SNAPP Research Fellows will be co-mentored by a team of scientists including the SNAPP Director and working group Principal Investigators.

The Qualitative Research Fellow will support SNAPPs Nature Assessments for Futures Thinking : Pathways from Knowledge to Action working group which seeks to synthesize the best available quantitative and qualitative data on the social and economic benefits of nature to US society to highlight these benefits in a way that enables action by diverse agents of change including communities Tribes and small and large nonprofits. The Qualitative Research Fellow will focus on collaborating with a cross-section of end-users to develop and pilot bespoke knowledge-to-action pathways for equitable and place-based approaches to conservation and stewardship.

This opportunity is intended for Ph.D. post-graduates as the next immediate step in their scientific career. The ideal candidate will have a Ph.D. in a related science field with the Ph.D. awarded by the start date of the position with demonstrated subject matter expertise related to the specific working group focus. They have an interest in conservation science both ecological and human dimensions and desire to contribute towards innovative and impactful science that will enhance scientific and conservation priorities and contribute to building resilience in the United States. They have experience working collaboratively have diverse cultural experiences and are keen to contribute to TNC and partner organization effectiveness as science-based organizations.

This is a 15-month term-limited position expected to start on or before October 1 2025. The location for this position is flexible within the United States. The successful candidate will have authorization to work within the United States where they are SNAPP Innovation Hub Research Fellows are required to attend two in-person Hub convenings (#1 Hillsborough NJ Oct 2025 #2 Location TBD Oct./Nov 2026) and an in-person SNAPP Research Fellows cohort professional development and networking opportunity (Arlington VA early 2026).

This prestigious fellowship comes with additional opportunities funded through the SNAPP program and The Nature Conservancys Global Science Science Capacity Team. All members of the cohort will have access to extensive training and professional development opportunities during their tenure.

The SNAPP Qualitative Research Fellow reviews and synthesizes scientific literature and existing datasets to advance the research questions of the United by Nature working group. They analyze data write reports and develop proposals to support conservation efforts. They may design empirical strategies identify data protocols to test hypotheses evaluate outcomes and contribute to the development of new theories of change. They collect manage and analyze data and write up findings for peer-reviewed publications. They coordinate the project management of their working groups research and are responsible for meeting arrangement administration for their working group including but not limited to managing virtual meeting platforms and coordinating flights hotel reservations and reimbursements as well as engaging facilitators and supporting meeting agenda creation and execution. They also contribute to the broader Innovation Hub synthesis and cohort-building and provide project updates regularly to communications staff and program funders.

Responsibilities and Scope

• Review and draw methodological insights from and synthesize relevant scientific literature.

• Manage and analyze data and write up findings for peer-reviewed publications.

• Develop visualizations for communicating research results.

• Deliver tools data analytical support to staff and partners.

• Work collaboratively across working group leadership members advisors and other Innovation Hub working groups though influence and building professional relationships.

• Undertake internal partnerships and collaborations to support the above functions and responsibilities.

• Coordinate virtual and in-person meeting arrangements including but not limited to scheduling and managing virtual meeting platforms and coordinating flights hotel reservations and reimbursements for in-person meetings.

• Ph.D. in a natural or social science discipline relevant to conservation science awarded by the start of the position (and no longer than 4 years prior) and at least 1 to 2 years of related experience.

• Experience reviewing and synthesizing relevant scientific literature.

• Experience collecting manipulating analyzing and interpreting scientific data.

• Experience preparing reports of findings for peer-reviewed publications.

• Experience with grant writing or other fundraising efforts.

• Strong writing and communication skills in English.

• Record of peer reviewed publications.

• Based in the United States with appropriate work authorization. Ability to travel to in-person Innovation Hub convenings and training opportunities (3-4 trips over 15 months).

Desired Qualifications:

• Multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.

• PhD in geography ecological economics environmental science or related interdisciplinary science.

• Experience with interdisciplinary research questions and mixed methods.

• Experience with participatory workshops and/or in supporting the co-development of knowledge products for diverse audiences.

• Knowledge of North American ecosystems and human-environment interactions.

• Experience that demonstrates attention to detail.

• Experience working collaboratively across multiple stakeholders including non-scientists.

• Ability to organize work effectively conceptualize and prioritize objectives and exercise independent judgment based on an understanding of organizational policies and activities.

The location for this position is negotiable within the United States. And the salary range for this position is between $58820 and $85000. Specific salary ranges will vary depending on the location of the selected candidate This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidates actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors including for example the candidates location qualifications specific skills and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

Who We Are:

The Nature Conservancys mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization we create innovative on-the-ground solutions to our worlds toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. Were rooted in our Mission and guided by our Values which includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People Communities and Cultures. Whether its career development flexible schedules or a rewarding mission theres lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want a better insight to TNC Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube or on Glassdoor.

Our goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. We know well only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we addition to the requirements in our postings we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of inclusion! Please apply wed love to hear from you. To quote myriad TNC staff members youll join for our mission and youll stay for our people.

What We Bring:

Since 1951 TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members over 400 scientists and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners we impact conservation around the world!

TNC offers a competitive comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits flexible spending accounts a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match parental leave accrued paid time off life insurance disability coverage employee assistance program other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.

Were proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures races colors religions sexes national or regional origins ages disability status sexual orientation gender identity military protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancys background screening process.

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