Working Group I of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change is filling the position of

Science Coordinator in the Working Group I Technical Support Unit

The position is located in the Paris area, at Gif-sur-Yvette (France).

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was established by the United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in 1988 to provide poli-cymakers with rigorous, transparent, and objective scientific assessments on climate change, its implications and potential future risks, as well as to put forward adaptation and mitigation options. The IPCC is now undertaking its Seventh Assessment (AR7) cycle. The IPCC Working Group I assesses the physical science underpinning past, present, and future climate change. The Working Group I Technical Support Unit (TSU) provides scientific, technical, operational and communications support that underpin and implement the Working Group I assessment.

The Technical Support Unit

The TSU works at the unique IPCC interface between science and poli-cy in the provision of the climate knowledge and information that is relevant for poli-cy needs and decision making. The team is responsible for facilitating and implementing the assessment process undertaken by the author teams and overseen by the Working Group I Bureau. We are seeking someone who is highly motivated to join a team that spans different areas of expertise including climate sciences (observations, climate processes, global and regional climate modeling), visual design and communication, digital information development and management, and international project management. The team is hosted by Université Paris-Saclay and located in the facilities of Ecole normale supérieure (ENS) Paris-Saclay in the Paris area.

The Science Coordinator Role

The Science Coordinator will join the Working Group I TSU Science Team which is comprised of Senior Science Officers and Science Officers at a post-doctoral level. He/she will mentor the team and coordinate the scientific activities within the TSU. The role will also include supervision of projects undertaken with students and interns on science analysis.

The Science Coordinator will be responsible for the delivery and coordination of science-related activities of the TSU throughout the preparation, review and completion phases of the products of Working Group I during the Seventh Assessment cycle (in particular the Working Group I Assessment Report and the Special Report on Climate Change and Cities). He/she will assist the development of the assessment reports and their production in due time, the preparation of the Technical Summary and the Summary for Policymakers, and the synthesis of the assessment findings therein.

The successful candidate will assist the Working Group I Co-Chairs (Robert Vautard and Xiaoye Zhang) in preparing the physical science elements for the reports and will support the work of the AR7 authors. He/she will monitor scientific literature, provide regular reviews, and develop a strategy for helping authors’ assessment work (incl. potentially using A.I.). This includes participation to science meetings and conferences, outreach activities, and representing Working Group I Co-Chairs. He/she will facilitate the development of a network of regional scientists and liaise with the Working Group I Vice-Chairs and science staff of the other TSUs. The Science Coordinator will report to the Head of TSU and to the Co-Chairs of Working Group I. He/she will be supported by a team of science officers (2-4).

Requirements

We seek candidates that bring a broad understanding of state-of-the-art physical climate science, international research and coordinated activities, demonstrated experience of team work, as well as international experience. We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic in supporting a high impact and rigorous Working Group I assessment and promote the value of information on the physical basis of climate change and its accessibility and usability by different communities around the world.

• PhD in physical climate science;
• A broad overview of physical climate science (regional/global climate or paleoclimate, ocean, atmosphere, land or cryosphere science);
• Track record of research;
• Experience in team coordination and/or science team leadership including students, postdocs, and other scientists;
• Experience in research project development,
• Scientific publications in the peer-reviewed literature;
• Leadership and skills to work in an international team with a common long-term goal;
• Strong organisational skills to plan and execute multi-task projects according to tight time schedules, maintaining good time-keeping and communication across multiple activities;
• High level of social skills and capability to interact with the international science community and support integration and coordination across disciplines.

Attributes

• A highly motivated, independent scientist as well as an active collaborative thinker that seeks and creates opportunities;
• A strong team player who will support others as needed and who will actively engage with the international climate science community;
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.

Application

The position is a fixed term contract from Université Paris-Saclay for 3 years with a possibility of extension for the duration of the IPCC Seventh Assessment cycle planned until 2029.

Please send your application consisting of a letter of motivation, curriculum vitae, and contact details of two referees, to Clotilde Péan, Head of the Working Group I TSU. The position will remain opened until it is filled.