The Role

The Schmidt Sciences Climate Center seeks to understand how our planet works and the ways it's changing, connect climate research to action by developing science-driven tools, and empower interdisciplinary networks needed to drive climate solutions. Schmidt Sciences has developed a model called the Virtual Institute (VI), which is defined as a network of multiple high-risk, high-impact research projects typically composed of multiple international teams taking complementary approaches to a common problem.

Reporting to the Program Scientist, the Associate will support the carbon cycle portfolio within Schmidt Sciences, which will primarily include facilitating the program management for the Virtual Institute of the Carbon Cycle (VICC) program and acting as a liaison for the Carbon Research Frontier Network (C-RFN) initiative. The Associate will support the review and diligence of research proposals across these portfolios, support the evaluation of scientific research to inform the management of gifts and grants throughout their lifecycle, advance the implementation of strategic and programmatic priorities within the portfolios, build and iterate on operational processes, and contribute to building and maintaining a strong community of awardees and partners.

VICC: The Virtual Institute of the Carbon Cycle (VICC) is the cornerstone of the carbon cycle portfolio. Phase 1 of VICC launched in 2025 and projects selected as part of Phase 1 will enter their second of five years. Phase 2 planning of VICC is now also underway. At steady state, VICC will require the management of around 10 separate projects, including measurement of progress and outcomes, development of collaborative opportunities between projects, and coordination with external stakeholders relevant to the outputs of the program. Working in close tandem with the Senior Program Scientist, the Associate will provide operational and programmatic support for VICC, ensuring effective execution, efficient resource use, and alignment between operational/programmatic plans and the broader strategic goals of the Climate Center and Schmidt Sciences.

Carbon-RFN: Research Frontiers Networks (RFNs) are a new Climate Center initiative that will create interdisciplinary, cross-sector research hubs at leading academic research centers in India. RFN's will advance Earth system understanding, improve climate and energy models, and accelerate local decarbonization strategies. The Carbon-RFN will connect our place-based work to our Virtual Institute for the Carbon Cycle (VICC). The Associate will partner with the Senior Program Scientist and RFN Lead in the design of the structure and goals of the Carbon-RFN project to ensure sufficient collaboration and coordination with global and regional efforts (e.g., data sharing, mission relevance, awardee selection), design and organize effective convenings and workshops around strategic program goals, including community building and accelerating science outcomes.

The Climate Center’s broader carbon cycle portfolio also encompasses projects within the Virtual Earth System Research Institute (VESRI) and the Ocean Biogeochemistry Virtual Institute (OBVI) programs. Working in partnership with the Senior Program Scientist and program scientists leading these initiatives, the Associate will help advance the growth, coordination, and long-term sustainability of Schmidt Sciences’ integrated carbon cycle and climate research ecosystem.

Key responsibilities for this role include the following: