Research Analyst - Ecosystem Services Program, Nicholas Institute

Duke University:

Duke University was created in 1924 through an indenture of trust by James Buchanan Duke. Today, Duke is regarded as one of America’s leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

Research Analyst - Ecosystem Services Program

About the Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability:

The Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability at Duke University accelerates solutions to critical energy and environmental challenges, advancing a more just, resilient and sustainable world. The Nicholas Institute conducts and supports actionable research and undertakes sustained engagement with policymakers, businesses, and communities—in addition to delivering transformative educational experiences to empower future leaders. The Nicholas Institute’s work is aligned with the Duke Climate Commitment, which unites the university’s education, research, operations, and external engagement missions to address the climate crisis.

Occupational Summary:

The Ecosystem Services Program at the Nicholas Institute is seeking a Research Analyst to join our team. This position will play a key role in our mission to help government agencies, corporations, non-governmental organizations, and other decision-makers incorporate ecosystem services, nature-based solutions, and climate resilience into their work. Initial projects may include developing metrics and designing a data system for nature-based climate adaptation projects, finalizing a web-based roadmap for deploying nature-based solutions on lands managed by the U.S. Department of the Interior, conducting spatial ecosystem services modeling on military bases, and supporting the program director’s work with the Duke Office of Climate and Sustainability. Assigned projects will evolve based on funding, team availability, and the associate’s interests.

The Research Analyst will be reporting to Program Director Lydia Olander and will work with other program staff, Duke Faculty and students, and external collaborators.

This is a full-time (40 hours/week) position beginning in fall 2024 with a 12-month duration; there is potential for renewal if funding is available.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values of the Nicholas Institute. We believe that the educational environment is enhanced when diverse groups of people with diverse ideas come together to learn. Applicants with a demonstrated commitment to issues of diversity in higher education are particularly encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities:

• Finding and synthesizing information from academic literature, gray literature (reports from government agencies and NGOs), and online resources on specific topics described above
• Engaging with subject matter experts and stakeholders
• Developing materials (slides, background information, surveys) for workshops, focus groups, and other meetings with partners, stakeholders, and subject matter experts
• Analyzing spatial data, including use of existing third-party models, and creating maps to communicate key findings
• Drafting written products including reports, white papers, guidance documents, and journal articles
• Managing projects, including student interns
• Assisting with new project development and proposal writing

Preferred Skills:

• Literature review
• Spatial analysis, including use of ArcGIS Pro. Experience with ArcGIS Online or Python is preferred but not required
• Data management, including use of Excel.
• Excellent oral and written communication
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills
• Familiarity with the concepts of nature-based solutions and ecosystem services

Education/Experience:

A master’s degree in a related discipline is preferred; a bachelor’s degree in a field related to the position with an additional two years of experience is acceptable or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

Duke is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essentialjob functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.