Lead Scientist

Defender of Wildlife•Washington, DC

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Scientist is an integral part of Defenders of Wildlife’s Center for Conservation Innovation (CCI), a multidisciplinary team working at the intersection of science, technology, and policy to find creative, practical solutions for better conservation. They provide advanced scientific expertise, strategic research direction, and cross-departmental coordination to strengthen Defenders of Wildlife’s conservation science capacity. As a primary scientific advisor, the Lead Scientist supports staff across CCI and the broader organization through data analysis, science communications, and research support. They lead applied research, guide organizational science strategy, and represent Defenders within the broader conservation science community. Reporting to the Director of Conservation Science, the Lead Scientist leads and collaborates on research focused on imperiled species and the threats to survival, biodiversity trends and effectiveness of conservation actions. The position will work closely with Defenders’ scientists, policy analysts, attorneys, field staff, and external affairs specialists as well as partners from government, academia, and other NGOs. A successful candidate will have a strong record of designing, conducting, and publishing applied conservation research; demonstrated experience leading collaborative, cross-disciplinary projects; the ability to communicate complex concepts to diverse audiences; and a proven capacity to build and sustain productive partnerships.

Requirements

Master’s degree in ecology, conservation biology, environmental science, or related discipline required.
6 years of relevant professional experience
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.
Expert knowledge of and experience with wildlife species, threats, and conservation issues in North America.
Expert knowledge in one or more areas of Defenders’ core work (e.g., human-wildlife coexistence, landscapes and connectivity, renewable energy, private lands, etc.), including at least knowledge and interest in human-wildlife coexistence.
Knowledge of, skill in, and abilities with both natural and social approaches to conservation science.
Skill with scientific analysis, including experience with methods such as population viability analysis, habitat management, population surveys and camera trapping and climate change adaptation.
Substantial skill with standard analytical tools including R, ArcGIS and reference management software like Mendeley or Zotero.
Knowledge of publishing in peer-reviewed journals and other outlets on imperiled species conservation preferred.
Knowledge of or interest in monitoring and evaluation approaches and tools, such as the Open Standards of Conservation.

Responsibilities

Serve as a primary scientific advisor to Defenders’ programs, providing advanced analytical support and strategic guidance on conservation issues.
Lead complex analyses, syntheses, and model development to inform policy and management decisions.
Mentor junior science staff and fellows, fostering a culture of scientific rigor and innovation.
Collaborate with program leads and senior management to integrate science into conservation priorities and decision-making.
Represent Defenders as a science expert in inter-organizational collaborations, public forums, and working groups.
Lead and design applied research projects that advance conservation practice and policy.
Identify opportunities for innovation through technology, spatial analysis, or quantitative methods.
Serve as lead on projects, including study design, implementation, analysis, and publication.
Identify emerging scientific trends, technologies, and policy opportunities relevant to wildlife conservation.
Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals, Defenders reports, and public-facing media to elevate the organization’s scientific visibility.
Collaborate with partners in academia, government, and NGOs to leverage external data and expertise.
Develop and implement strategies to strengthen Defenders’ scientific capacity and promote cross-departmental collaboration.
Increase Defenders’ visibility within the conservation biology community through presentations, invited talks, and professional engagement.
Contribute to internal monitoring, evaluation, and learning processes by applying rigorous scientific approaches.
Work across teams to ensure science is integrated effectively into Defenders’ mission and program goals.
Help define organizational priorities for data management, open science practices, and reproducibility standards.