SUMMARY

The Science, Research & Development group inspires and engages diverse audiences, providing content expertise for the purposes of education, leading exhibit and program development, consulting with organizational partners, and representing the Exploratorium’s work to our professional community. Science R&D provides both deep knowledge of specific content areas and foundational expertise in the Exploratorium’s pedagogy and learning design principles, in order to shape the Exploratorium science program and develop projects that continually innovate the experiences on our Museum floor and maintain our leadership within the informal science learning professional field.

Senior Scientists-in-Residence within Science R&D bring domain expertise to the Exploratorium for a set period of time, providing content direction and hands-on leadership in conceptualizing and designing exhibits, interactive platforms, and other programmatic offerings for museum visitors within their area of expertise. This position reports to the Senior Director of Science, Research & Development and will work closely across the Museum Experience group.

The Senior Scientist-in-Residence, Climate will work closely with the Exploratorium’s Climate & Landscape Group as they continue to develop the climate science portfolio in the Observatory Gallery, the outdoor space in the form of a Field Station, and across the museum. The Climate & Landscape Group instigates projects, exhibits, programs and partnerships that focus on the social, historical and environmental impacts of climate change to encourage active engagement of Bay Area Communities on the climate crises. The CLG focuses on both mitigation and adaptation to climate change by building environmental awareness and encouraging dialogue and action using informal science inquiry and place-based education to build community resilience.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Contribute to the research and development of innovative, new climate-based experiences such as exhibits/exhibitions, graphics, publications, public programs, and web-based content.
Provide strategic direction and hands-on leadership in conceptualizing and designing exhibits, interactive platforms, and other climate-focused programmatic offerings for museum visitors
Contribute to shaping and implementing the departmental vision and strategic initiatives, with a focus on research and development in climate science
Collaborate closely with internal teams and external scientific researchers to infuse cutting-edge science into visitor experiences
Clearly communicate research findings and project progress to both internal and external stakeholders
Cultivate relationships and partnerships with pertinent scientific researchers who can serve as partners, advisors or subject matter experts for climate related exhibitions and programs
Contribute to the development of climate science work, within the Observatory Gallery, the outdoor space in the form of a Field Station, and across the museum.
Assist the Exploratorium in foregrounding climate science as a part of our environmental communication/programming moving forward
Additional duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Doctoral degree in a climate-related field, including but not limited to climate science, geography, hydrology, meteorology, and oceanography; post-doctoral work preferred with ten year’s experience.
Experience in contributing to projects focused on creating innovative public experiences that seamlessly integrate scientific concepts
Experience working on interdisciplinary R&D teams
Demonstrated experience collaborating with or leading project teams
Experience in program development, oversight and execution, including superior organizational, interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, particularly with non-domain experts
Excellent analytical abilities
Demonstrated writing skills, preferably in published form
Track record of funded grant proposals, scholarly publications and/or presentations in science, science education, or equivalent.
Track record of established connections with significant regional and national science and science education agencies, institutions, funders and individuals.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Formal teaching experience in a high school, community college, college, or university setting
Familiarity with traditional ecological knowledge and experience leveraging indigenous and local knowledge systems to develop and implement climate adaptation strategies within communities

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Able to move from place to place and utilize computer terminal and general office equipment; lift and carry 15 pounds short distances
Ability to travel and willingness to travel nationally and internationally to attend meetings, facilitate workshops, and present at conferences
Ability to participate in Exploratorium programs and events that may occur outside of normal working hours

APPLICATION DEADLINE

This position is open until filled

HOW TO APPLY

This is a full-time (37.5 hours per week), exempt non-union position (fixed-term, through 6/30/2026) that includes benefits. The salary range for this role is $136,500 to $144,300 annually DOE. Please, no phone calls in regards to this job. To apply, please visit the Exploratorium job page.

The Exploratorium is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and values diversity, inclusion and respect. We welcome and strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.

State of Maryland

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Senior Scientist-in-Residence, Climate