Director of Ecology (full-time)

Hourglass Climate is a USA-based non-profit organization with the mission to strategically research the safety and efficacy of mineral-based Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement (OAE) techniques for responsible carbon removal and climate impact, and to disseminate our findings for the public benefit.

The ocean is our greatest resource for capturing hard-to-abate, and historical, carbon dioxide emissions, a non-negotiable part of limiting climate warming to 2ºC, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). OAE via alkaline minerals has the potential for permanent, gigatonne-scale carbon dioxide removal (CDR) with significant co-benefits such as a reduction in ocean acidification. However, targeted, independent and integrated research that rapidly de-risks the key uncertainties around OAE techniques is urgently needed. To do just that, Hourglass brings together an ecosystem of scientists to conduct model, laboratory, and field research for the public benefit.

We encourage members of groups historically underrepresented in science and engineering to apply to this role.

Job description:

Hourglass Climate is seeking a Director of Ecology to lead its ecology research program, assessing the effects of mineral-based ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE) on marine life and ecosystems. The Director will work closely with Hourglass’ Executive Director to set scientific priorities that integrate into the organization’s overall mission and scientific roadmap. This senior scientific leadership role is multi-faceted; it combines program strategy, hands-on science, mentorship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and communications. The Director will have a strong scientific background in marine fauna ecology and assessment of ecological impacts. The position is remote, with occasional travel to field sites and scientific meetings.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Hourglass’ overall ecology program, including research strategy, priorities and delivery against project milestones, integrated into the larger organization’s scientific roadmap.
• Design and execute field and laboratory experiments that advance Hourglass’ scientific objectives.
• Design and oversee field-based environmental monitoring programs assessing marine fauna and ecosystem responses to OAE.
• Support lab-based ecotoxicological research, including experimental design, organism-level responses to stressors, interpretation of dose–response evidence, and assessment of ecological risks.
• Oversee collection, quality assurance, integration and interpretation of ecological and oceanographic data.
• Manage, mentor and supervise ecology team members, including work planning, technical guidance, performance feedback and professional development.
• Plan and coordinate research activities with internal teams and external collaborators to meet scientific deliverables and project milestones.
• Establish robust, reproducible approaches to statistical analysis, data management, quality control and scientific reporting.
• Develop environmental impact assessments for responsible OAE field research.
• Collaborate with researchers to interpret datasets in the context of field observations and physiological findings
• Lead and prepare funding proposals
• Identify and build external scientific partnerships to advance the ecology research agenda.
• Lead and contribute to peer-reviewed publications; report results to internal and external research partners; present at conferences and workshops.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Marine Ecology, Biological Oceanography, Ecotoxicology, Marine Biology or a closely related field.
• Substantial postdoctoral or equivalent professional research experience, including demonstrated scientific leadership and project delivery.
• Demonstrated expertise in marine fauna ecology and assessment of ecological impacts across multiple taxa or habitats, using field, laboratory and analytical methods.
• Experience designing and implementing marine ecological monitoring programs and interpreting ecological change in disturbed environments.
• Experience integrating biological and environmental datasets, including oceanographic or water-quality observations.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate complex research projects, manage milestones and work effectively with interdisciplinary partners.
• Experience supervising or mentoring scientific staff and providing clear technical direction.
• Proficiency in reproducible scientific analysis and data workflows (e.g., R, Python or comparable tools).
• Strong record of scientific writing, publications and sound research data management practices.
• Experience in proposal preparation and track record of successful grant funding acquisition.
• Expansive network of scientific collaborators and experience managing external research collaborations
• fluency in English

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience assessing environmental effects of marine interventions or activities in coastal and offshore settings.
• Knowledge of ocean alkalinity enhancement, marine carbon dioxide removal or related environmental research.
• Experience designing or overseeing ecotoxicological or organism-level stressor-response studies and interpreting ecological implications.
• Experience with ecotoxicological study design, ecological risk assessment and/or effects modelling (e.g., GUTS or DEBkiss).
• Experience with marine fauna monitoring techniques across taxa, including survey, imaging, acoustic or other observational approaches.
• Experience leading research teams in remote, international or multidisciplinary settings.
• Experience translating ecological evidence into practical monitoring, mitigation and adaptive management recommendations.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to contribute to mission-driven climate and ocean research
• Flexible remote work environment
• Collaboration with an international network of scientists and researchers
• Meaningful scientific work supporting climate knowledge and ocean conservation

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: 

Hourglass is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Hourglass is dedicated to transparent recruitment, hiring, and promotion processes. Candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences are strongly encouraged to apply.