Planetary Health Scientist

Office Location:

Remote

This role is open to anywhere globally that TNC operates.

Who We Are:

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our Mission and guided by our Values, which includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube  or on Glassdoor.  

Our goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging, and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. In addition to the requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of inclusion! Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote myriad TNC staff members, “you’ll join for our mission, and you’ll stay for our people.”

What We Can Achieve Together:

The growing field of Planetary and Human Health studies the interconnection between the health of the environment and the health of people. Planetary health is a multidisciplinary field that emphasizes the interconnectedness between human health and the Earth’s natural systems. It goes beyond traditional public health approaches by recognizing the critical interdependence between human well-being and the environment.

We invite applicants from a variety of disciplines working at the nexus of environmental and human health, particularly those doing solutions-oriented research around topics such as:

• Climate change & health, to understand opportunities for equitable mitigation and adaptation solutions that reduce health burdens associated with climate changes, e.g., extreme heat, fire, floods, and other disasters, or vector-borne disease.
• Nature, health and well-being, to understand the contributions of nature to people and communities, such as the biophysical or psychosocial health benefits of greenspace, wilderness, and environmental stewardship.
• Interactions of climate, biodiversity, and health, for example how biodiversity loss and land cover changes increase vector-borne disease, and conservation strategies that target co-benefits among climate action, conservation, and human and animal health
• Indigenous and local community approaches to environmental health and wellbeing, including relational approaches to healing and care, as well as the cultural and nutritional value of customary food resources.
• Pollution & health, to better understand how point, non-point and transboundary sources of pollution and environmental contamination affect water (storm runoffs, sewage pollution, agricultural nutrient contamination etc.), air quality (e.g. wildfire smoke exposure, industrial pollution, windborne sediment from desertification), soil contamination, and implications for wildlife and human health, and environmental justice.

The Planetary Health Scientist will join the Human Dimensions Science Team (one of 5 science lines in the GST), and report to the Global Director of Human Dimensions Science. The Scientist will develop and lead research priorities and strategies in the areas of planetary and human health, in coordination with the One Conservancy Science plan to help achieve the Conservancy’s 2030 goals. Additionally, the Planetary Health Scientist will provide guidance and support in their areas of expertise, work and navigate across internal programs, build and manage a diverse team, and collaborate with philanthropy staff and leadership to persuasively convey the science-based mission of TNC. Other duties will include working with interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement strategies and programs that integrate planetary and human health science with on-the-ground conservation efforts, and communicating and engaging with both internal and external audiences.

We’re Looking for You:

The ideal candidate will have an advanced degree (e.g., PhD, MD, DVM, DrPH) in an area related to human and environmental health. Additional degrees such as master of public health (MPH), masters in environment and sustainability (MS), or masters of health science (MHSc) will be relevant and valued. Strong research methodologies that include epidemiology, environmental health sciences, spatial mapping, real-world data applications, implementation science, global health, environmental justice, and public health are welcome. Some science leadership experience, for example on proposal reviews or technical committees, considering science prioritization agendas, is a plus. The Planetary Health Scientist should also have experience working collaboratively, including with those possessing diverse cultural experiences, and will be keen to contribute to TNC’s effectiveness as a science-based organization and to accelerate our progress towards our 2030 goals. 

We value additional relevant research or practitioner training, such as a Master’s of Public Health (MPH), Master’s of Health Science (MHSc), Master’s in Environmental Science or Sustainability (MS), or a closely related field. Ideal candidates will have clinical or other field experience working with interventions and outcomes, bringing a practical perspective to our research efforts. Multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience is highly desirable, as is experience working on inter- and/or trans-disciplinary research teams. Familiarity with contemporary issues surrounding planetary health, planetary boundaries, One Health, and other allied fields, both globally and regionally, will set you apart. We seek individuals with a depth of experience collaborating with health agencies and/or non-profit organizations in various locales, demonstrating an ability to navigate diverse environments and stakeholders. Experience with sample selection, research instrument development, and data collection is essential. Proficiency in managing and analyzing quantitative and mixed-methods research data, as well as statistical analysis, is crucial. 

The applicant will play an active role in building a team and leading the Planetary Health effort at TNC, including strengthening the connection between the Global Science Team and other business units who are deepening their engagement in health research. The applicant will also be expected to develop large, funded research initiatives in a highly-collaborative environment in partnership with other NGOs and academic institutions, and foundations. The Planetary Health Scientist will develop high-leverage strategies for funding research, they lead and participate in research projects, develop collaborative relationships outside of TNC, and provide thought leadership to the field. Scientists at this level play strong leadership roles in TNC and often represent their work to colleagues at all levels of the organization, including executive leadership. The Applicant may also be required to develop and implement processes for identifying research priorities and how to focus external scientific resources on those priorities. 

What You’ll Bring:

• Advanced degree in a health-related research field (e.g., PhD, MD, DVM, DrPH).
• Familiarity with contemporary issues surrounding planetary health, planetary boundaries, One Health, and other allied fields globally and regionally.
• Experience reviewing and synthesizing relevant scientific literature.
• Experience collecting, manipulating, analyzing and interpreting scientific data.
• Familiarity with statistical analysis.
• Supervisory experience.
• Record of peer-reviewed publications in scientific journals.                          
• Experience directing a major program of strategic importance and working with a multi-disciplinary team.
• Experience in relationship building with peers, partners, government agencies, academic community, etc.                       
• Experience fundraising and/or writing grants and research proposals, tracking budgets and reporting to donors.    
• Excellent communication skills, written, spoken and graphical.
• Experience with sample selection, research instrument development, and collection of data and analysis and interpretation.
• Experience managing and analyzing quantitative and mixed-methods research and data.
• Knowledge of relevant computer technology and common software applications.

What We Bring:

Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. Through grassroots action, TNC has grown to become one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff, we impact conservation throughout the world!

The Nature Conservancy offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including: health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan including employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work wellbeing benefits. Learn more about our benefits at in the Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a work-environment that is supportive of the health, wellbeing, and flexibility needs of the people we employ!

Additional Job Information:

• Lead the strategic development and implementation of the Planetary Health initiative at TNC, in partnership with the Global Director of Human Dimensions Science.
• Represent TNC in the Planetary Health community, including professional society meetings, conferences, and Convenings of Parties
• Develop collaborative Planetary Health research proposals that address cutting edge science needs.
• Contribute to highly interdisciplinary research projects, including through data collection, analysis, and knowledge mobilization.
• Publish impactful, agenda-setting research at the interface of human health and conservation.
• Build collaborations with other TNC business units and leading external health organizations working internationally, such as WHO, WOAH, FAO, Mercy Corps, OXFAM, Gates Foundation, Médecins Sans Frontières and Red Cross/Red Crescent.
• Represent TNC in international planetary health communities of practice, such as the Planetary Health Alliance.
• Work effectively in a highly matrixed, agile, and globally distributed team.
• This position will supervise one or more science or administrative staff.
• Manage staff or multi-disciplinary team to build a novel research program in Planetary Health.
• Collaborate with a wide range of conservation partners to identify research needs, present technical concepts and support fieldwork, analysis and publication.

Auto Safety Policy:

This position requires a valid driver’s license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program.

Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered “high risk drivers.” To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ under the FAQ section.

Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee’s motor vehicle record.

Salary Information:

This position may be based in any country where TNC has an established entity, taking into consideration legal restrictions, such as non-national ratios and immigration processing times. For U.S. based applicants only, the starting pay range for this position is generally within the range of $91,798 – $137,697 for annual base salary and is based on location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. For all other applicants, pay ranges will be in local currency, the pay range will be based on the local labor market, and not tied to the above pay range. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment and used to determine your actual pay range. Additionally, for all applicants, actual pay will fall within a range based on a variety of factors including, for example, the candidate’s qualifications, specific skills, and experience.