Program Scientist

The Program Scientist serves as a critical bridge between Arete Glacier Initiative’s internal technical and scientific teams and the broader glaciological community. This self-motivated, action-oriented leader translates rigorous science into operational structures by advancing data collection and modeling efforts, field deployments, grantmaking, and strategic partnerships.

Climate change is destabilizing marine ice sheets, creating a risk of catastrophic sea-level rise over the next century. Arete Glacier Initiative is a nonprofit dedicated to improving forecasts of ice-sheet change and rigorously evaluating potential options to reduce that risk. Our work includes assessing whether proposed interventions are effective, safe, environmentally responsible, technically feasible, economically viable, and socially legitimate. We follow a staged research and technology development process, and advancing to later stages depends on evidence demonstrating that these criteria can be met.

Digital Harbor Foundation is dedicated to fostering learning, creativity, productivity, and community through education with a vision of digital equity for everyone. Driven by our sincere belief that access to opportunity is a basic right, we take bold yet practical actions to support making a better future now. Through a portfolio of projects focused on developing leadership within communities, we support those closest to challenges to take deliberate actions based in design thinking approach, backed by data analysis, grounded in a practice of collective impact, and driven by a commitment to racial equity.
Education and Experience Requirements

- PhD in a relevant scientific or engineering field, such as glaciology, geophysics, physics, mathematics, or engineering.

- Demonstrated expertise in glacier dynamics, including a record of innovative research.

- Track record of publishing in scholarly literature and presenting at scientific conferences.

- Demonstrated interest in shifting day-to-day work toward scientific program and project management responsibilities.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong interpersonal, diplomatic, and presentation abilities.

- Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects and deadlines, and proactively identify and complete tasks.

- Ability to collaborate effectively across scientific, technical, engineering, operations, government, and external partner communities with a positive disposition.

- Ability to think strategically and make recommendations that account for competing scientific needs, evidence, and priorities.

- Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, organizational, and multitasking skills, with close attention to detail.

Field Planning and Operations

- Ability to evaluate contrasting ideas, build alignment, and move scientific work forward constructively.

- Ability to translate rigorous science into practical programs, partnerships, funding processes, and field plans.

- Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word and Excel) and Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, and Slides).

- Ability to create technical reports, proposals, maps, plots, and accessible public-facing scientific communications.

- A collaborative, energetic, action-oriented approach; resilience; open-mindedness; and willingness to work outside one’s comfort zone in support of mission-driven science.

Additional Notes

This position is fully remote and requires travel to scientific conferences, workshops, field sites, and fieldwork locations, including Antarctica and other glaciated regions, as needed to fulfill the responsibilities of the position.
Role and Responsibilities
Engagement with Scientific and Technical Communities

- Serve as an ambassador for Arete, fostering strong, collaborative relationships across the international glaciological community.

- Develop a field engagement strategy that communicates Arete’s mission and roadmap, structures engagem