Head of Research, Science Based Targets initiative in London

The Head of Research is responsible for the direction and deliverables of the research team, ensuring that the research agenda supports the mission and strategy of the SBTi and ensuring that research outputs are developed and maintained following best-practice and SBTi internal protocols.

About the Science Based Targets initiative: The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) is a global body enabling businesses to set ambitious emissions reductions targets in line with the latest climate science. It is focused on accelerating companies across the world to halve emissions before 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions before 2050. The initiative is a collaboration between CDP, the United Nations Global Compact, World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and one of the We Mean Business Coalition commitments. The SBTi defines and promotes best practice in science‑based target setting, offers resources and guidance to reduce barriers to adoption, and independently assesses and approves companies’ targets.

The Technical Department leads the development and maintenance of the key resources within the initiative to enable the adoption of climate targets in line with the best‑available science and following best‑practice for standard‑setting organizations. A core pillar of the SBTI Technical Department, the Research Team develops transparent cross‑sector technical outputs that contribute to the integrity of SBTs and maximize climate action. These include research outputs such as articles and reports, cross‑sectoral guidance, as well as the curation of 1.5°C‑aligned pathways and target‑setting methods. Additional topics may include the use of market‑based instruments, bioenergy, target boundaries, and more. The Research Team draws from a variety of peer collaboration approaches, which may include ongoing technical partnerships, maintaining a network of expert advisors, and convening research fora.

Key responsibilities include:

• Use innovative research methods and thought leadership to shape the SBTi’s target‑setting framework
• Manage a growing team with various workstreams that includes research & analysis and technical development for SBTi guidance
• Seed projects to continuously improve the scientific integrity and impact of the SBTi’s framework
• Establish ways of working within the Research Team and with the different SBTi teams
• Define how the Research Team engages with researchers, peer organizations, and civil society for the purpose of technical projects. This may include chairing the SBTi’s Scientific Advisory Group and/or convening research forums
• Work closely with the Chief Technical Officer to capture the most impactful research & technical development opportunities for the SBTi and contribute to initiative‑wide strategy
• Ensure technical outputs are produced on time and to an esteemed level of quality

You will have the following skills and experience:

• 10+ years of experience working on leading research on climate change mitigation, climate change and/or environmental change
• Experience operating as a senior advisor or lead specialist on climate change mitigation, and able to demonstrate up-to-date knowledge in this area
• Experience supervising a research group or research team
• A record of having led complex projects at the interface of science and policy or non‑state climate action
• Proven track record of research published, management of research projects and a well established network of researchers
• Lead dialogue and interaction to the scientific community
• Clear understanding of how different research methods can be applied in practice and, often, in conjunction
• In‑depth understanding of how integrated global, regional, and sectoral scenarios are developed, as well as their use‑cases and limitations
• In‑depth understanding of climate targets
• Knowledge of environmental reporting standards such as the GHG Protocol
• Knowledge of sustainability claims, life cycle assessment, chain of custody models, and environmental impact accounting (consequential vs. attributional)
• Skilled at building and maintaining relationships across disciplinary lines
• PhD or similar advanced degree in geography, earth/environmental science, sustainability, or another relevant field
• Experience as the lead author of major reports
• Experience organizing research forums, symposia, or other collaborative events
• Knowledge of climate programs such as Race to Zero, Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net‑Zero, and others

This is a full‑time role based in Europe or the Americas. The salary for this role will be dependent on location and level of experience. This role is a fixed‑term contract for 12 months with the possibility of extension and it will be reporting to Chief Technical Officer.