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The UCLA School of Law is seeking a highly energetic and entrepreneurial individual with significant experience working on complex, scientifically- and technologically-driven issues in international and domestic law, governance, and policy, to serve as Geoengineering Law and Policy Project Director for the Emmett Institute on Climate Change and the Environment.

The Emmett Institute is dedicated to creating and advancing legal and policy solutions to climate change and other environmental challenges, and to training the next generation of leaders to address these issues. The program fosters informed debate and analysis to educate the public, policymakers, business leaders, and others on critical environmental issues. Emmett Institute faculty are among the country’s leading scholars of climate change and environmental law and policy, including the profound challenges of managing climate change through the entire range of relevant national and international responses.

The Project Director will develop and oversee a portfolio of high-impact project activities to advance understanding and practice related to the law and policy of geoengineering (active technological interventions to manage climate change and its impacts); develop and manage partnerships with a diverse international group of collaborators; supervise project research staff and contractors; collaborate with Emmett Institute and Law School staff on project-related administrative matters; and raise external resources to support the ongoing activities and expansion of the project. The Project Director will dually report to the Emmett Institute faculty director and deputy director, and will work at the direction of, and in collaboration with, the Emmett Institute executive director, deputy director, and faculty directors and co-directors. Depending on their interests and other commitments, the Project Director may develop opportunities for UCLA students related to the law and policy of geoengineering.

The minimum requirements for this position include: A J.D. or Ph.D. or equivalent top terminal degree relevant to climate and environmental law and policy; an excellent academic record; and a minimum of seven (7) years’ experience in complex international environment and technology law and policy areas. The successful candidate will have demonstrated competency engaging in controversial issue areas, particularly ones with high levels of uncertainty or scientific and technological contestation; the ability to deal with wide-ranging views effectively and respectfully; excellent oral and written communication skills; excellent project management, budget, and organizational skills; significant experience and contacts in international climate and environment law and policy; and demonstrated competency in fund-raising. While sophisticated understanding of relevant international climate and environmental law and policy issues is required, prior engagement specifically with debates on geoengineering is helpful but not necessary.

This is a two-year, full-time, year-round, non-tenure track academic position with an expected start date of April 1, 2025. This appointment is subject to the rules and regulations of the Regents of the University of California, which are mostly embodied in The UCLA CALL and the University of California Academic Personnel Manual. (See https://www.apo.ucla.edu/policies-forms/the-call; and https://www.apo.ucla.edu/policies-forms/apm.) The salary and level of appointment will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. A reasonable estimate for this position is $120,000 to $180,000.

Please apply online at https://recruit.apo.ucla.edu/JPF10063 by submitting a pdf copy of a cover letter, resume, and the names and contact information of at least three professional references, as well as a statement of contributions to diversity. Finalists will later be expected to supply at least two letters of recommendation during the final vetting process.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

For the University of California’s Affirmative Action Policy, please visit https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/apm/apm-035.pdf.

For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination.