Hide table of contents

Research Director Job Description


 

At Greener by Default, you will be working towards the ambitious goal of completely transforming institutional foodservice - and the food system as a whole - by making plant-based food the default. 

We recognize that the fate of humans, animals, and ecosystems are bound together, and strive to create a food system that will allow all life on earth to flourish. In order to achieve our vision, we develop strategies rooted in science, sustainability, and inclusivity to empower institutions to serve plant-forward food. 

 

Position Objective:

The Research Director will lead and coordinate innovative, interdisciplinary research initiatives focused on understanding and promoting plant-based eating through behavioral science interventions. This role involves collaborating with academic researchers and our healthcare, university and corporate partners, to design, implement, and evaluate studies that test how different nudges can encourage sustainable food choices. The Research Director will oversee research collaborations, contribute to the dissemination of findings that advance the field of behavioral interventions in plant-based eating, and help our team analyze data and stay on top of current research. The ideal candidate will have expertise in behavioral economics, food systems & data analysis, as well as a passion for advancing plant-based solutions for environmental sustainability and public well-being.
 

Primary Responsibilities and Duties:

  • Oversee research collaborations. Work with the GBD Research Board, represent GBD as a Menus of Change University Research Collaborative (MCURC) Research Partner, and maintain relationships with allies in academia and other sectors to identify research opportunities and collaborate in studies as opportunities arise.
  • Build partnerships and collaborate with external stakeholders. Work with various research organizations, academic institutions, and industry experts, to grow and enhance research collaboration capabilities, and coordinate with our team to integrate research findings into client solutions.
  • Develop  research strategy. Create and implement the Research Team’s OKRs and KPIs to assess role responsibilities and measure the success for the research department. 
  • Organize and manage research. Maintain and update a repository of research, data and insights to help keep our staff up to date on the latest research and update our materials.
  • Oversee data collection and analysis process:
    • Understand how to run python notebooks and make minor modifications where necessary. (You will not need to write significant code from scratch)
    • Work closely with our project teams to assist with survey development and design, analyze & interpret results.
    • Visualize results that illustrate key results and findings to deliver key performance metrics to clients.
    • Provide data interpretation to internal staff & clients.
  • Lead team research meetings:
    • Lead monthly internal team meetings that highlight innovative, evidence-based approaches to driving transformational change in food systems.
    • Lead quarterly meetings with GBD's Research Board.
  • Work with the Operations Team to investigate and implement new tools, technologies, or software that could enhance data analysis or streamline internal processes, with special focus on AI and automation opportunities.

 

Individual Attributes Required:

  • Strategic Vision: Ability to think strategically and develop research strategy that aligns with broader organizational goals.
  • Leadership: Proven experience in leading and mentoring research teams, fostering a culture of collaboration and high performance.
  • Scientific Rigor: Strong foundation in environmental or behavioral science, with the capacity to critically evaluate research methodologies and findings.
  • Adaptability: Ability to navigate complex problems and adapt research strategies to new developments in the field.
  • Effective Communication: Capable of distilling complex research findings into clear, impactful messages for diverse stakeholders.
  • Inclusion and Cultural Sensitivity: Commitment to fostering an inclusive environment, respecting diverse perspectives, and meeting people where they are.
  • Intellectual integrity: Provide information rooted in science, adapt messaging and tactics based on the latest behavioral research.
  • Ambition: Boldly drive change within institutional foodservice norms.
  • Open communication: Continuously seek out new information and dialogue, cultivate trust with staff and partners.
  • Growth mindset: See challenges and mistakes as opportunities to adapt and improve. Continuously strive to hone your expertise and refine your skills in order to best serve the organization’s and client’s goals.

 

Position Requirements:

  • 4+ years of research experience
  • Masters Degree in behavioral science, food systems, environmental science, psychology or a similar field
  • Proficiency in both qualitative and quantitative data collection, data analysis, and research methodologies
  • Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple research projects simultaneously.
  • Excellent project management and leadership skills
  • Experience utilizing AI tools and platforms for research applications and strategic decision-making.
  • Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex research and data into actionable insights
  • Strong understanding of plant-based food systems, sustainability practices, and the benefits of plant-forward dining
  • Ability to work collaboratively with a team

 

We prefer candidates who have the following:

  • PhD in behavioral science, food systems, environmental science, psychology or a similar field
  • Strong connections in academia
  • Prior experience with coding

We strongly encourage people of every color, orientation, age, gender, origin, and ability to apply. Because we value a diverse workplace, we prioritize an inclusive climate during the application process and after you join the team. We encourage candidates with most of the above qualifications to apply; we do not expect all candidates to fit this job description 100%.

Reports to: 

Ilana Braverman, COO

Compensation: 

This is a salaried employee position paying $77,000 - 83,000 per year, depending on experience and credentials.

Benefits:

  • Health, Dental & Vision Plan
  • 401k plan, with a dollar for dollar employer match up to 3%
  • $150 cell phone and internet expense reimbursement
  • $500 annual office equipment stipend (can be rolled over)
  • 20 vacation days per year, 14 paid federal holidays, 8 sick days and 1 personal day per year, to be used during your birthday month

Location:

This is a remote position. We are currently only able to hire employees who can work in the U.S. for this position.

To Apply

In order to apply, please fill out this form. We will not consider any candidates who have not filled out the form. Please do not contact us via email or message to apply.  Applications will be received on a rolling basis, with a priority for those received by January 10, 2025.

1

0
0

Reactions

0
0

More posts like this

There are no more recommendations left.

Comments


No comments on this post yet.
Be the first to respond.
Curated and popular this week
 · 6d ago · 1m read
 · 
Hello FAST! We're starting April with great news: new cage-free announcements in Peru! 1- Retail Organa Perú, with 14 locations in Lima Link: https://www.instagram.com/s/aGlnaGxpZ2h0OjE4MDM2NTMzNTM0NjE5NDQ2?story_media_id=3606499435888748583&igsh=a2hweGMybHp4OGRr Scale: National - Peru Who: Arba Failed tactics: Finding the right person to fine-tune a commitment was the main challenge; it took six months to find the right executives. Successful tactics: Working from the beginning, alluding to their competitor, the Flora y Fauna supermarket. Scalability: This group is a large group and is in the process of opening new locations. Follow-up: We will stay in touch to request reports on its implementation. 2- Eslo Foods Manufacturing Eslo Foods is a manufacturer of vegetarian ingredients and foods distributed in supermarkets and convenience stores, as well as catering to businesses and individuals. Link: https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1215790880551157&id=100063607686640&rdid=VPh7pgpQJKGfPLHD# Scale: National - Peru Who: Arba Failed tactics: None Successful tactics: Working from the beginning of conversations with the owners. Scalability: It is a company that continues to grow; the entire family works there. Follow-up: We will stay in touch to request reports on its implementation every 6 months.
 · 5d ago · 3m read
 · 
Compassion in World Farming International is a leading global organisation dedicated to ending factory farming worldwide. We were founded in 1967 by Peter Roberts, a British farmer alarmed by the rise of factory farming. Over the past 50 years, we have made major strides in abolishing inhumane practices such as barren battery cages, veal crates, and sow gestation crates in the UK and Europe.       Our approach involves campaigning, advocacy, and engagement with policymakers at national, intergovernmental, and corporate levels, building a movement of individuals concerned about animal welfare and the health and sustainability of our food. We are driven by a passion for animal welfare and food system change, believing in a future where animals are treated with compassion and respect, and where sustainable farming practices prevail for a healthy planet.       Our international headquarters are in Godalming (UK), with team members in 14 countries on four continents including the US, Italy, France, Poland, the Netherlands, Spain, Czechia, China, and a specialist policy office in Brussels. This role is part of the Global Fundraising Directorate of over 50 staff, consisting of Philanthropy, Individual Giving, Legacies, Digital, CRM and Brand teams, based internationally, primarily in the UK (HQ) and our six other fundraising markets in the USA and Europe.      FIND OUT MORE HERE Job Type: Full time; Permanent Location: Godalming, UK (hybrid working pattern 2x days in the office)   Salary: £40,000 - £45,000 (Depending upon skills and experience)    About the Role:   As our Direct Marketing Fundraising Manager, you'll play a key role in driving the success of our fundraising efforts to end factory farming. You will manage and deliver a diverse range of direct marketing campaigns, including Appeals, Raffles, Lotteries, and supporter communications. Your focus will be on engaging, retaining, and acquiring donors to meet ambitious fundraising targets. You'll work acro
 · 3d ago · 2m read
 · 
For two months last year (Oct-Dec) Animal Outlook's investigator worked undercover at Manning Beef, Los Angeles' last remaining cow slaughterhouse. Manning Beef has long been embroiled in controversy notably during a 2021 incident when 40 cows escaped and a 2017 attempt to silence activists through litigation. Our investigator recorded one of the bloodiest and goriest videos in Animal Outlook's 30-year history. Over a two-month period, we found abuses including: * Multiple cows being butchered while showing signs of sensibility to pain  * A downed dairy cow repeatedly shocked with cattle prods after collapsing, then shot in the head three times with a captive bolt gun  * A worker stabbing a cow in the back of the head, then draining the cow's blood by stabbing them in the throat. This cow flailed while being butchered alive.  * A cow vomiting while their face was skinned and being restrained while moving away from the knife  * A cow left on the floor of the slaughterhouse for over half an hour * Extreme operational errors and equipment malfunctions. One cow was dropped head first from the slaughter line onto the concrete floor * Piles of unborn calf fetuses, extracted from pregnant cows sent to slaughter. Animal Outlook has submitted comprehensive video evidence and legal documentation to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office, calling for a minimum of 95 criminal animal cruelty counts against Manning Beef, its owners, and its employees. We also uncovered information in this process showing that the slaughterhouse is in bankruptcy. Manning Beef has a long history of inhumane handling violations. Between 2018-2024 the company racked up 61 enforcement notices for inhumane handling, including two suspensions. The company's 2020 USDA suspension due to "an egregious act of inhumane handling of animals." In 2022, the company was again suspended for "a trend of repetitive noncompliance" with stunning requirements. Last week, the USDA issued Manning
 · 6d ago · 1m read
 · 
Hi FAST! Sweden’s animal welfare law currently guarantees cows the right to graze outdoors during the summer – a unique protection now under threat. A government inquiry has proposed removing this requirement, which would mark a major setback. However, last week, the Swedish Green Party and the Left Party joined the Social Democrats in supporting a reservation to protect cows grazing rights, which ultimately gained a majority over the committee’s proposal to reject it. This led to a formal request to the government – sending a strong message that both the public and policymakers are committed to protecting grazing rights. This positive development follows Project 1882’s dedicated efforts to defend grazing rights. Prior to the formal request to the government, we presented 165,076 signatures from our “Jag vill beta” (“I want to graze”) campaign, urging the government not only to preserve these rights but also to expand them to include bulls and calves. We will continue to fight for the cows and ensure their right to graze is protected. Read more: 165,076 voices raised for cows’ right to graze – signatures handed over to the Swedish Parliament