CLIVAR (www.clivar.org) is a Core Project of the World Climate Research Programme (http://www.wcrp-climate.org) dedicated to understanding the role of the ocean in the variability, predictability, and change of climate and to the benefit of society and the environment in which we live. Each of the Core Projects has an International Project Office that acts as an extension of the WCRP Secretariat in Geneva, Switzerland, which has the overall responsibility for all the WCRP Core Projects. The International CLIVAR Project Office (ICPO) serves as the executive arm of the CLIVAR Scientific Steering Group and its panel and working groups. The ICPO is based at the Ocean University of China (OUC), Qingdao, China. The OUC and WCRP invite applications for the position of ICPO Staff Scientist - the level of appointment depends on qualifications. In this position, you will get to know the frontiers of ocean and climate research and have chances to connect with the world’s leading scientists as well as WCRP and its international partners.

Duties and responsibilities of the ICPO Staff Scientist

The ICPO Staff Scientist provides technical support to the ICPO to serve as an executive arm of the WCRP Secretariat, specifically for the CLIVAR Scientific Steering Group (SSG) and its panels, research focus areas, and working groups.

The ICPO Staff Scientist will have the following key responsibilities:

Serve as secretariat to the ICPO and CLIVAR panels, research focus areas, and working groups (WG). This includes, inter alia,

·  Working with the ICPO team to ensure day-to-day functions of ICPO, serving as an efficient first point of contact for enquiries, and distributing information appropriately and promptly

·  Assist Panel and WG chairs at meetings and workshops, and prepare meeting minutes

·  Organize, coordinate, and participate in online/in-person Panel/WG meetings and events relevant to CLIVAR

·  Serving as meeting rapporteurs, compile and produce meeting reports and other relevant documents

·  Create and maintain webpages for ICPO, CLIVAR Panels and WGs

·  Assist in gathering and maintaining up-to-date scientific information

·  Assist in disseminating information through various communication channels

·  Assist in preparing graphical input to CLIVAR, WCRP and other publications and websites

·  Assist the Director and other  ICPO teammates, as needed

. Contribute to the science and research on the CLIVAR theme topics when opportunities arise  

Qualifications

· Graduate degree in oceanography or other climate-related science;

· Ability to multitask, work efficiently in a team environment and independently, with cultural diversity awareness;

· Excellent written and oral communication skills; including the ability to prepare clear meeting summaries and records;

· Experience in international coordination of scientific research/project management is desirable;

· Experience in event organization would be an advantage;

· Webpage creation, graphical, and multi-media skills;

· Familiarity with virtual meeting platforms and scheduling tools;

· Fluency in English, the working language of the ICPO;

· Willingness/ability to work in different time zones on a case-to-case basis, and undertake short international and national travels.

Applications should include: (i) a Curriculum Vitae; (ii) a cover letter explaining your interest in the position and outlining your relevant skills and experience; and (iii) the names and contact details of two individuals who have indicated their readiness to provide a reference.

Applications should be sent via electronic mail to icpo@clivar.org.

The closing date for applications is August 17, 2026.

The ICPO Staff Scientist reports to the Director of the ICPO. The ICPO is hosted by OUC and follows the administrative guidelines and rules of the OUC. The annual salary of the ICPO Staff Scientist will be in the range of 300,000-350,000 CNY (44,000-51,500 USD) based on experience and qualifications.  Benefits include paid vacation days and health insurance. A modest relocation allowance is available. All salaries are subject to Chinese income tax. The initial appointment is 1 year, with possible extensions up to  7 years, subject to funding availability and performance satisfaction. The duty location is in Qingdao, China. Qingdao is one of the most beautiful coastal cities in the world, with a very affordable cost of living, a rich historical heritage, modern facilities,  art and beer festivals under the confluence of Chinese and German cultures. The climate is pleasant and people are hospitable, making it a city suitable for short and long term work and living.

For more information, please visit the project’s website at: http://www.clivar.org/ or contact the ICPO at icpo@clivar.org

If you wish to discuss this position, please contact the ICPO Director Dr. John Huai-Min Zhang at john@clivar.org.