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Research Advocate

Ever wondered what the meaning is in the songs of whales, in the chirping of the birds in your garden, or in the ultrasonic communications of bats? You’re not alone…


Earth Species Project (ESP) is a non-profit dedicated to using AI to solve these questions. We believe the exponential progress we’re seeing in AI offers new ways of looking at the world and expanding the ability of human beings to learn from other species. Our hope is that this will make a significant contribution to altering human perspective on how we relate to the rest of nature.


ESP partners with biologists and machine learning researchers at leading universities and institutions around the world, and we are honored to be supported by many forward-looking philanthropists and groups, including Reid Hoffman, Waverley Street Foundation, the Paul G Allen Family Foundation and the National Geographic Society.


As we continue to grow, we’re seeking a talented Research Advocate to foster external understanding of ESP’s technology, our research projects, organizational strategy and partnerships. This  role is also responsible for managing a cohort of early end-users. This role is pivotal in ensuring our models and tools are not only understood but adopted and celebrated by the research community and the broader public. This role will involve translating complex technical concepts and data into easily digestible written and visual content – and, in doing so, helping to build credibility and convey a clear and strong sense of our voice and brand identity. 


The ideal candidate will exhibit impeccable communication and organizational skills, have a passion for science and technical storytelling, a deep understanding of our technology and research approach, and be comfortable working independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced and dynamic startup environment.


Level: Mid-Level to Senior 

Location: Remote, with travel required ~once/quarter year for team retreats, conferences, and in-person strategy & planning meetings within departments

Reports To: Director of Communications


$100,000 - $120,000 a year

Key Responsibilities:

Bridge Research and Organizational Strategy

- Work with research and communication teams to develop strategy and execution plan to increase adoption of ESP models and tools with end-users (ethologists, conservation biologists)
- Embed with the AI team to translate complex research outputs into accessible formats, including high-quality written and visual assets. Examples include: blog posts, GitHub documentation, grant reports and other research updates, compelling data visualizations, demos and presentations, abstracts, posters, donor materials, website content, social media posts, FAQs, and more. 
- Collaborate closely with the communications team to align research insights with broader outreach strategies.
- Collaborate across departments to improve the speed and clarity of internal communication regarding recent technical milestones.

Community Engagement and Technical Advocacy

- Serve as the technical liaison between ESP’s research team and its end users, particularly ethologists studying animal communication.
- Identify and engage beta testers for ESP’s models, managing the testing process and integrating feedback to improve usability and functionality
- Discover and highlight new and valuable use cases for ESP’s tools and models.
- Build and manage ESP’s community of technical contributors and collaborators. 
- Track and report on user adoption of our models and provide recommendations on new ways to encourage and support adoption.

Content Creation and Visual Communication

- Develop approachable and compelling content that showcases ESP’s research, including technical blog posts, user guides, and whitepapers.
- Create simple, beautiful technical illustrations to accompany research papers, presentations, and public-facing materials.
- Design and implement (or work with front-end developers to design and develop) intuitive, responsive front-end interfaces that make complex AI outputs accessible to non-technical users.
- Develop and maintain web-based applications that showcase ESP’s research, ensuring usability and accessibility for a diverse audience.
- Work closely with the research and engineering teams to align front-end development with project goals and scientific needs.

External Engagement

- Represent ESP at conferences, webinars, and workshops, sharing insights into our work and advocating for its adoption within the broader research community.
- Work closely with the impact team to support in the development of relationships with key partners, collaborators, and stakeholders to strengthen ESP’s network and impact.

You will Bring 

- Strong technical expertise in machine learning, data science, NLP or a related field, with the ability to understand and explain foundational AI and bioacoustics concepts.
- A demonstrated ability to think outside the box and design creative solutions that make complex technologies accessible and engaging.
- Strong track record of effective scientific communication across multiple written and visual formats (demonstrated via portfolio) for technical and non-technical audiences.
- Proficiency with tools for documentation and technical content creation (e.g., GitHub Pages, Markdown, Figma, or similar).
- Demonstrated ability to manage and engage technical communities, including beta testers or contributors.
- Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills, prioritization and project planning skills, and the ability to work both collaboratively and independently.
- Impeccable attention to detail and an eye for written style and visual design.
- Demonstrated ability to write, review, and edit for grammar, style, voice, technical accuracy, and coherency.
- Proficiency with software tools (including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), as well as with publishing content via standard social media platforms, including LinkedIn, X, and BlueSky. 
- Experience developing highly polished deliverables with visual design elements, such as illustrations for slide decks, posters, and social media posts, either independently or supported by a designer.
- Ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment. 

Preferred Qualifications:

- Advanced degree (PhD/Master's) in a computer science field or communications.
- Strong proficiency in front-end development technologies, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and frameworks like React, Angular, or Vue.js.
- Experience creating interactive visualizations or dashboards to represent complex datasets.
- Familiarity with UI/UX design principles and best practices.
- Experience in ethology, bioacoustics, sociobiology or a related scientific domain
- An interest in and passion for the natural world 
- Proficient with visual design tools like Adobe, Keynote, Canva, Figma 
- Familiarity with the open-source community and related tools

We are a fully remote team, and you can be located anywhere in the world, but will ideally be willing to work East Coast U.S. working hours or GMT, with expectations to occasionally participate in virtual meetings outside your typical working hours.  Additionally, you must have the willingness to travel internationally (<20%) for events and in-person team gatherings.

Benefits


- $100,000-$120,000 USD depending on the level of seniority

- Medical insurance, dental insurance, and vision insurance - ESP covers 100% of the premium

- 401k plan with match (if based in the United States)

- 2,000 USD home office stipend

- Unlimited paid time off, with a recommended minimum of three weeks per year

- Flexible working hours

- Regular team retreats around the world


ESP is committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, sexual orientation, marital status, ancestry, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, and criminal history, consistent with legal requirements. We encourage folks of all backgrounds and perspectives to apply.


If you require any accommodations, please email us at jobs@earthspecies.org, and we’ll work with you to meet your accessibility needs.


Please submit your application by clicking the link below. Interviews will begin in late January 2025, and we will be in touch with selected candidates at that time.

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What You Should Know About Research Advocate, Earth Species Project

Are you passionate about the intersection of technology and nature? The Earth Species Project (ESP) is on the hunt for a dynamic Research Advocate to join our remote team. Imagine translating the intricate sounds of the natural world, like whale songs and bird calls, into something comprehensible that advances our understanding of animal communications through the power of AI. As our Research Advocate, you'll bridge the gap between our research teams and end-users, ensuring that ESP's groundbreaking models and tools are not just understood but also adopted by various stakeholders, including ethologists and conservationists. Your role will involve creating high-quality written and visual content, showcasing our research projects and organizational strategies through blogs, presentations, and data visualizations. You'll also manage a cohort of early adopters, fostering a community of technical contributors who are just as passionate about animal communication and AI as you are. With your excellent communication skills and creative problem-solving ability, you'll make complex technical concepts accessible and engaging for technical and non-technical audiences alike. This is an opportunity to be part of an innovative non-profit organization dedicated to changing how we perceive and interact with the natural world while working in a fast-paced, collaborative startup environment. If this resonates with you, let's explore how you can contribute to our mission at ESP!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Research Advocate Role at Earth Species Project
What are the responsibilities of a Research Advocate at Earth Species Project?

As a Research Advocate at Earth Species Project, your primary responsibilities will include bridging the communication between research teams and end-users, creating compelling content that conveys complex scientific concepts in an accessible manner, and managing a community of early adopters. You will also engage in community outreach, translating research findings into user-friendly formats, and collaborating across departments to enhance internal communication regarding our scientific achievements.

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What qualifications are needed for the Research Advocate position at Earth Species Project?

To be an ideal candidate for the Research Advocate position at Earth Species Project, you should possess strong technical expertise in machine learning or data science, along with a demonstrated ability to communicate complex ideas effectively. A portfolio showcasing effective scientific communication across written and visual formats is essential. Additionally, excellent organizational, project planning skills, and proficiency in content creation tools are required.

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How does the Earth Species Project support its Research Advocates professionally?

The Earth Species Project supports its Research Advocates by offering a flexible work environment, remote working options, and a culture that encourages innovation and personal development. You will have access to a community of like-minded individuals, resources for professional growth, and regular team retreats that promote collaboration and networking among peers in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

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What impact does a Research Advocate have on the goals of Earth Species Project?

A Research Advocate plays a pivotal role in achieving the Earth Species Project's goals by advocating for the adoption and understanding of ESP's AI-driven research tools. By developing engaging content and building relationships within the research community, you will help shape how ESP is perceived and embraced, which ultimately contributes to expanding the public’s understanding and appreciation of animal communication and technology's role in that space.

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What benefits does the Research Advocate position at Earth Species Project offer?

The benefits for the Research Advocate position at Earth Species Project include a competitive salary ranging from $100,000 to $120,000, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage, a 401k plan with matching contributions, a generous home office stipend, and unlimited paid time off. Additionally, you will be welcomed into a fully remote team, providing flexibility and opportunities for personal growth.

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Common Interview Questions for Research Advocate
Can you explain how you would approach creating written content for technical audiences as a Research Advocate?

To create written content for technical audiences, I would first analyze the audience's existing knowledge, focusing on their needs and interests. I would collaborate with research teams to gather technical data and insights, then distill them into clear, engaging narratives that connect with the audience. Visual aids would complement the text to enhance understanding and retention.

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How would you manage the expectations of early adopters while working as a Research Advocate?

Managing the expectations of early adopters involves clear communication, setting realistic timelines, and regularly updating them on progress. I would establish a feedback loop to listen to their concerns and suggestions actively, ensuring their voices shape the development process and enhance their overall experience with our tools.

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What strategies would you implement to increase user adoption of ESP's models?

To increase user adoption of ESP’s models, I would focus on developing user-friendly documentation, tutorials, and case studies showcasing successful applications of our tools. Additionally, hosting webinars and engaging with the community through social media platforms would help generate interest and provide real-time support to potential users.

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Can you provide an example of how you've turned complex data into an engaging presentation?

Of course! In my previous role, I worked on a project that required presenting complicated research findings. I utilized visualizations effectively, breaking down the data into digestible sections and employing storytelling techniques to contextualize the information. This approach ensured that the audience remained engaged while comprehensively understanding the research outcomes.

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How do you keep yourself organized while working on multiple projects as a Research Advocate?

Staying organized involves maintaining a detailed project management system that outlines deadlines, priorities, and task allocations. I utilize tools like Trello or Asana to track progress and collaborate with team members, ensuring transparency and communication throughout all projects.

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What role do you believe community engagement plays in the work of a Research Advocate?

Community engagement is crucial for a Research Advocate as it builds relationships, fosters collaboration, and amplifies the impact of our research. Engaging with the community leads to valuable insights and shared knowledge that can enhance project outcomes, making our research more relevant and applicable in real-world contexts.

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Describe a time when you had to simplify technical information for a non-technical audience.

In a recent project, I was tasked with presenting complex AI concepts to stakeholders with little technical background. I broke down the concepts by using analogies and relatable examples, ensuring that I focused on the big picture rather than technical minutiae. This strategy resulted in a successful presentation that resonated with the audience.

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What motivates you to work at the intersection of AI and natural sciences?

My motivation stems from a deep passion for understanding and improving our relationship with the natural world. Working at the intersection of AI and natural sciences provides a unique opportunity to leverage technology to advance conservation efforts and promote the understanding of complex animal behaviors, which I find incredibly fulfilling.

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How would you assess the effectiveness of your communication strategies for ESP's outreach?

To assess the effectiveness of communication strategies, I would establish key performance indicators (KPIs) such as user engagement metrics, feedback from surveys, and tracking adoption rates of our tools. Regularly reviewing these metrics helps identify strengths and areas for improvement, allowing me to refine our strategies over time.

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Can you discuss your experience with front-end development and how it pertains to the Research Advocate role?

I have a solid background in front-end development, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. This experience is directly applicable to the Research Advocate role, as it will allow me to collaborate effectively with the engineering team. Being able to understand development constraints and opportunities means I can better create user-friendly visual content that aligns with our technical outputs.

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We are an open-source 501c3 nonprofit based in Berkeley, California, dedicated to decoding animal communication. We believe that an understanding of non-human languages will change human beings’ ecolo...gical impact on this planet.

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Full-time, remote
DATE POSTED
December 21, 2024

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