Scientific Director

About IPOS

The International Platform for Ocean Sustainability (IPOS) is an international science-policy platform designed to support States and regional actors in implementing ocean sustainability commitments. IPOS is entering a critically important demonstration phase through the EU-funded TEST-IPOS project, during which its methods, governance and scientific added value will be tested under operational conditions.

About the Role

IPOS is creating a new Scientific Director position to build and lead the scientific function of the platform during this demonstration phase. The role will turn IPOS' scientific strategy into practice: robust methods, co-designed ocean knowledge processes, high-quality outputs, and clear links between implementation experience and the wider scientific community.

Contract: Full-time fixed-term, 18 months, with possibility of evolving into a permanent role. Start date: September/October 2026. Location: France / hybrid; international travel as required. Salary: €58,000–€66,000 gross/year depending on experience.

The Position is Structured Around Three Complementary Functions

1. Scientific Strategy, Standards and Transformative Science

Refine and implement IPOS' scientific strategy, including the scientific standards that guide evidence use, co-design, peer review, uncertainty treatment and scientific quality. Position IPOS as a platform for implementation-oriented and transformative ocean science, bridging knowledge and action while learning from real-world cases to inform future research and global assessments.

2. Scientific Networks, Partnerships and Knowledge Mobilisation

Structure the scientific mobilisation capacity of IPOS, including the Coalition of Scientific Institutions (CSI), thematic working groups, and strategic partnerships with scientific and science-policy organisations. Maintain active intelligence on European and international science-policy developments, particularly in relation to ocean governance.

3. Service Methods, Quality and Learning

Support IPOS implementation pathway processes (Action Requests and Rapid Responses) by ensuring that IPOS methods are scientifically sound, fit for purpose and consistently applied. This includes methodological support to service teams, scientific oversight of peer review and quality control, appropriate framing of AI-enabled evidence synthesis, and contribution to learning processes that improve future service cycles.

Profile

• PhD or equivalent professional experience in environmental governance, sustainability sciences, science-policy interfaces or a related field.
• At least 5–8 years of relevant experience in scientific coordination, assessment processes, expert groups, research-policy work or implementation-oriented ocean science.
• Strong understanding of ocean sustainability challenges and international frameworks.
• Proven ability to work across disciplines and knowledge systems, such as social and natural sciences, policy, stakeholder expertise and local and Indigenous knowledge.
• Excellent analytical and writing skills in English; ability to structure complex material into clear strategic and operational documents.

Desirable Experience

• Experience with co-design approaches in ocean science or sustainability science.
• Experience with peer review, uncertainty treatment, quality assurance, scientific valorisation or multi-author scientific outputs.
• Familiarity with AI-enabled evidence synthesis tools and their scientific limits.
• French language skills are an asset but not required.

Benefits

• Gross annual salary: €58,000–€66,000 depending on experience and profile.
• Complementary health insurance.
• Partial reimbursement of public transport costs.

How to Apply

Please submit a CV, a cover letter, one relevant writing sample and the names of two referees to lucas.becquet@ipos.earth and tanya.brodierudolph@ipos.earth.

Deadline: 28 June 2026.