Senior Fellow, Regional Bioeconomies

Assess how prioritizing alternative proteins can grow and sustain circular, biobased economies at the regional level 

The Good Food Institute is a nonprofit think tank working to make the global food system better for the planet, people, and animals. Alongside scientists, businesses, and policymakers, GFI’s teams focus on making plant-based, fermentation-enabled, and cultivated meat delicious, affordable, and accessible. Powered by philanthropy, GFI is an international network of organizations advancing alternative proteins as an essential solution needed to meet the world’s climate, global health, food security, and biodiversity goals.

How You Will Make a Difference

In this role, you will have the opportunity to research and assess how alternative proteins can contribute to, strengthen, and sustain thriving regional bioeconomies. This action-research role sits at the intersection of research-policy-practice, offering the opportunity to inform and shape future policies and practices at the regional level that could be replicated around the world. Working closely with the Senior Vice President of Communications and colleagues from across GFI’s Policy & Government Relations, Science & Technology, Corporate Engagement, and international teams, you will help gather on-the-ground intel from across multiple regions to better understand how regional strategies for prioritizing alternative proteins can contribute to successful bioeconomy goals and plans. The Senior Fellow, Regional Bioeconomies will be responsible for:

• Investigating how alternative proteins can best contribute to and enable regional bioeconomies that balance economic, environmental, and social goals, including creating opportunities across both rural and urban communities that ensure the sustainable use of agricultural, forestry, and aquatic ecosystems. Gathering real-world, regional data on how investing in alternative protein science, manufacturing, and infrastructure is creating opportunities for scientists, farmers, entrepreneurs, and others who make up the local workforce, while also benefiting consumers and the local community. 
• Conducting literature reviews of related and foundational research, including identification of other think tanks, academic institutions, or other research initiatives focused on understanding variables and enabling conditions for the development and sustainability of regional bioeconomies.  
• Identifying and exploring how alternative proteins align with common-ground interests and themes that resonate with broad, bipartisan stakeholders at the regional level, such as future-resilient job creation, future workforce development, rural revitalizations, making the business case for farmers, strengthening regional foodsheds and systems, environmental justice, and food security/access for disadvantaged communities.  
• Identifying specific regions around the world that would be strong candidates for case study analysis and storytelling—ones in different stages of prioritizing alternative proteins across the public, private, and academic sectors as well as civil society and general public. 
• Gathering intel and insights from existing research, as well as from region-based, third-party organizations and partners on the ground. Analyzing and synthesizing findings, and creating/disseminating knowledge-based tools (series of case studies, policy positions, practice notes, concept papers, and other publications). 
• Developing methodologies for providing “how to” guidance for regions interested in replicating the successes and best practices that this work reveals.
• Working in collaboration with the Communications team to identify regional story-telling opportunities, compelling and trusted voices, and influential outlets, platforms, events, and other education and engagement opportunities.  
• Building strong relationships to ensure consistent, accurate information exchange between Communications and other departments, including international affiliates, as well as with external third-party research or publication partners.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Who We’re Looking For

An ideal candidate for the Senior Fellow, Regional Bioeconomies position will have experience that reflects the following:

• Experience: At least 8 years of research, analysis, and communications experience in environment, agriculture, climate, policy, sustainability, or a related field preferred, with increasing levels of responsibility, in a professional workplace, either at a university, government agency, or nonprofit organization.
• Skills: Research and analytical capabilities, with an ability to synthesize complex information into actionable insights. Excellent project management, organizational, and written and verbal communication skills. Highly detail-oriented. Demonstrated strong judgment. 
• Software fluency: Salesforce, Asana, and Google Workspace experience preferred. 
• Adaptability: Capacity to thrive in a dynamic environment and pivot to meet opportunities while advancing strategic priorities. Ability to problem-solve under pressure. Ability to engage with high-level decision-makers, government bodies, and international organizations to gather information, collaborate, and advance shared agendas.
• A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels like they belong.
• Comfort working remotely and in a rapidly growing and evolving organization.
• Strong support for GFI’s philosophy and mission; demonstrated interest in plant-based & other alt proteins, public health, environmentalism, climate change, animal protection, or hunger relief.
• A commitment to GFI’s values: believe change is possible, do the most good we can, share knowledge freely, act on evidence, and invite everyone to the table.

We want the best people and we don’t want biases holding us back. We use a third-party anonymizing tool to redact personal information from submitted applications — including name, location, contact details, and several other factors — to reduce bias and increase fairness in our process. We strongly encourage people of every race, color, orientation, age, gender, origin, and ability to apply. Since we value a diverse workplace, we prioritize an inclusive climate absent of discrimination and harassment during the application process and after you join the team. 

Research indicates that men tend to apply for jobs when they meet just 60% of the criteria, while women and people from other marginalized groups only apply if they are a 100% match. If you are passionate about GFI’s mission and think you have what it takes to be successful in this role even if you don’t check all the boxes, please apply. We’d appreciate the opportunity to consider your application. 

The Fine Print

• Terms of employment: Full-time, exempt
• Reports to: Ilya Sheyman, Chief Executive Officer, with potential transition to alternate reporting structure (e.g. reporting to future VP of Impact). 
• Location: Remote; United States
• Travel: Up to two weeks per year for organization retreats (reasonable accommodations for and exemptions from organization retreats considered on a case-by-case basis).
• Benefits: Working from home, full medical coverage, optional dental and vision packages, a 401(k) plan with employer match, flexible holiday and vacation plans, lifestyle spending account, opportunity for advancement, respectful managers, and supportive colleagues. More information here: https://tinyurl.com/GFIBenefits. 
• This is a U.S.-based position: In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. 
• Salary: $112,178.82 - $117,787.80 (depending on experience and qualifications)

Important Dates

Application deadline: August 28, 2024

Anticipated start date: October 14, 2024