Principal Research Scientist – Amazon – Seattle, WA (USA) – $294,700/year

Join us at the cutting edge of Amazon’s sustainability initiatives and drive environmental and social advancements to support Amazon’s long-term global sustainability strategy. We are looking for exceptionally talented individuals to be part of our mission to become the most customer-centric company on earth. As part of our team, you will work on impactful projects that help build a more resilient and sustainable future.

The Worldwide Sustainability (WWS) organization leverages Amazon’s scale and speed to manage our global social and environmental impacts. The Sustainability Science and Innovation (SSI) team combines science, analytics, economics, and machine learning to develop and evaluate the innovations needed for Amazon and its customers to meet their sustainability goals.

About the Role

We’re seeking a Senior Principal Scientist for Sustainability and Climate AI to drive technical strategy and innovation through AI and ML. In this role, you’ll serve as the strategic advisor to leadership, influencing next-generation modeling standards and tackling complex modeling problems using the latest sustainability and climate sciences. You will stay ahead of emergent trends in sustainability and machine learning, guiding decision-making across Amazon’s decarbonization strategies, ESG compliance, and risk management.

As a thought leader, you will collaborate with the Climate Pledge team to shape strategies and influence investment in sustainability innovations. Your leadership will extend to planning, hiring, mentorship, and the development of future scientists and engineers within the Worldwide Sustainability team.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive technical strategy and innovation for long-term sustainability and climate commitments through AI and ML.
• Set modeling standards for the team and address complex modeling problems using cutting-edge sustainability sciences.
• Translate scientific recommendations to leadership and guide strategic decision-making.
• Collaborate with the Climate Pledge team to define strategies based on emergent science and technology trends.
• Lead mentorship and development programs for junior scientists and engineers.

Basic Qualifications

• 15+ years of relevant, broad research experience post-graduate degree.
• Deep expertise in climate science, environmental science, and computational sustainability.
• Working knowledge of machine learning and artificial intelligence for sustainability and climate.
• Proficiency in programming for models, algorithms, and code reviews.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in climate science, environmental sciences, computational sustainability, mathematics, economics, or related quantitative discipline.
• 15+ years of climate science and climate tech research experience.
• Experience delivering complex global forecasting systems at scale.
• Strong communication skills for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience with mentorship and management of senior scientists and engineers.

Why Join Us?

We value diverse experiences and encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply. Our team fosters an inclusive culture that embraces learning and curiosity. You’ll find continuous knowledge-sharing, mentorship opportunities, and resources to support your career growth. We believe in work-life harmony and offer flexible work arrangements to help you achieve success both at work and at home.

Compensation & Benefits

Amazon offers a competitive compensation package, including:

• Base salary ranging from $170,500 to $294,700/year, depending on experience and location.
• Comprehensive benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Equity, sign-on payments, and other forms of compensation as part of the total package.
• Opportunities for career growth and professional development.

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How to Apply

Apply now to become a Principal Research Scientist and contribute to Amazon’s long-term sustainability strategy, driving innovation at the intersection of climate science and technology!