Job Summary

Drexel University's Department of Civil, Architectural & Environmental Engineering invites applications for a part-time Research Coordinator to assist in the development of a neighborhood climate resilience plan through research, stakeholder engagement, and data analysis.

The Sustainable Water Resource Engineering (SWRE) Laboratory at Drexel University, housed within the Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering and led by Dr. Franco Montalto, conducts applied, interdisciplinary, and community-engaged research on climate resilience in urban environments. With a focus on extreme heat, extreme precipitation, and nature-based solutions, the lab partners with communities, utilities, and government agencies across the Northeast U.S. to support sustainable and equitable urban adaptation strategies. As part of this work, the SWRE Lab is collaborating with a local community-based organization to support the development of a climate resilience plan for a frontline Philadelphia neighborhood. This position will play a key role in advancing that collaborative planning process, which centers community voices and addresses intersecting issues of disinvestment, extreme heat, dumping, and energy equity.

Essential Functions

•  Support the Lab Manager and Principal Investigator (PI) in the management and analysis of data for project deliverables and reports.
• Facilitate the development of literature reviews, graphics, maps, and/or visual heuristics needed to support the preparation of the climate resilience plan and related presentations.
• Lead in-person engagement with community leaders and key stakeholders to co-develop climate adaptation strategies, with virtual support from the Lab Manager.
• Provide as-needed support for administrative project tasks and operations (e.g., collecting receipts, coordinating logistics for travel or meetings).
• Lead mapping and spatial analysis tasks using tools such as ArcGIS and related software in support of the planning process. 

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree. 
• Minimum of 1 year of experience. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in civil/environmental engineering, environmental science, climate change adaptation, or other related field
• Minimum of three (3) years of professional work experience.
• Some experience working in a university or laboratory research setting.
• Some experience managing multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong interest in nature-based solutions, water resources, green infrastructure, urban sustainability, climate change adaptation, environmental justice and related fields.
• Excellent organizational, writing, and oral communication skills. Proven ability to be self-directed and independently manage time, budgets, and expectations.
• Experience with grant writing and/or scientific writing for peer-reviewed journal submissions. 
• Experience using ArcGIS and/or similar mapping tools.
• Experience organizing events and community activities.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize tasks in order to meet impending deadlines.
• Willing and able to work outside, even in adverse weather conditions.
• Willingness to work in the Greater Philadelphia Area.

Physical Demands

• Typically sitting at a desk/table
• Typically standing, walking
• Lifting demands ≤ 25lbs

Location

• Hybrid/Flexible Work Arrangement

Additional Information
This is a Part-Time Temporary position classified as Non-Exempt. The offered pay is based on the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience, department budget, and an internal equity review.

For information about benefits, please review Drexel’s Per Diem/Casual/Temporary Benefit Fact Sheet.

Special Instructions to the Applicant
Please make sure you upload your CV/resume and cover letter when submitting your application.

A review of applicants will begin once a suitable candidate pool is identified.