Sunlight reflection may be one of the only tools—alongside rapid emissions reductions, adaptation, and large-scale carbon removal—that could meaningfully reduce climate risks over the coming decades. But today, we do not have the evidence base needed to make informed decisions about whether, when, or how it should ever be used. Most of the most consequential uncertainties cannot be resolved with models and lab studies alone—and we are not currently on a path toward timely, legitimate decision-making.
Reflective is a philanthropically-funded nonprofit working to close that gap. Our mission is to equip the world with the data and tools needed to make informed decisions about SAI, fast enough to matter.
We’re building a small, high-trust team to take on problems that are technically hard, politically complex, and deeply consequential. We care less about your exact background and more about how you think and work. Do you approach complex problems with rigor and humility? Can you operate productively in ambiguity—building structure where none exists, and revising it as new evidence emerges? Do you hold yourself to a high bar for analytical clarity and written communication? Are you motivated by the responsibility that comes with working on research that may affect millions of lives?
If you’re excited by careful, high-impact research—and by doing it in a way that earns public trust—we’d love to hear from you.
We have a slight preference for candidates who can work from our Bay Area office 2-3 days/week. However, we are open to candidates based anywhere in the world who can overlap with our core working hours. We may be able to sponsor visas for US-based foreign nationals and have a moving stipend to support candidates who would like to relocate to the Bay Area.
But regardless of location, we love seeing each other in person and believe regular co-location helps improve collaboration and team culture. As such, we plan regular team co-working weeks, typically in the Bay Area. This role may entail additional travel (up to 1x per month) for conferences, external meetings, and team gatherings. Of course, we cover those travel costs.
At Reflective, recruiting, hiring, mentoring, and retaining a diverse workforce is critical to our success. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
Reflective is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Please note since this is an open-ended call not tied to a specific role, we will not respond to all pitch applications. If we see something relevant to our needs, we will contact you. Thank you for your interest in joining our team!
What We Do
Sunlight reflection may be the only available option, alongside dramatic emissions reductions, adaptation, and rapid scaling of carbon removal, to rapidly limit many climate impacts over the coming decades. But we don’t know nearly enough about it to make a scientifically-informed decision about potential deployment – and we’re not on a trajectory for rapid, legitimate decision making. Reflective is a philanthropically-funded initiative to develop the necessary knowledge base and do the requisite technology research and development, urgently and responsibly.
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