Application Guide

How to Apply for Climate Science Serving America Fellowship

at Project Drawdown

🏢 About Project Drawdown

Project Drawdown is unique as the world's leading authority on science-based climate solutions, operating independently to drive actionable change through rigorous research and storytelling rather than advocacy. Working here offers the opportunity to contribute to their mission of stopping climate change through evidence-based approaches that directly inform real-world decisions across sectors.

About This Role

This fellowship involves conducting applied research on climate solutions to produce actionable insights for decision-makers, while serving as a public-facing expert who translates science into practical guidance for communities, nonprofits, and businesses. It's impactful because it bridges the gap between climate science and implementation, directly advancing Project Drawdown's mission to scale proven solutions.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve analyzing climate solution data and research in the morning, then collaborating remotely with team members on research initiatives, followed by preparing stakeholder presentations or public communications. This could include translating technical findings into accessible formats while advising external partners on solution implementation.

🚀 Application Tools

Generate Cover Letter

AI-powered, tailored for Project Drawdown

Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

🎯 Who Project Drawdown Is Looking For

  • Demonstrated passion for climate solutions with experience in research, analysis, or applied science (even if informal)
  • Strong communication skills with ability to translate complex climate science for diverse audiences including stakeholders and the public
  • Proven ability to collaborate across disciplines and engage with communities or organizations in climate-related work
  • Self-motivated with experience managing projects or initiatives independently in remote settings

📝 Tips for Applying to Project Drawdown

1

Highlight specific climate solution areas you've researched or worked on, referencing Project Drawdown's existing solution categories

2

Demonstrate how you've previously translated science into action, even in volunteer or academic settings

3

Show familiarity with Project Drawdown's research methodology and framework in your application materials

4

Include examples of public-facing work or stakeholder engagement related to climate solutions

5

Emphasize remote collaboration experience and self-directed project management capabilities

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your understanding of Project Drawdown's science-based approach and how it aligns with your climate work philosophy", 'Specific examples of translating climate research into actionable insights or real-world impact', 'Experience engaging diverse stakeholders (communities, organizations, businesses) on climate solutions', 'How you would contribute to both research excellence and public communication in this fellowship']

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Study Project Drawdown's solution categories and research methodology framework thoroughly
  • → Review their recent publications and reports to understand current research priorities
  • → Explore their stakeholder engagement examples and partnership models
  • → Understand their communication style through their website, social media, and public presentations

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach researching a new climate solution to make it actionable for stakeholders?
2 Describe a time you had to communicate complex climate science to a non-expert audience
3 What Project Drawdown solution area most interests you and how would you contribute to it?
4 How do you balance rigorous research with the need for timely, practical climate solutions?
5 Describe your experience working remotely and collaborating across teams on climate projects
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing only on climate advocacy without demonstrating understanding of science-based solutions
  • Presenting generic climate interest without specific examples of research or applied work
  • Neglecting to show how you would contribute to both research and public engagement aspects of the role

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Project Drawdown!

← Back to Job Listing Apply Now →