Strategic Research Consultant (Contract Position)

XPRIZE Overview

XPRIZE is an established global leader in designing and executing large-scale competitions to solve humanity’s greatest challenges. As a 501(c)3, our unique model democratizes innovation by incentivizing crowd-sourced, scientifically viable solutions to create a more equitable and abundant future for all.  Since our founding in 1994, we’ve awarded over $500M in prize purses, inspired thousands of global innovators, and collaborated with the most forward-thinking changemakers of our time. We operate across 7 areas of impact, including:

• Biodiversity & Conservation 
• Climate & Energy
• Food, Water & Waste 
• Deep Tech 
• Space & Exploration 
• Learning & Society 
• Health 

Join XPRIZE to help empower humanity to achieve breakthroughs and architect a more equitable and abundant future for all.

XPRIZE seeks an exceptional leader to spearhead a comprehensive landscape analysis of the global seawater desalination and water industry. The landscape analysis will assess the communication and value of water while building strategic relationships across the sector. This researcher will work directly with the SVP of Partnerships & Impact to develop an authoritative baseline assessment of the $119M XPRIZE Water Scarcity competition. 

This contract position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of seawater desalination technology while building a powerful professional network in the sector. The ideal candidate will combine analytical rigor with relationship-building skills to create lasting impact in the water technology space. The contract will last until December 5, 2025.

Responsibilities:

• Lead an exhaustive landscape analysis of seawater desalination technologies, market dynamics, and water access solutions, creating the definitive pre-competition industry benchmark 
• Develop and nurture relationships with key stakeholders across the water sector, including technology providers, research institutions, industry experts, and potential competition participants 
• Map and engage with centers of excellence in both full system and component level desalination innovations and novel materials/methods for salt-water separation development 
• Identify and analyze emerging technologies and approaches that could contribute to achieving the competition's goals of 1M liters/day sustainable water production and breakthrough desalination materials and methods 
• Build and maintain a network of subject matter experts who can provide insights on technical feasibility, market dynamics, and implementation challenges 
• Create compelling data visualizations and narrative reports that demonstrate the current industry landscape and the transformative potential of the XPRIZE Water Scarcity competition 
• Synthesize findings into actionable intelligence for potential competition participants and stakeholders 
• Facilitate connections between promising innovators and relevant resources, expertise, or opportunities within the water sector 

• Currently pursuing or recently completed an advanced degree (Masters or PhD) in relevant field such as Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Civil Engineering, or related discipline 
• Demonstrated ability to conduct comprehensive technology and market landscape analyses 
• Strong research methodology, data analysis, and technical writing skills. 
• Proficiency in data collection strategies and experience using publicly available data (e.g. World Bank Open Data, FAO AQUASTAT, USGS Water Data, EPA databases, IEA Energy-Water Nexus Data, and UN Water Reports, industry reports by McKinsey, BCG and others, as well as government databases). 
• Strong network within the water technology sector or demonstrated ability to build and maintain professional relationships 
• Excellence in synthesizing complex technical information for diverse audiences 
• Experience with stakeholder engagement and relationship building across academic, industry, and policy sectors 
• Deep understanding of desalination technologies, water treatment processes, or related fields 
• Proven track record of producing high-quality research reports and presentations 
• Outstanding project management skills with ability to drive multiple workstreams independently 
• Exceptional communication skills and ability to engage with technical and non-technical stakeholders 
• Experience with data analysis tools and visualization software (Canva, Visme, Adobe Express, Pixlr) 

• Natural connector who thrives on building meaningful professional relationships 
• Strategic thinker who can identify patterns and opportunities across complex systems 
• Passionate about leveraging networks and knowledge to accelerate innovation in water technology 
• Self-starter with the ability to identify and pursue valuable connections and collaborations 
• Diplomatic and professional in managing relationships with diverse stakeholders 
• Committed to advancing sustainable solutions to address global water scarcity 

The anticipated hourly rate for this position is $25 to $27.50/hour. The actual pay offered will depend on a variety of factors including the qualifications of the individual applicant, years of relevant experience for the role, level of education attained, and certifications and/or other licenses held. XPRIZE is a remote-first environment.

The XPRIZE FOUNDATION is an equal opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate in employment. Equal access to employment, services, and programs is available to all persons. Those applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application and/or interview process should notify a representative of the organization. 

Please note: Though submitting a resume to the XPRIZE FOUNDATION implies that you are interested in a position(s), it does not imply that you are an applicant. You are not considered an applicant until you have been contacted directly by a Talent Acquisitions representative requesting that you begin the designated application process, which may involve phone and/or in-person interview(s), job-related testing, and background checks.