Research Scientist, WW Sustainability

Mid • On-site

$136,000 - $212,800/yr

Seattle, WA , +2

DESCRIPTION

Join the Worldwide Sustainability (WWS) organization where we capitalize on our size, scale, and inventive culture to build a more resilient and sustainable company. WWS manages our social and environmental impacts globally, driving solutions that enable our customers, businesses, and the world around us to become more sustainable.

Sustainability Science and Innovation is a multi-disciplinary team within the WW Sustainability organization that combines science, analytics, economics, statistics, machine learning, product development, and engineering expertise to identify, evaluate and/or develop new science, technologies, and innovations that aim to address long-term sustainability challenges.

We are looking for a Research Scientist to help us develop and drive innovative scientific solutions that will improve the sustainability of materials in our products, packaging, operations, and infrastructure. You will be at the forefront of exploring and resolving complex sustainability issues, bringing innovative ideas to the table, and making meaningful contributions to projects across SSI’s portfolio. This role not only demands technical expertise but also a strategic mindset and the agility to adapt to evolving sustainability challenges through self-driven learning and exploration.

In this role, you will leverage your breadth of expertise in AI models and methodologies and industrial research experience to build scientific tools that inform sustainability strategies related to materials and energy. The successful applicant will lead by example, pioneering science-vetted data-driven approaches, and working collaboratively to implement strategies that align with Amazon’s long-term sustainability vision.

Key job responsibilities
- Develop scientific models that help solve complex and ambiguous sustainability problems, and extract strategic learnings from large datasets.
- Work closely with applied scientists and software engineers to implement your scientific models.
- Support early-stage strategic sustainability initiatives and effectively learn from, collaborate with, and influence stakeholders to scale-up high-value initiatives.
- Support research and development of cross-cutting technologies for industrial decarbonization, including building the data foundation and analytics for new AI models.
- Drive innovation in key focus areas including packaging materials, building materials, and alternative fuels.

About the team
Diverse Experiences:
World Wide Sustainability (WWS) values diverse experiences. Even if you do not meet all of the qualifications and skills listed in the job description, we encourage candidates to apply. If your career is just starting, hasn’t followed a traditional path, or includes alternative experiences, don’t let it stop you from applying.

Inclusive Team Culture:
It’s in our nature to learn and be curious. Our employee-led affinity groups foster a culture of inclusion that empower us to be proud of our differences. Ongoing events and learning experiences, including our Conversations on Race and Ethnicity (CORE) and AmazeCon conferences, inspire us to never stop embracing our uniqueness.

Mentorship & Career Growth:
We’re continuously raising our performance bar as we strive to become Earth’s Best Employer. That’s why you’ll find endless knowledge-sharing, mentorship and other career-advancing resources here to help you develop into a better-rounded professional.

Work/Life Balance:
We value work-life harmony. Achieving success at work should never come at the expense of sacrifices at home, which is why flexible work hours and arrangements are part of our culture. When we feel supported in the workplace and at home, there’s nothing we can’t achieve.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

- PhD in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related technical field
- 2+ years of industry experience (post graduate work)
- Experience identifying and framing new research problems where no established solutions exist
- Hands-on experience with advanced machine learning techniques, AI models, and building foundational data
- Strong technical communication skills with an emphasis on writing
- Strong ability to work autonomously and deliver results

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

- Deep expertise in sustainability-related modeling approaches, such as emissions forecasting, techno-economic modeling, or environmental impact assessment
- Experience leading scientific reviews and building consensus across multiple teams
- Track record of delivering solutions that significantly impact organizational goals, particularly in sustainability or environmental contexts
- Publication history in top-tier conferences or journals in relevant fields, with demonstrated ability to influence organization-level scientific strategy and roadmaps

Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.

Los Angeles County applicants: Job duties for this position include: work safely and cooperatively with other employees, supervisors, and staff; adhere to standards of excellence despite stressful conditions; communicate effectively and respectfully with employees, supervisors, and staff to ensure exceptional customer service; and follow all federal, state, and local laws and Company policies. Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position. These include the duties and responsibilities listed above, as well as the abilities to adhere to company policies, exercise sound judgment, effectively manage stress and work safely and respectfully with others, exhibit trustworthiness and professionalism, and safeguard business operations and the Company’s reputation. Pursuant to the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.

Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several US geographic markets. The base pay for this position ranges from $136,000/year in our lowest geographic market up to $212,800/year in our highest geographic market. Pay is based on a number of factors including market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Amazon is a total compensation company. Dependent on the position offered, equity, sign-on payments, and other forms of compensation may be provided as part of a total compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits. For more information, please visit https://www.aboutamazon.com/workplace/employee-benefits. This position will remain posted until filled. Applicants should apply via our internal or external career site.

Amazon

Amazon.com, Inc. founded in 1994 by Jeff Bezos in the cozy confines of his Seattle garage, Amazon.com, Inc. quickly evolved from a humble online bookstore to a colossal e-commerce powerhouse. Today, it offers an extensive range of products from DVDs and electronics to furniture and groceries. With a global footprint that spans continents—from Canada and the UK to Japan and Brazil—Amazon's presence is truly international. The company has not only diversified into various domains, including acquiring Twitch in 2014 and venturing into the film industry in 2015, but also introduced initiatives like the brand registry program to safeguard intellectual property. Despite the hurdles of labor relations and competitive practices, Amazon remains a dominant force in the global e-commerce landscape.