Overview The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) is a $430 million dollar observatory project dedicated to understanding how changes in climate, land use and invasive species impact ecology. For the next three decades NEON will collect a comprehensive range of ecological data on a continental scale across 20 eco-climatic domains representing US ecosystems. NEON will use cutting edge technology including an airborne observation platform that will capture images of regional landscapes and vegetation; mobile, relocatable, and fixed data collection sites with automated ground sensors to monitor soil and atmosphere; and trained field crews who will observe and sample populations of diverse organisms and collect soil and water data. A leading edge cyberinfrastructure will calibrate, store and publish this information. The Observatory will grow to 300+ personnel and will be the first of its kind designed to detect and enable forecasting of ecological change at continental scales.
Timeline: This position is funded for a six month assignment. Summary: Reporting to the Senior Supervising Scientist for FIU, the Test Scientist will evaluate the minirhizotron sensor performance in laboratory and field settings. The evaluation will include performing the tests, collecting and managing data, performing statistical analyses, and synthesizing findings. The findings from the testing will be used to produce a report written by the successful applicant, which in turn, will inform the NEON design. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: • Test image collection to estimate repeatability, resolution, accuracy, and functional properties of the minirhizotrons. • Develop additional tests as needed to further evaluate minirhizotron performance. (A series of initial tests have already been developed by NEON personnel, but we expect additional tests will be required). • Statistical analyses of the data and synthesize findings. • Archiving the data (and related metadata), so that additional analyses can be performed in the future if necessary. • Produce a written report that describes the tests and results that were performed, as well as the synthesized findings Required Experience: • Conducting experiments and managing data • Performing statistical analyses • Synthesizing findings and writing technical reports and/or scientific papers Education: • Undergraduate degree either ecology (ecophysiology, root ecology, soil ecology), or in engineering (electrical, mechanical, sensor technologies), or a related field • Preferred: Graduate degree either ecology (ecophysiology, root ecology, soil ecology), or in engineering (electrical, mechanical, sensor technologies), or a related field Preferred Experience: • Experience in sensor acquisition or measurement technologies • Using minirhizotrons and processing minirhizotron images • Experience using minirhizotrons in a variety of ecosystems and soil types • Experience linking minirhizotron data with other ecological measurements Skills and Abilities: • Experience working in a collaborative scientific enterprise • Ability to work independently and as part of an active science team • Strong communication and interpersonal skills To Apply: go to www.neoninc.org NEON Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Minorities, Veterans and Disabled Persons are encouraged to apply.
