Staff Scientist (Aquatic Ecologist) 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, re-locatable, 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 cyber-infrastructure 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. Summary: Reporting to the Assistant Director for Aquatic Sciences the Staff Scientist will work closely with members of the Aquatic Team in their effort to develop the Program and STREON experiment. Further, the Staff Scientist will perform a variety of leadership tasks and will bring to the team a broad range of scientific expertise as well as support active engagement between the Observatory and the broader science community and promote scientific advancements in continental-scale ecology relevant to the observatory mission. The areas of science the Aquatic team covers includes freshwater (surface and groundwater) and sediment chemistry; algae and aquatic plants, invertebrates, microbes and fish; stream morphology and lake bathymetry; stream discharge; and the STREON experiment. The Staff Scientist will develop groundbreaking approaches to statistical work aimed at developing and validating data algorithms in support of data product development. The Staff Scientist will be responsible for guiding the Aquatic team directive in data product development and work closely with Cyberinfrastructure, Data Products and System Engineering to develop requirements in support of the roll-out of data and data products during Commissioning. Further, the Staff Scientist will provide guidance and statistical support in developing approaches to optimize ecological sampling designs and data analyses. Particular emphasis will be on assisting with evaluation of spatial sampling designs and temporal sampling strategies for a wide range of physical, biological and chemical measurements. The ideal candidate will also have the capability to develop approaches for quantifying and tracking uncertainty, QA/QC, calculating error budgets, and developing models for trend detection. This position is located in Boulder, CO at the Headquarters for the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON). Essential Duties and Responsibilities: * Work with the Aquatic team and the external user community to promote the use and scientific impact of NEON data, data products and infrastructure assets. * Develop code to test and validate Algorithm Theoretical Based Documents (ATBD) algorithms. * Develop, test and assist with the implementation of statistical and modeling applications relevant to Aquatics * Play a key leadership role in developing and utilizing statistical and modeling strategies to optimize Aquatic sampling designs and in developing integrated statistical analyses. * Provide critical input to field protocol development and QA/QC plans. * Conduct statistical analyses and modeling in collaboration with science staff and external experts. * Participate in the development and approval of standardized documentation for these processes * Collaborate with NEON Cyber-Infrastructure, Data Products and Science teams as well as external users to optimize data product roll-out. * Provide training to users on specialized applications as needed. * Communicate efforts to the ecological community (e.g. presentations, reports, publications). * Travel to meetings and or national conferences. Required Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills: * PhD in Aquatic Ecology, Biology, Natural Resources or related field with preference for Limnological research experience. * Two (2) or more (post PhD) years' experience in advanced ecological research, natural resources management or related field. * Demonstrated expert-level communication skills to ensure candidate will effectively explain Observatory mission requirements, present solutions to internal issues, and influence management or external sponsors in areas of expertise relevant to NEON. * Proven experience in database management (MySQL, Oracle) applications, database concepts, major programming languages (e.g. C/C+), and scripting languages (e.g. Python). * Demonstrated ability in applying statistical methods to the prospective design and analysis of scientific problems. * Experience in using and applying Bayesian methods to scientific research. * Demonstrated interpersonal skills with the ability to interact effectively with a wide range of scientific, technical, and management staff, stakeholders, and the public. * Experience addressing science questions at broad geographic scales; preferably at the regional to continental scale. * Solid analytical and creative problem solving skills - demonstrated ability to successfully apply experience and judgment to both short- and long-term challenges. * Ability to work independently and as part of an active science team. * Scientific writing and review skills as proven by a strong publication record and record of review of peer reviewed publications in a science field. Editorial experience a plus. Preferred Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills: * Four (4) or more years' experience in aquatic ecological research, natural resources management or related field. * Experience addressing science questions at broad geographic scales; preferably at the regional to continental scale. * Experience with statistical and modeling experience in large scale ecology. * History of active engagement with the ecological and natural resources management communities. * History of good communication experience among multiple partners -- academic, government, nonprofit and private. * Knowledge of field-based aquatic ecology and limnology protocols and best practices. * Experience working in a collaborative scientific enterprise or project particularly with engineering and informatics staff. * Ability to coach, mentor and counsel junior scientists with a wide range of experience, skills and interests. * Self-starter, who can create new opportunities, use novel methods, analyses and approaches to enable continental-scale research. Must have permanent authorization for US employment. Please apply to: www.neoninc.org<http://www.neoninc.org> NEON Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Minorities, Veterans and Disabled Persons are encouraged to apply.
