Overview The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) is a nonprofit science corporation 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 be the first of its kind designed to detect and enable forecasting of ecological change at continental scales.
Summary: The Biogeochemist will be responsible for the conceptual basis of the data products and development of the field and lab protocols, QA/QC, calibration and uncertainty tracking for these data products. These data products will be collected across the nation and over time, producing a unique time-space record of how biogeochemistry is changing, and how those changes reflect effects in climate, land use and species composition. The Biogeochemist will work with NEON scientists and other experts to develop appropriate data formats for public data access, coordinate information sharing with relevant communities, work with collaborating laboratories and NEON scientists to facilitate publication of results, and collaborate with other NEON scientists to prepare reports and develop recommendations for best practices, future analyses and data processing. The Biogeochemist will participate in the larger NEON science community, including participating in independent research and collaborations and attending meetings and conferences to involve the broadest possible user community. The Biogeochemist will work closely with NEON’s entire science team, including aquatic biogeochemists, flux measurement experts, and NEON’s modeling group. While much of the Biogeochemist’s work will be defining procedures and protocols for data products, many of the applications of these data products will be in complex analyses and models, so a background in biogeochemical modeling is desirable. Education: • PhD in biogeochemistry, ecology, ecosystem science, evolutionary biology, or related field. • Specific knowledge in physiological ecology or ecosystem ecology. Required Experience: • Specific knowledge of biogeochemical analyses including stable isotopes. • 5 years experience or familiarity with planning surveillance schemes, analyzing data and refining approach based on results. Preferred Experience: • Experience working with chemical analyses of plants and/or soils. • Experience analyzing large scale biogeochemical datasets • Experience working with biogeochemical modeling Skills and Abilities: • Skilled at scientific writing and review • Strong communication and interpersonal skills • Experience working in a collaborative scientific enterprise • Open to undertaking responsibilities beyond those associated with individual research projects • Ability to work independently and as part of an active science team • Problem solver who can successfully apply experience, judgment, and creativity to both short- and long-term challenges Physical Abilities: • The candidate may be exposed to conditions in the field, and therefore must be able to traverse uneven ground such as dirt banks, stream beds, and shallow ponds carrying equipment and materials up to 40 lbs. Apply to: www.neoninc.org NEON Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Minorities, Veterans and Disabled Persons are encouraged to apply.
