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.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities: •Develop and oversee sampling designs to track abundance, diversity, phenology, and population dynamics of ground-dwelling beetles and mosquitoes. •Develop and oversee NEON invertebrate identification design, including DNA barcode libraries for selected taxa. •Develop QA/QC protocols for field sampling and data processing. •Develop the scientific rationale for scientific measurements and methods. •Coordinate outsourced lab selection and oversee contracts •Work with NEON scientists to develop useful data products and analyses for the NEON data. •Work with NEON scientists to develop appropriate ways to maintain data and 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. Education: •PhD in ecology, evolution, or related field Experience: •5 years research experience (including PhD research) in insect ecology, specifically related to ground-dwelling beetles or mosquitoes •5 years field experience (including PhD research), familiarity with pitfall trapping methods, mosquito trapping methods, insect identification, collections, and/or DNA barcoding. •Experience working in a collaborative scientific enterprise Skills and Abilities: •Scientific writing and review •Proficiency in analyses that correlate biological data with abiotic variables and ability to perform such analyses within a geospatial framework •Ability to work independently, but as part of an active Science team •Strong communication and interpersonal skills •Undertake responsibilities beyond those associated with individual research projects Physical Requirements: •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.
