Overview The National Ecological Observatory Network, Inc. (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.
Location: Boulder, Colorado. Summary: The Assistant Director for Scientific Research Collections will be responsible for planning, implementing and overseeing the archiving and analysis of samples (biological, physical and chemical), tissues, and specimens collected as part of the field-based research of the NEON Observatory. This person will actively collaborate with NEON scientists to determine, document and establish archiving and analytical needs and spearhead outsourcing of archiving and analyses to existing facilities. This person will actively network with museums, collection and archive facilities and related science institutions for the purpose of establishing long-term relationships for archiving NEON Observatory collections, and will pursue appropriate contracting arrangements to support collections and analysis requirements. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Responsible for establishing policies, procedures and facility requirements for NEON Observatory archives and analyses; clearly document the breadth and scope of NEON samples to be archived and analyzed Responsible for researching and overseeing the bid process for external sites to store and manage NEON collections and to fulfill laboratory analytical requirements Establish agreements with archive institutions to curate, manage, loan and provide access to NEON samples and with analytical facilities to conduct laboratory analyses Work with the collection community via technical working groups and related means to explore options for managing a shared collection and associated data and information With input from a technical working group define, develop, recommend, and implement best practices, policies and procedures related to archiving proposed ecological collections Define cataloguing criteria for NEON collections with input from existing institutions and technical working group Work with NEON Science teams to document laboratory analytical requirements Work with NEON Cyber-Infrastructure and Data Product groups to establish an appropriate tracking system for all samples Provide professional expertise to NEON scientists on issues related to archiving, curation and laboratory analyses Work with the NEON Education and Public Engagement Department to help keep the ecological community informed on the process and substance of NEON archived collections Education: MS/PhD in a biological or related science Required Experience: 8-10 years managing, developing and/or curating scientific research collections Established knowledge of standard curation criteria and related information (e.g. typical associated collections metadata; loan practices; deaccessioning) Experience in developing, managing and/or outsourcing laboratory analytical facilities Experience working with government and nongovernment agencies and universities Experience developing and maintaining professional networks to promote and facilitate scientific collaborations Familiarity with databases, particularly the platforms used by many collections in the US, biodiversity data standards, and geo-referencing Preferred Experience: Demonstrated experience and skill negotiating contracts or partnership agreements Experience in implementing or managing inventory and monitoring programs Experience working with government agencies in the context of ecological research History of good communication experience among multiple partners (e.g., academic, government, private) History of active engagement with the natural history collections community Experience working in a collaborative scientific enterprise Skills and Abilities: High degree of problem solving and accountability Open to undertaking responsibilities beyond those associated with individually assigned projects Ability to work independently and as part of an active science team Problem solving skills such that experience, judgment, and creativity to both short and long-term challenges can be successfully applied Self-starter who can create new opportunities, use novel methods, analyses and approaches Ability to work as a member of an interdisciplinary science team and in a business-like manner Ability to interact well with and coordinate the work of others Demonstrated strong oral and written communication skills Apply to www.neoninc.org NEON Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Minorities, Veterans and Disabled Persons are encouraged to apply.
