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 Project Manager, the Project Scientist is responsible for the day-to-day management of the science product teams assuring the quality of science and meeting schedules, budgets and the production of work products. The Project Scientist coordinates the design, development and implementation of the scientific activities of the Project and assures the overall scientific integrity of the information and facilities produced by the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON). Essential Duties and Responsibilities: • Ensures the integrity, traceability and viability of the NEON scientific requirements in the design, development and implementation activities of the NEON construction project. S/he will be responsible for performing the necessary science trade-off studies and articulating alternative solutions as necessary. • Leads and manages the NEON scientific teams (Fundamental Instrument Unit, Fundamental Sampling Unit, Aquatics, and Collections & Laboratory Analysis) in their timely execution of project activities leading to the delivery of scientific products. • Facilitates the timely delivery of Data Products through the development of sampling protocols, provision of algorithms for data processing, identification of sensor suppliers, development of the three airborne payloads, and the oversight of the relevant contracts and procurements. • Defines and implements the NEON Commissioning activities that lead to the verification of NEON science requirements, ensuring that all data adheres to NEON quality standards. • Serves as the primary scientific liaison between the NEON Construction and Operations projects. S/he will interact with other Product Team Leaders in the execution of project activities to ensure the adequate implementation of scientific requirements. S/he will represent the NEON Construction project in the Science, Technology and Education Advisory Group (STEAG), as well as in national and international science meetings and forums. S/he will foster scientific collaboration between the various NEON stakeholders and interact widely with the user community on NEON policies where related to science. • Facilitates scientific partnerships between the NEON Construction project, government agencies (e.g., EPA, USDA, DoI, NOAA, DoE, USGS), and other national and international partners. S/he is responsible for stewardship of the external partnerships needed to develop and review NEON’s science products. • Follow NEON policy and procedures. Required Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills: • PhD with at least 10 years of expertise and established record of outstanding scholarly achievement in ecology or other discipline related to the NEON Science mission. • Very effective program management experience to include leading and managing large and interdisciplinary teams of scientists, as well as coordinating the design, development, and implementation of multiple, diverse projects and the teams of scientists supporting them. • Very effective interpersonal/communication skills, especially with regard to team building among diverse professional and technically-trained staff, with the ability to translate the needs/responsibilities of the project to the science teams. • Extensive experience successfully advocating for a scientific organization to government agencies, funding organizations, and other stakeholders. • Highly regarded scientific credentials, with an outstanding record of achievement. • Broad knowledge of ecological sciences and related fields applicable to NEON including one or more of the following: taxonomy and systematics, evolutionary biology, epidemiology, remote sensing and informatics. Knowledge of biodiversity, disease, population, or community ecology is desirable. • Experience with/understanding of planning, development, implementation, operation and supervision of ecological field studies, analytical laboratories, and data collection. • Knowledge of field and instrument sampling and measurement techniques. • Experience leading the organization of scientific meetings, from small gatherings to large conferences (< 10 to > 1000 attendees). Preferred Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills: • Broadly trained in field-based ecology and related sciences relevant to NEON. • 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. • Experience in developing and communicating science policy and plans. • Familiarity with development and commissioning of large-scale science projects with distributed sites and management. • Experience in implementing or managing inventory and monitoring programs. • History of good communication experience among multiple partners -- academic, government, nonprofit and private. • Knowledge of field-based biology protocols and best practices. • Direct experience working with field crews and field stations. • Experience working in a collaborative scientific enterprise or project. • 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. Term: This is a term position with work scheduled until end of construction, which is anticipated to be September 30, 2017. Must have permanent authorization for US employment. Applications accepted until May 23, 2014 NEON Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Minorities, Veterans and Disabled Persons are encouraged to apply. APPLY: http://www.neoninc.org/jobs/ProjectScientist2014
