Quantitative Ecologist Boulder, CO
Job Summary
Reporting to the Assistant Director for Aquatic Sciences the
Quantitative Ecologist will work closely with members of the Aquatic
Team in their effort to develop the Program and STREON experiment.
Further, the Quantitative Ecologist will perform a variety of
leadership tasks and will bring to the team a broad range of
scientific expertise. The Quantitative Ecologist will also 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 Aquatic team is
involved in several related science areas, including freshwater
(surface and groundwater) and sediment chemistry; algae and aquatic
plants, invertebrates, microbes and fish; stream morphology and lake
bathymetry; riparian mapping; stream discharge; meteorology and the
STREON experiment. The Quantitative Ecologist will develop
groundbreaking approaches to statistical work aimed at developing and
validating data algorithms in support of data product development.
The Quantitative Ecologist will be responsible for guiding the
Aquatic team directive in data product development and work closely
with Computer Scientists, Information Technologists and System
Engineers, to develop requirements in support of the roll-out of data
and data products during the Commissioning of the Observatory.
Further, the Quantitative Ecologist 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 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 & Responsibilities
* Coordinate and collaborate 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' science areas.
* 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 Computer Scientists, 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, and Skills
* PhD in Aquatic Ecology, Biology, Limnology, Natural Resources or
related field.
* Proven experience in database management (MySQL, Oracle)
applications, database concepts, programming and scripting languages
(e.g. R, Matlab, python)
* Demonstrated ability in applying statistical methods to the
prospective design and analysis of scientific problems.
* 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.
* Self-starter, who can create new opportunities, use of novel
methods, analyses and approaches to enable continental-scale research.
* Scientific writing skills with a proven article or technical
publication record in a science 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.
Preferred Education, Experience, Knowledge, and Skills
* Two (2) or more (post PhD) years' experience in advanced ecological
research, natural resources management or related field.
* Knowledge of field-based aquatic ecology and limnology protocols
and best practices.
* Experience using highly effective organizational skills to
complete projects, with an ability to prioritize, perform and
complete several tasks concurrently.
* Experience with statistical and modeling experience in large scale
ecology.
* Experience using and applying Bayesian methods to scientific research.
* History of active engagement with the ecological and natural
resources management communities.
* History of effective communication experience among multiple
partners -- academic, government, nonprofit and private.
* 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.
* Experience using and applying Bayesian methods to scientific research.
Must have permanent authorization for US employment
Apply to: www.neoninc.org
NEON Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Minorities,
Veterans and Disabled Persons are encouraged to apply.
