Battelle manages and operates the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) project, which is solely funded by the National Science Foundation. A 30+ year project dedicated to understanding how changes in climate, land use and invasive species impact ecology, the observatory’s scientists and engineers are collecting a comprehensive range of ecological data on a continental scale across 20 eco-climatic domains representing US ecosystems. Our teams use cutting-edge technology, including an airborne observation platform that captures 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 observe and sample populations of diverse organisms and collect soil and water data. Once structures are completed, a leading edge cyberinfrastructure will calibrate, store and publish this information. The Observatory includes more than 500+ personnel and is the first of its kind designed to detect and enable forecasting of ecological change at continental scales.
We are currently seeking Vector-Borne Disease Ecologist. This position is located in Boulder, CO. POSITION SUMMARY: The Vector-Borne Disease Ecologist will be part of the NEON Science Team that is responsible for operating, maintaining, and ensuring the success of a national program to collect >175 data products from 81 sites throughout the US for over 30 years. The Science Team develops, maintains, and improves field and lab protocols, derives data processing algorithms and algorithms for data QA/QC and uncertainty estimates, and supports field personnel to produce high quality data products for the research, education, and decision-making communities. In addition, NEON scientists actively engage the NEON user community through conference attendance, running technical working groups, workshop organization and participation, and collaborations on grants and manuscripts. The Vector-Borne Disease Ecologist will be primarily responsible for NEON’s small mammal and tick sampling and the associated biodiversity and pathogen data products, but should also be eager to contribute their knowledge and expertise to other NEON data products, as needed. MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES: • Review and update the small mammal and tick data products as needed to ensure data quality. • Adjust protocols to address field issues and end user feedback while maintaining network-wide data product consistency. • Support all permitting requirements associated with sampling, including IACUC requirements. • Manage the small mammal and tick working groups to ensure positive engagement with these external advisory groups. • Develop, test, document, and implement algorithms used in data processing and QA/QC. • Develop, test, and evaluate QA/QC of protocols for field sampling. Collaborate with Quality Manager and other NEON scientists to prepare reports and develop recommendations for best practices. • Assist with the data management between outsourced analytical facilities and NEON Cyberinfrastructure team. • Facilitate use of NEON data by providing technical support to and information sharing with external NEON data users and relevant external and/or internal communities via informal (e.g., email) and formal (e.g., presentations) communications. • Collaborate with laboratories, external data users, and NEON scientists to facilitate research and publication. • Contribute to other NEON project deliverables as needed. • Follow NEON and site specific, environmental protection requirements, policy and procedures. • Occasional travel to support field activities, conferences, and workshops is expected. THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS MUST BE MET TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS POSITION: • PhD degree in ecology, evolution, or a related field and 0 - 2 years of experience, OR • Master's degree in ecology, evolution, or a related field and 2 - 5 years of experience, OR • Bachelor's degree in ecology, evolution, or a related field and 5 - 8 years of experience • Experience in small mammal ecology and/or vector-borne disease ecology • Proficiency with R or Python, including scripting to automate data QA/QC tasks. • Significant experience communicating to the research community and federal agencies in a professional environment, with demonstrated experience working in a collaborative scientific enterprise. • High-level of attention to detail is required, with a self-directed and team-oriented work style. • Demonstrated ability and experience with scientific writing and review. • Effective problem-solving skills and the ability to determine and act on changing priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. • Ability to organize and execute multiple activities and priorities. THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS ARE DESIRED, BUT NOT REQUIRED TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS POSITION: • Experience with large-scale inventory and monitoring programs. • Experience with open science/reproducible science workflows, including code sharing on platforms such as GitHub. • Experience using publicly available datasets. • Demonstrated success in scientific publication and securing external research funds. • Proficiency with relational databases (e.g., PostreSQL, Access). To learn more about the NEON Project, visit: https://www.neonscience.org/ To apply: https://www.battelle.org/careers BENEFITS Battelle’s competitive benefits program includes comprehensive medical and dental care, matching 401K, paid time off, flexible spending accounts, disability coverage, and other benefits that help provide financial protection for you and your family. Battelle provides employment and opportunities for advancement, compensation, training, and growth according to individual merit, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, genetic information, disability, military or veteran status, or any other protected classes covered under federal or applicable state and local law. Our goal is for each staff member to have the opportunity to grow to the limits of their abilities and to achieve personal and organizational objectives. We will support positive programs for equal treatment of all staff and full utilization of all qualified employees at all levels within Battelle. For more information about our other openings, please visit www.battelle.org/careers.
