Description: Modeling 21st-century boreal forests and fire. As part of a multi-institution NSF project, The Forest Futures Lab at Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies seeks a Ph.D. level data scientist to project future fire and ecosystem dynamics in the boreal forest of western North America with a state-of-the-art simulation model. Specifically, the data scientist will use simulations to assess the fire, forest, and topographic characteristics that render boreal ecosystems vulnerable to state shift after fire and project 21st-century carbon storage and forest landscape change. The successful candidate will be supervised by Dr. Winslow Hansen and will work with a vibrant team to conduct ensemble simulations in a cluster environment; analyze and interpret model output; and contribute to communication of results in a variety of forms, including peer-reviewed journal articles. The data scientist will also work with collaborators to develop interactive, engaging, and accessible data summaries and visualizations of scientific data for non-academic audiences. This may include web applications and spatial products developed with Python, R or other programming languages.

Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies is the world’s premier think tank on ecosystem science. It is a uniquely collaborative and welcoming institution. The successful candidate will be provided resources for travel related to the project and will have many opportunities for professional development beyond the project. For additional information on the Forest Futures Lab, visit http://forestfutureslab.org/. For additional information about Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, visit https://www.caryinstitute.org/.

Duration: This is a full time, exempt, fully benefited position for one year and is renewable for additional years contingent upon successful performance and funding. Annual salary ranges from $70,000 - $85,000 depending on experience plus a highly competitive benefits and time-off package. A start date of January 1, 2025 is preferred.

Location: Millbrook, NY but hybrid or remote work will be considered for the right candidate.

Qualifications: Applicants must have completed a PhD in ecology and have two years or more experience as a postdoctoral associate. They must have demonstrated ability to publish in academic journals and produce accessible data summaries. The ideal candidate will have experience with both ecology and data sciences. We seek candidates with strong analytical skills and experience in geospatial analysis, web applications, and programming. Strong expertise in Python, R, Javascript, and/or C++ is required. Experience working in an HPC environment is preferred. We are particularly seeking candidates who have experience working at the boundary of science and decision making and are passionate about using data for real-world impact.

To Apply: Please complete an online application at http://www.caryinstitute.org/who-we-are/jobs. As a single PDF, please also upload a cover letter that describes your current and future research interests, your CV, and the names and contact information of three references using the upload resume link on the application website. We will begin to review applications immediately as they are submitted, but the position will remain open until September 16, 2024 or until filled. All candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S.

The Cary Institute is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Affirmative Action (AA) employer. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, familial status, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies

New Jobs

Data Scientist - Forest Futures Lab