Quantitative Ecologist - Biostatistician - 2 Year Term
Overview
The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) is a $430 million dollar=
observatory project dedicated to understanding how changes in climate, lan=
d use and invasive species impact ecology. For the next three decades NEON =
will collect a comprehensive range of ecological data on a continental scal=
e across 20 eco-climatic domains representing US ecosystems. NEON will use =
cutting edge technology including an airborne observation platform that wil=
l capture images of regional landscapes and vegetation; mobile, re-locatabl=
e, and fixed data collection sites with automated ground sensors to monitor=
soil and atmosphere; and trained field crews who will observe and sample p=
opulations of diverse organisms and collect soil and water data. A leading =
edge cyber-infrastructure will calibrate, store and publish this informatio=
n. 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 con=
tinental scales.
Summary:
Working closely with NEON's TOS scientists, the quantitative ecologist/bios=
tatistician will provide guidance and statistical support in developing app=
roaches to optimize ecological sampling designs and data analyses. Particul=
ar emphasis will be on assisting with evaluation of spatial sampling design=
s and temporal sampling strategies for a wide range of ecological taxa and =
environmental processes. These evaluations will include identifying metrics=
to assess confidence in density estimates and optimizing the spatiotempora=
l sampling approach using initial and prototype datasets from Observatory s=
ites. The ideal candidate will also have the capability to develop approach=
es for quantifying and tracking uncertainty, calculating error budgets, and=
developing models for trend detection. This position reports to the Assist=
ant Director of the Fundamental Sentinel Unit.
Must have permanent authorization for US employment.
Term:
This position will be a two year term assignment.
Location:
This position will be located at NEON Headquarters in Boulder, CO.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
* Develop, test and assist in the implementation of statistical and modelin=
g applications used by TOS staff.
* Play a key leadership role in utilizing statistical and modeling strategi=
es to optimize TOS sampling designs and in developing integrated statistica=
l analyses.
* Provide critical input to field protocol development and QA/QC plans.
* Conduct statistical analyses and modeling in collaboration with science s=
taff and external experts.
* Participate in the development and approval of standardized documentation=
for these processes, following documentation standards.
* Collaborate with NEON Cyber-Infrastructure, Data Products and Science tea=
ms as well as external users.
* Provide training to users on specialized applications as needed.
* Communicate efforts to the ecological community (e.g. presentations, repo=
rts, publications).
Required Education:
PhD in biology, ecology, statistics, applied mathematics, or related field =
or MS plus 2 or more years' experience as a quantitative ecologist supporti=
ng biostatistical and ecological modeling tools and applications.
Required Experience, Knowledge, Skills:
* Strong record of achievement in the areas of quantitative ecology, ecolog=
ical modeling and analysis, and/or statistical applications in ecological i=
nvestigations.
* Strong analytical and creative problem skills - demonstrated ability to s=
uccessfully apply experience and judgment to both short- and long-term chal=
lenges.
* Ability to effectively explain complex statistical approaches to individu=
als from different disciplinary backgrounds.
* Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with a wide range of scienti=
fic, technical, and management staff, stakeholders, and vendors.
* Demonstrated ability to collaborate with employees from a variety of scie=
ntific backgrounds and degrees of interest/skill in ecological modeling and=
statistical approaches.
* Ability to work independently and as part of an active science team.
* Experience using hierarchical Bayesian methods.
* Expertise with common statistical software packages (e.g., R, Matlab).
* Scientific writing and review.
* Open to undertaking responsibilities beyond those associated with individ=
ually assigned projects.
Preferred Experience, Knowledge, Skills:
* Knowledge of field biology protocols and practices
* History of active engagement with the ecological and broader natural scie=
nces communities.
* Experience with large scale inventory and monitoring programs.
* Proficiency with RDBMS-based (MySQL, Oracle) applications, database conce=
pts, major programming languages (e.g. C/C+), and scripting languages (e.g.=
Python).
* Experience using Monte Carlo modeling techniques.
* Experience with software, models, and methods for animal occupancy and de=
nsity estimation.
* Self-starter who can create new opportunities and use novel quantitative =
methods to enable continental-scale research.
APPLY AT: WWW.NEONINC.ORG<http://WWW.NEONINC.ORG>
NEON Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Minorities, Veterans and=
Disabled Persons are encouraged to apply.
Bridget A. Sorget
Sr. Technical Recruiter
NEON, Inc.
(National Ecological Observatory Network)
1685 38th Street, Suite 100
Boulder CO 80302
www.neoninc.org
Phone: 720.330.1570
Cell: 720.839.5016
