Research Assistant - Rangeland
Research Assistant-Rangeland
JWRA21-2
Falmouth, Massachusetts or remote
SUMMARY: Woodwell Climate Research Center (Woodwell) is a leading independent climate research institute, with a mission to advance science-based climate policies through scientific research and outreach. The keys to Woodwell’s success are the quality of its research and the ability to deliver that science to policymakers and decision makers.
Woodwell seeks a research assistant (RA) with a strong background in remote sensing and environmental science. This project focuses on monitoring rangeland vegetation productivity, ecosystem CO2 exchange, and soil carbon storage across the western United States. The RA will assist the project postdoc and other project researchers with data preparation, image processing (including QA/QC), calibrating and validating carbon models at various scales using in situ data, and satellite data fusion for high resolution soil moisture mapping. Other tasks include working with soil data and eddy covariance observations; assisting with development of a web-based application within Google Earth Engine; working closely with project stakeholders to share project results; presenting research at project meetings and workshops. There may be some opportunities for field research in Montana and/or Colorado.
Responsibilities:
- Process remote sensing data; lead components of image analysis.
- Assist the team with compiling soil carbon, soil CO2 flux, and soil moisture data from in situ data networks across the western US.
- Apply advanced statistical methods for data analysis (e.g., machine learning; spatial statistics; time series analysis).
- Assist with image data fusion.
- Assist with remote-sensing informed carbon model development.
- Assist in the development of a web-based application within Google Earth Engine.
- Create maps and other visualizations of vegetation productivity, ecosystem respiration, soil carbon, for various ranches and project stakeholders.
- Engage with scientists, policy makers, and other stakeholders at workshops and meetings.
- Possibly assist with field data collection in Montana and Colorado.
Qualifications and Experience:
- M.S. (granted or expected soon) in Remote Sensing, Earth System Science, Ecology, or a related discipline.
- Experience with research project(s) that uses remote sensing and field data.
- Knowledge and experience with applied remote sensing.
- Experience with advanced statistical methods (e.g., time series analysis; geospatial statistics; machine learning).
- Familiarity with carbon cycling and carbon cycle components.
- Familiarity with carbon models, or willingness to learn.
- Familiarity with Earth Engine or willingness to learn.
- Excellent interpersonal, teamwork, written, and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to assist with a remote sensing-focused research project.
- Ability to work well as a team, and independently.
Application Deadline: Resume review will begin on August 20, 2021, applications will be accepted after this date.
Desired Start Date: September 2021
Classification and Compensation: This is a full-time, salaried, fixed-term, exempt position. The salary is $50,000. This is a one-year fixed-term position with the potential to extend. Woodwell offers a very generous benefits package.
Location: Remote or Falmouth, Massachusetts.
Application Instructions: To apply, please submit your cover letter addressing your experience and qualifications in relation to the responsibilities of this position, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references as a single PDF via are our careers portal found here. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Please note in your cover letter you are applying for JWRA21-2.
Located on a 10-acre campus near the village of Woods Hole, Woodwell Climate Research Center is a private, non-profit research center. Woodwell is a leading source of climate science that drives the urgent action needed to solve climate change. Woodwell has 60+ staff members, and is excited to welcome new employees to this work.
Woodwell Climate Research Center is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, mental, or physical disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, familial status, veteran status, or genetic information. Woodwell is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for all individuals in employment practices, services, programs, and activities.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Woodwell
WE NEED ALL VOICES IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
Climate change is the greatest challenge of our lifetimes. Woodwell Climate Research Center (Woodwell) understands that the climate crisis—from causes to consequences—is inextricably linked with persistent social injustice. Effectively addressing either requires addressing both. The climate crisis demands that we bring to bear all of the knowledge, expertise, innovation, and creativity that we can collectively muster, and those who have been marginalized and disproportionately impacted must be heard.
The work Woodwell does—the questions we ask, the ways we seek answers, and the strategies we put forward—is stronger when shaped by a diversity of knowledge, perspectives, and experiences. We strive to welcome, respect, and amplify differing voices. We value individuals as they are, with all their differences in race, age, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, language, and mental and physical abilities.
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We will inevitably make mistakes, but we will continue to listen, learn, and do this critical work. We understand that this work requires an ongoing commitment from each and every one of us. We are actively engaged in building and sustaining an equitable and inclusive culture within our organization, and in fostering greater diversity in climate science.