[ES_JOBS_NET] Associate Scientist, Terrestrial Biogeochemist, NEON, Boulder

[Christine Wiedinmyer]

https://workforcenow.adp.com/jobs/apply/posting.html?client=90c&jobId=80850

*_COMPANY OVERVIEW_*

The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) is a $430 million 
dollar observatory project dedicated to understanding how changes in 
climate, land use and invasive species impact ecology. For the next 
three decades NEON will collect a comprehensive range of ecological data 
on a continental scale across 20 eco-climatic domains representing US 
ecosystems. NEON will use cutting edge technology including an airborne 
observation platform that will capture images of regional landscapes and 
vegetation; mobile, re-locatable, and fixed data collection sites with 
automated ground sensors to monitor soil and atmosphere; and trained 
field crews who will observe and sample populations of diverse organisms 
and collect soil and water data. A leading edge cyber-infrastructure 
will calibrate, store and publish this information. 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 continental scales.

*_JOB SUMMARY_*

The Terrestrial Biogeochemist works with the biogeochemistry data 
products associated with NEON's Terrestrial Observation System. These 
data products will be generated from sites across the nation and over 
time, producing a unique time-space record of how biogeochemistry is 
changing (e.g. how those changes reflect effects of climate, land use 
and species composition). Essential functions include generating 
algorithms for the QA/QC; processing, and publication of data and data 
products; refinement and testing of field and lab protocols; providing 
technical requirements to assist with the development of contracts with 
external labs to perform analyses of soil and plant tissue samples; and 
collaborating with other NEON staff scientists measuring adjacent 
atmospheric and aquatic systems.*_
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*_ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES_*

  * Collaborate and coordinate with NEON’s Science Team (e.g. microbial
    ecologist, plant ecologists, aquatic biogeochemist, flux measurement
    experts, ecosystem modelers, NEON’s cyberinfrastructure team) to
    develop algorithms for data quality and develop appropriate data
    formats for public use.
  * Develop, test, and evaluate QA/QC protocols for field sampling and
    data processing.
  * Quality-check data from field crews and external labs.
  * Assist with science commissioning and verification activities within
    the Terrestrial Observation System and across science subsystems.
  * Assist with the development of training materials and field manuals
    associated with terrestrial biogeochemistry protocols.
  * Refine and test field soil and plant tissue procedures and protocols
    (e.g., soil nitrogen transformations and canopy foliage sampling) in
    collaboration with NEON’s Field Operations staff.
  * Provide technical requirements during lab contract development, and
    coordinate with currently contracted laboratories and NEON staff
    members to facilitate reporting of results.
  * Assist with coordinating the collection of distributed soils
    characterization data.
  * Follow NEON and site specific, environmental protection
    requirements, policy and procedures.

*_REQUIRED: EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS_*

  * Three (3) or more years of experience analyzing large datasets and
    refining the design of data collection and analysis based on results.
  * Masters in biogeochemistry, ecology, ecosystem science, or related
    field.
  * Knowledge in ecosystem ecology or terrestrial biogeochemistry.
  * Knowledge of biogeochemical analyses, including stable isotopes.
  * Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
  * Experience working in a collaborative scientific enterprise.
  * Experience and ability to collaborate and coordinate effectively
    with a wide range of scientific, technical, and management staff,
    stakeholders, and vendors.
  * Experience with common statistical software packages (e.g., R).
  * Detail-oriented, with an ability to produce high quality work
    according to specified schedules, in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
  * Ability to work independently and as part of an active science team.

*_PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS_*

  * Experience working with chemical analyses of plants and soils,
    especially C and N concentrations and isotope data.
  * Experience analyzing large scale biogeochemical datasets.
  * Proficiency with R, including scripting to automate data QA/QC tasks.
  * Proficiency with relational databases (PostgreSQL, MS Access).

*_Term:_*This is a term position with work scheduled until end of 
construction, which is anticipated to be September 30, 2017.
*
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*Must have permanent authorization for US employment. NEON, Inc. will 
not provide any kind of visa sponsorship.*

***This position offers competitive total rewards including 401(k), 
health, vision and dental insurance, generous paid time off and the 
opportunity to work with at an organization with a great mission.***

*****NEON, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Minorities, 
Veterans and Disabled Persons are encouraged to apply.*****


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