[ES_JOBS_NET] Associate Scientist (Terrestrial Ecology), NEON

[Christine Wiedinmyer]

http://www.neoninc.org/jobs/AssociateScientistFSU2014

*_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.

*_Summary:_*
Reporting to the Assistant Director Terrestrial Ecology, and working in 
collaboration with staff scientists, the Associate Plant Ecologist 
assists in the development, testing and evaluation of the documents 
associated with the Plant Productivity, Biomass, and Leaf Area Index 
(LAI) sampling design. Primary responsibilities will include development 
of field and lab protocols and documents that describe that describe 
data processing algorithms. The Associate Plant Ecologist will also 
participate in some field work, primarily sampling for below-ground biomass.

*_Essential Duties and Responsibilities:_*
. Develop, test and evaluate QA/QC protocols for field sampling and data 
processing.
. Develop and test documents defining the theoretical basis for 
algorithms used in data processing.
. Contribute materially to the refinement of plant sampling protocols, 
required equipment lists, QA/QC protocols.
. Prepare training material and field manuals for all field and lab 
procedures -- assist in training field operations staff.
. Assist in locating external lab facilities for analyses of plant 
material, developing scopes of work and assisting in managing contracts.
. Prepare reports based on field and laboratory research activities and 
develop recommendations for best practices, future analyses, and data 
processing.
. Assist with collection of baseline data at NEON sites, particularly 
belowground biomass sampling.
. Participate in the larger NEON science community, including 
collaborations and attending meetings and conferences.
. Travel to field site and conduct work in a variety of weather conditions.
. Follow NEON safety, and environmental policies and procedures.

*_Required Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills:_*
. Master of Science with at least 1 year of experience, or PhD in 
ecology, evolution, or related field.
. One (1) to three (3) years of field research experience in plant ecology.
. Experience and ability in scientific writing and review.
. Experience with quantitative analyses that correlate biological data 
with abiotic variables.
. Proficiency with data analysis.
. Very effective communication and interpersonal skills in order to 
communicate with the FIU team and broader NEON science groups.
. Ability and willingness to travel to Domain sites and perform work 
activities in a variety of weather conditions.
. Ability to move or carry equipment and supplies (occasionally, 6-25% 
of work time) that weigh up to 40 lbs., with and without equipment or 
assistance.

*_Preferred Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills:_*
. Specific background and experience with plant biomass and productivity 
measurements, including above- and below-ground biomass, vegetation 
structure, and LAI.
. Proficiency with R.
. Proficiency with relational databases.
. Experience working as a productive member of a research team.
. Quantitative skill and experience with geospatial tools and 
technologies (i.e. ArcGIS).

*_Term:_*
This is a term position with work scheduled until May 31, 2016.

Must have permanent authorization for US employment.

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

- See more at: 
http://www.neoninc.org/jobs/AssociateScientistFSU2014#sthash.oYN9oyFa.dpuf
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