Research Assistant 2 MS

Key Skills

Analytical and Problem solving, Data Analysis, Data science techniques, Design, Statistics

Job Description

Position Focus:

The technician will assist Dr. Malone on multiple projects focused on understanding carbon dynamics across ecosystems. The technician will join a growing lab that uses a wide variety of approaches to understand ecosystem carbon dynamics including working with eddy covariance data and remote sensing. The position will involve team science and is primarily computer-based work.

The technician will collaborate with researchers, data managers, and resource managers to develop and evaluate research products. In addition to developing and executing elements of research projects, the technician will be expected to (1) assist other collaborating researchers and lab members with their projects, and (2) mentor graduate and undergraduate researchers working on related projects.

Essential Duties

• Researches and collects data through complex laboratory/scientific experiments, techniques, and procedures; library research; structured interviews; or through other means for research projects. Interprets, synthesizes, and analyzes data using scientific or statistical techniques.
• Modifies and plans research experiments, procedures, tests, or survey instruments. Assists in research design. Writes and edits material for publication and presentation. Reports on status of research activities. 
• Oversees and instructs research and support staff on technical procedures, equipment operation, and laboratory maintenance. Schedules and coordinates research activities. Sets up, operates, and maintains laboratory equipment and apparatus. Modifies equipment according to experimental specifications. 
• Orders and maintains inventory of supplies. May monitor hazardous work areas and laboratory safety. Prepares related reports. May prepare financial information and monitor budgets. 
• Performs additional functions incidental to research activities.

Required Education and Experience

Two years of related work experience in the same job family and a Bachelor's degree in a related field; or an equivalent combination of experience and education.

Required Skill/Ability 1:

Demonstrated prior experience in programming and environmental data science.

Required Skill/Ability 2:

Demonstrated aptitude for research, strong analytical and oral and written scientific communication skills.

Required Skill/Ability 3:

Proven attention to detail.

Required Skill/Ability 4:

Proven ability to work independently and as a team. 

Required Skill/Ability 5:

Demonstrated data science and programming skills. 

Preferred Education, Experience and Skills:

Applicants must have at least a BS degree in data science, forestry, ecology, biology, or a related field at the time of starting the position. Preference will be given to applicants with strong programming skills, a publication record, strong statistical analyses skills, and experience working with diverse groups from various backgrounds.