Research Scientist, Assistant - Terrestrial Ecosystems
University of Wyoming
The University of Wyoming is in Laramie, a town of 30,000 in the heart of the Rocky Mountain West. The state of Wyoming continues to invest in its university, helping to make it a leader in academics, research, and outreach. The university has state-of-the-art facilities in many areas and the community provides the advantages of a major university. Located in a high mountain valley near the Colorado border, Laramie offers both outstanding recreational opportunities and proximity to Colorado’s Front Range, a bustling group of metropolitan cities including Denver, Boulder, and Fort Collins. This beautiful mountain landscape offers outdoor enjoyment in all seasons, with over 300 days of sunshine annually. For more information about the region, please visit http://visitlaramie.org/.
Homepage: https://www.uwyo.edu/index.html
Hydrological Sciences (HS)
Terrestrial Ecosystems Assistant Research Scientist
The University of Wyoming invites applications for a Research Scientist (Assistant) position in terrestrial ecosystem science. The successful applicant will join a diverse team of researchers in the $20 million NSF EPSCoR Track 1 project, WyACT (Wyoming Anticipating Climate Transitions). This project seeks to help Wyoming stakeholders and communities anticipate and prepare for changing water availability. The 5-year grant will support the creation of integrative models showing the cascading effects of changed water availability through socio-environmental systems with implications for hydrology, ecology, economics, and regional communities. A center piece of the project is the creation of a permanent observational network, WY-SEaSON (Wyoming Socio-Environmental Systems Observatory Network), that will support researchers and offer the people of Wyoming reliable socio-environmental data past the duration of the project. The University will provide opportunities to extend the position beyond the end of the NSF EPSCoR funded grant with additional responsibilities overseeing other environmental sensor networks led by the University of Wyoming.
Essential Duties:
The Research Scientist will be the director of WY-SEaSON and as such oversee development, operation and long-term sustainability of various sensor networks and data streams focused primarily on biophysical sensors but linking to socio-economic observations. Core responsibilities include the development, setup, and operation of two eddy covariance towers in the Greater Yellowstone Area as well as the installation and maintenance of snow-observation sites. Further, the Research Scientist is expected to guide data analysis efforts in support of WyACT, prepare manuscripts, and support graduate students with field-related efforts. This position will provide opportunities to develop independent research aligned to the core goals of WyACT.
Qualifications (Required):
- M.S. in ecology, hydrology, atmospheric sciences, engineering, or closely related field;
- Strong quantitative research skills;
- Experience with the installation and operation of environmental sensor networks;
- Ability to write clearly, professionally;
- Effective written and verbal communication skills; and
- Demonstrated ability to secure external funding.
Qualifications (Preferred):
- Ph.D. in ecology, hydrology, atmospheric sciences, engineering, or closely related field;
- Experience with eddy covariance systems;
- Potential to support project management and the mentoring of graduate students;
- Ability to lead aspects of a team-based interdisciplinary project.
Competencies:
Research skills: Candidates must have strong research skills to conduct independent research, design experiments, analyze data, and interpret results. Should be able to develop research proposals, apply for grants, and communicate research findings effectively through presentations and publications.
Interpersonal skills: Candidates need strong interpersonal skills to collaborate with other researchers, communicate effectively with colleagues, mentors, and students, and establish professional relationships within their field. Should be able to work in a team, mentor graduate students, and contribute to a positive and inclusive lab culture.
Professional skills: Candidates should possess a range of professional skills such as project management, time management, and networking. They need to be able to manage their own projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines. They should also have excellent communication and networking skills to build their professional reputation, find job opportunities, and establish collaborations with other researchers.
Supplemental Functions:
Mentor undergraduate and graduate students, contribute to outreach and stakeholder relations, attend conferences.
Applications must be completed through the University of Wyoming on-line system. This system can be found at the Human Resources website.
Applicants will need to upload a cover letter describing their interest in and qualifications for the position, a CV, and a list of 3 references that will be contacted for finalists.
Review of applications will begin on May 20, 2024 and continue until the position is filled. We anticipate for the first round of interviews to be conducted virtually in May 2023. For more information about this position, or how to apply, contact David Williams (dgw@uwyo.edu)