Research Scientist I - Wildfire Treatment Outcomes and Remote Sensing

University of Idaho, United States

Updated: 4 days ago
Location: Moscow, IDAHO
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: ;

Position Details
Position Information


Internal Posting?
Posting Number SP004120P
Position Title Research Scientist I - Wildfire Treatment Outcomes and Remote Sensing
Division/College College of Natural Resources
Department Forest, Rangeland, & Fire Sciences
Location Moscow, Off Campus Location - Remote/Hybrid Work Option Available
Posting Context Statement
This position is part of a collaboration between the University of Idaho and the USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station on a National research effort to evaluate the effectiveness of fuel reduction treatments including mechanical thinning and prescribed fire, through case studies of wildfires interacting with those treatments.
Position Overview
Serves as an independent researcher, or a collaborator on a multi-scholar research initiative. May have lead responsibility for discrete components of a larger project under the general direction of a senior or principal researcher.
Duties may include:
  • Performing complex scientific analyses
  • Adjusting experimental designs as necessary based on experimental data analysis
  • Directing the development of recommendations for project solutions
  • Performing peer review of scientific projects, studies, or applications and making recommendations
  • Preparing peer reviewed publications or presentations
  • Resolving complex project specific technical and regulatory issues
  • Establishing work priorities and performance standards, hiring, training, evaluating staff, assigning, and reviewing work
  • May be responsible for technical project management to include developing the scope of work, budgeting, scheduling, reporting, implementing field projects, and approving scientific documents
  • Other duties as assigned
Unit URL
https://www.uidaho.edu/cnr

Position Qualifications


Required Experience
  • Three years of research experience related to the domain of this position
Required Education
  • Doctoral Degree in quantitative sciences, quantitative ecology, resource management, forestry, remote sensing, geographic information systems, or data science, with a focus on geospatial analysis and forest ecology and management;
    • A Master’s Degree plus an additional two years of research experience (5 years total) may be substituted for a Ph.D.
Required Other
  • Occasional travel to attend project meetings and/or conferences is expected
Additional Preferred
  • Advanced geospatial analysis skills
  • Documented academic and/or research experience in statistical modeling and big data analytics
  • Demonstrated oral and written communication skills
  • Demonstrated record of published peer-reviewed publications.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively on scientific manuscripts
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and within a group
  • Experience processing and analyzing large remote sensing datasets (e.g., Landsat, Sentinel-2, MODIS) and geospatial datasets (e.g., FACTs, FTEM, field data) both locally with R/Python and via Google Earth Engine for wildfire and fuel treatment outcome research.
  • Proficient with running machine learning algorithms (e.g., Random Forest, CART) and regression models (e.g., SAR, LME) to derive ecological insights from big data sets.
  • Experience developing reproducible and scalable methodologies, using common software and programming languages, that can be used by land managers for multi-scale and/or multi-resource decision-making support for planning, assessments, and monitoring.
  • Background in natural resource management applications and wildland fire sciences.
  • Strong record of publications and verbal presentations. Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team of scientists and managers.
Physical Requirements & Working Conditions
Degree Requirement Listed degree qualification is required at time of hire

Posting Information


FLSA Status Overtime Exempt
Employee Category Exempt
Pay Range $86,985 anually or higher commensurate with experience
Type of Appointment Fiscal Year
FTE
1.0
Full Time/Part Time Full Time
Funding This position is contingent upon the continuation of work and/or funding.
A visa sponsorship is available for the position listed in this vacancy. Uncertain
Posting Date 09/13/2023
Closing Date
Open Until Filled Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants
This position is open until filled. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. 
Applicant Resources https://www.uidaho.edu/human-resources/careers/applicant-resources
Background Check Statement
Applicants who are selected as final possible candidates must be able to pass a criminal background check.
EEO Statement
The University of Idaho (U of I) is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. In compliance with applicable laws and in furtherance of its commitment to fostering an environment that welcomes and embraces diversity, U of I does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, genetic information or status as any protected veteran or military status in its programs or activities, including employment, admissions and educational programs.

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