Data Scientist - Forest Futures Lab

Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies is seeking a Data Scientist for the Forest Futures Lab to collaborate on a research program addressing fire ecology and forest resilience. The role involves data analysis, visualization, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Preferred location is Millbrook, NY, but hybrid/remote work is considered for exceptional candidates. This full-time position offers an annual salary between $70,000 - $85,000, with benefits and opportunities for travel.
Position Summary

Cary Institute seeks a creative, innovative data scientist to join the Western Fire and Forest Resilience Collaborative. The Collaborative is engaging 10 science teams and a diverse array of decision makers to co-create and implement a research program that will ensure the predictive science of fire ecology and forest resilience can support effective strategies to the fire crisis. The Collaborative is led by the Forest Futures Lab at Cary Institute of Ecosystem studies, where the data scientist would be based. We expect the Collaborative to run for the next 5 to 10 years.

Preferred location is Millbrook, NY, but hybrid/remote work will be considered for exceptional candidates.

This is a full-time, fully benefitted exempt position with a one-year initial appointment, renewable for an additional year contingent on performance and funding. Annual salary ranges from $70,000 - $85,000, based on previous experience, with a highly competitive benefits and time-off package.

Essential Responsibilities
• Work collaboratively within the Fire Collaborative to harmonize and analyze geospatial and remote sensing data to address actionable questions relevant to decision makers.
• Conduct analyses of existing products in Google Earth Engine and with machine learning techniques.
• Develop interactive, engaging, and accessible data summaries and visualizations of scientific data for non-academic audiences.
• Contribute to other scientists’ analysis and workflows.
• Contribute to a dynamic and interdisciplinary research environment at the Cary Institute.

Required Qualifications
• Ph.D. in forest ecology, disturbance ecology, ecosystem modeling, AI, or a related field prior to appointment.
• Demonstrated expertise in ecosystem, landscape, geospatial, and remote sensing analysis.
• • Demonstrated expertise remote sensing and geospatial analysis using R, python, java script and/ or C++

Preferred Qualifications
• • Experience working in interdisciplinary research settings.
• • Familiarity with climate change impacts on forest ecosystems.
• • Experience with developing data visualizations, data summaries, and interactive online data dashboards for general audiences.

Required Skills
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to synthesize and analyze large ecological datasets.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills for engaging with stakeholders and research teams.

Working Conditions
• Travel opportunities related to the project will be provided.
• Finalist candidates must successfully complete a post-offer, pre-employment background check.

Interested candidates should complete an online application. Please upload a single PDF including a cover letter (no more than 2 pages) describing research interests, CV, and contact information for three references using the upload resume link on the application website. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

The Cary Institute is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, familial status, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.