Research Associate

Research Associate

Location: Ecosystem Science & Soc Center
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Job ID: 606958
Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Workplace Culture

NAU aims to be the nation's preeminent engine of opportunity, vehicle of economic mobility, and driver of social impact by delivering equitable postsecondary value in Arizona and beyond.



Special Information

This position is subject to the availability of funding. The incumbent is not eligible for Service Professional non-renewal notice, or Classified Staff layoff or recall status.

Job Description

Northern Arizona University is seeking applications for Research Associate in ecosystem ecology or remote sensing to work on recently funded NSF and NASA-ABoVE (Arctic Boreal Vulnerability Experiment) projects focused on wildfires in the North American boreal forest. The successful applicant will join a highly collaborative team of researchers in the Center for Ecosystem Science and Society (ECOSS) and School of Informatics, Computing, and Cyber Systems (SICCS) and have the opportunity to work closely with a diverse team of researchers focused on ecosystem ecology (Michelle Mack and Xanthe Walker) and remote sensing (Scott Goetz and Logan Berner). The position could be remote or based in Flagstaff, AZ and the expected start date is Spring 2023.

The remote sensing position will focus on mapping, monitoring, and modeling broad scale ecosystem changes. The work will include extensive use of imagery from a range of sources to derive geospatial products related to stand age and pre- and post-fire tree species composition. The ecosystem ecology position will focus on testing ecological hypotheses about the drivers and impacts of changing disturbance regimes. Specifically, we are interested in assessing the drivers and impacts of reburning in boreal forest ecosystems.

Questions: please contact Xanthe Walker (xanthe.walker@nau.edu).

Research and Publications - 70%

• Work collaboratively with research team in research activities including data collection, evaluation, and designing analyses to address primary research questions.
• Lead data analysis, modeling, coding, and synthesis efforts.
• Design and implement research protocols and adapt new. procedures, methods, coding, or instrumentation as appropriate to the project goals.
• Read scientific literature, participate in scientific discussions with other members of the research team and lab, and attend mandatory lab and project meetings
• Co-author or author research papers and manuscripts for publication and present them at conferences and workshops.

Data Metrics - 15%

• Collect, curate, synthesize, and analyze research data.
• Develop code, perform data analysis, and develop efficient data analysis pipelines and/or tools as appropriate to project goals.
• Display data for presentation in research conferences and for manuscript preparation; use graphics and statistical software to analyze and present data.
• Document and archive code using GitHub, BitBucket, or other version control software.

Grant and Management - 5%

• Work within the grant-specific project requirements.
• Assist project PIs with managing grant funds according to sponsor specifications.

Academic/Lab Liaison - 5%

• Perform assigned lab duties to assist in the maintenance of equipment, supplies, reagents or the general operation of the lab, and various other duties or projects as assigned - as appropriate to project goals.
• Promote an inclusive and welcoming work environment for all.

Other - 5%

• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• MSc in Remote Sensing, Environmental Science, Geography, Ecology and/or a related discipline.
• 4-6 years of research support experience.
• A combination of related education, experience, and training may be used as an equivalent to the above Minimum Requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in Remote Sensing, Environmental Science, Geography, Ecology and/or a related discipline.
• Record of publishing peer-reviewed research in scientific journals.
• Familiarity with the principles of ecosystem processes and dynamics.
• Advanced remote sensing and GIS experience, including Google Earth Engine (for remote sensing position).
• Expertise with quantitative statistical analyses in R or other programming.
• Ability to conduct spatial analysis and manage large databases.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a research team and with individuals from a variety of diverse backgrounds.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Knowledge

• Knowledge of the use of laboratory/field instruments and tools.
• Knowledge of the principles and techniques of the subject disciplines.

Skills

• Organizational and project management skills.
• Leadership, coordination, and/or supervision skills.
• Data collection, processing, and analysis.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Innovation, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent quantitative and analytical skills.
• Strong communication skills, as demonstrated by publications and presentations at professional meetings.
• Organizational and project management skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Abilities

• Ability to take initiative and complete tasks without direct supervision.
• Highly motivated to perform research in a collaborative environment.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships.
• Communicates effectively.
• Possesses strong problem solving, organizational, and analytical capabilities.
• Promotes a diverse, inclusive environment.

Background Information

Northern Arizona University requires satisfactory results for the following: a criminal background investigation, an employment history verification and a degree verification (in some cases) prior to employment. You may also be required to complete a fingerprint background check. Additionally, as an employer in the state of Arizona, NAU is required to participate in the federal E-Verify program that assists employers with verifying new employees' right to work in the United States. Finally, each year Northern Arizona University releases an Annual Security Report. The report is a result of a federal law known as the Clery Act. The report includes Clery reportable crime statistics for the three most recent completed calendar years and discloses procedures, practices and programs NAU uses to keep students and employees safe including how to report crimes or other emergencies occurring on campus. In addition, the Fire Safety Report is combined with the Annual Security Report for the NAU Flagstaff Mountain Campus as this campus has on-campus student housing. This report discloses fire safety policies and procedures related to on-campus student housing and statistics for fires that occurred in those facilities. If you would like a free paper copy of the report, please contact the NAUPD Records Department at (928) 523-8884 or by visiting the department at 525 E. Pine Knoll Drive in Flagstaff.

Salary

Anticipated salary range is $54,779 to $68,474. Annual salary commensurate with candidate's qualifications and related experience.

FLSA Status

This position is exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and therefore will not earn overtime or compensatory time for additional time worked.

Benefits

This is a Service Professional (SPF) position. NAU offers an excellent benefit package including generous health, dental and vision insurance; participation in the Arizona State Retirement System or the Optional Retirement Program; 22 days of vacation and 10 holidays per year; and tuition reduction for employees and qualified dependents. More information on benefits at NAU is available on the Human Resources benefits website. NAU is a tobacco and smoke-free campus. Service Professionals are hired on a contract basis, renewable each 6 months according to terms of the Conditions of Professional Service. Employees offered a position will be eligible for state health plans (including NAU's BCBS Plan). New employees are eligible for benefits on the first day of the pay period following their enrollment, after their employment date. Employees will have 31 days from their start date to enroll in benefits. If a new employee chooses the ASRS retirement option, participation in the Arizona State Retirement System, and the long-term disability coverage that accompanies it, will begin on the first of the pay period following 6 months after the new employee's start date. New employees who choose to participate in the Optional Retirement Plan (ORP), which is an alternative to the ASRS plan for faculty and other appointed staff, will begin to participate on the first day of employment. Additionally, the long-term disability plan that accompanies the ORP will begin on the first day of employment.

Learning and Development

Your career at Northern Arizona University includes the opportunity for professional development. New employee on-boarding training includes courses to be completed within the first 30 days.

Immigration Suppt/Sponsorship

NAU will not provide any U.S. immigration support or sponsorship for this position.

Application Deadline

February 13, 2023 at 11:59 p.m.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please click on the "Apply" button on this page. You must submit your application by clicking on the "Submit" button by midnight of the application deadline. If you need assistance completing your application there are instructions available on the Human Resources website or in person in the Human Resources Department located in Building 91 on the NAU Campus - on the corner of Beaver and DuPont Streets.

If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to participate in the hiring process, please contact the Disability Resources Office at 928-523-8773, DR@nau.edu, or PO Box 5633, Flagstaff AZ 86011.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Northern Arizona University is a committed Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution. Women, minorities, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. NAU is responsive to the needs of dual career couples.

Know Your Rights Poster and Supplements

NAU is an Employer of National Service. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other National Service alumni are encouraged to apply.



To apply, visit https://hr.peoplesoft.nau.edu/psp/ph92prta/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_APP_SCHJOB.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=1&JobOpeningId=606958&PostingSeq=1



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