RIEEE Research Scientist

Position Title
RIEEE Research Scientist

Position Number
093741

Department
Res Inst Energy, Environ & Economic - 230000

Minimum Qualifications

1. One of the following is required; compensation and level of autonomy are commensurate with qualifications:
   • Ph.D. plus one or more years of research experience in RIEEE mission-aligned areas. Potential rank as non-tenure track research faculty, subject to academic department approval; OR
   • Master’s degree plus four or more years of research experience in RIEEE mission-aligned areas; OR
   • Bachelor’s degree plus six or more years of research experience in RIEEE mission-aligned areas.
2. Demonstrated experience developing reproducible and scalable methodologies in data management, analysis, and visualization.
3. Data science proficiencies including R and Python fluency, data management and workflows; Experience with Dash by Plotly, MySQL/MariaDB, full-stack web app development and/or Kubernetes app deployment.
4. Ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams.
5. Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to prioritize and coordinate activities effectively.
6. At least two of the following:
   • Demonstrated experience in project management, grant writing, and research proposal development.
   • Demonstrated experience applying advanced statistical models to analyze complex environmental data, including but not limited to causal analysis, time series analysist, Bayesian methods, longitudinal data analysis, and/or geostatistics.
   • Advanced geospatial analysis skills; experience integrating, processing and analyzing large datasets (e.g. Landsat, USGS, US Census, Mobility Data), and/or applying remote sensing technologies.
   • Demonstrated experience with life cycle analysis, complex systems science, and/or economic impact and valuation.
   • Demonstrated experience effectively translating research findings to achieve societal impact using a variety of deliverables such as policy reports and briefs, web content, presentations, webinars, and educational modules.
   • Demonstrated experience in the development, integration, and deployment of research instrumentation.

License/Certification Required

None required.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

We seek a dynamic and collaborative Research Scientist to develop, manage, and facilitate complex environmental research within the Research Institute for Environment, Energy and Economics ( RIEEE ) at Appalachian State University. The successful candidate will be crucial in advancing the Institute’s mission by contributing to an assigned portfolio of sustainability research topic areas and related projects.

The position requires expertise in data science, project coordination, grant writing, and scientific communication to support emergent and established interdisciplinary research teams. The share of effort in each area will depend in part on the expertise of the incumbent. Initially, the focus will be on global carbon fluxes, climate and atmospheric science, and climate-health interactions, with potential expansion into the built environment, engineered systems, and other inquiry areas within the Institute . Position funding is secured for three years, allowing the incumbent to build collaborations and momentum in pursuit of external funding. The successful candidate is expected to generate grant funding to support 20% of their salary in years 4 and 5, and 50% of their salary from year 6 onward. Opportunities for advancement are available, contingent on University approval, and will be based on demonstrated productivity and contributions to the Institute’s research portfolio.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Data Science Expertise
   • Lead the annual production of the CDIAC at AppState data product, ensuring accuracy and accessibility.
   • Collaborate with faculty investigators to acquire, process, validate, and analyze complex datasets, ensuring data quality and integrity.
   • Develop high-quality code using various languages and tools to facilitate secure access to data, data products, and visualizations through online repositories and the RIEEE DataDash platform.
   • Lead the development and implementation of data management plans for competitive funding proposals, collaborating with Information Technology Services ( ITS ), Research Design and Analysis ( RDA ), and Research Protections (RP) as necessary.
2. Project Coordination:
   • Contribute to the portfolio of research projects by coordinating activities throughout the research lifecycle, including concept development, identifying knowledge gaps, pursuing funding, project implementation, and the dissemination and translation of findings.
   • Support the coordination of collaborations, research networks, and/or partnerships to facilitate interdisciplinary research initiatives.
   • Contribute to the campus Research Computing Services group.
3. Grant Writing and Scientific Communication:
   • Prepare and submit research funding proposals in collaboration with other researchers and independently, as appropriate.
   • Assist in manuscripts and funding proposals by providing scientific input, graphics, copy editing and/or visualizations.
   • Communicate research findings and outcomes through presentations, reports, and other channels to diverse audiences, ensuring accessibility and relevance.

Suggested Salary Range
$60,000-65,000

Physical Demands of Position

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please attach required documents:

• Cover Letter
• Resume/CV
• List a minimum of 3 professional references in the application or attach a List of References with Contact Information

Quick Link
https://appstate.peopleadmin.com/postings/47103

093741