Research Assistant III

Woodwell Climate Research Center•Falmouth, MA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Woodwell Climate Research Center (Woodwell) conducts science for solutions at the nexus of climate, people, and nature. We partner with leaders and communities for just meaningful impact to address the climate crisis. Woodwell Climate is a global non-profit, working at the intersection of science and decision-making. We are built on a foundation of world-class research with the drive to take action and contribute real-world solutions - partnering with communities, businesses and policymakers to protect life and livelihoods from the devastating impacts of climate change. Founded in 1985 by world-renowned ecologist George Woodwell, our organization is headquartered in Falmouth, MA with over 150 employees. Join Woodwell’s Research department as a Research Assistant III. The successful candidate will support a range of projects broadly focused on supporting research to more effectively and comprehensively quantify the benefits of global forests, including climate (carbon and non-carbon), social, and economic benefits, with the ultimate goal of halting and reversing deforestation and forest degradation. Geographic areas of emphasis include the dense-humid tropical forests of the Amazon and Congo basins and the mature old-growth forests of the temperate United States. This position works closely with the lead scientist, fellow team members, and external collaborators/partners on projects supported by a range of funders, including government, foundation, and private sources.

Requirements

Demonstrated expertise using multi-temporal/multi-sensor Earth observation data for large-area measurement and mapping of forest biophysical variables
Experience with field, airborne LiDAR, Landsat, MODIS, and/or VIIRS datasets
Knowledge of tropical forests and the measurement/monitoring of forest area/structure
Familiarity with tropical forest ecosystems, particularly across the Amazon and Congo basins
Strong data science, machine learning and/or statistical analysis skills
A solid background in programming for geospatial analysis using Python, R, or other languages
Proficiency using GIS software such as Google Earth Engine, QGIS, and/or ArcGIS
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
Documented experience in scientific writing and publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals
Superior communication, networking, interpersonal, and organizational skills
Strong quantitative reasoning, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills
Willingness to travel about 5% of the time
Ability to engage professionally with research partners from different institutional and cultural contexts
BA/BS degree plus 3+ years’ experience or MA/MS degree in related field plus 1+ years’ experience

Responsibilities

Process and analyze large, multi-temporal satellite image and derivative raster data sets.
Understand large databases of field-measured and remote sensing derived variables.
Perform complex geoprocessing tasks, including mathematical and statistical computations utilizing Cloud-based resources (e.g., Google Cloud).
Conduct accuracy/uncertainty/sensitivity analyses.
Assume project management responsibilities delegated by the supervisor.
Travel occasionally in support of research dissemination and/or capacity building/training activities.
Contribute to reports, peer-reviewed publications, web-based materials, grant proposals and participate in capacity building and technology transfer.
Generate maps and other graphics for proposals, presentations, and publications.
Support development and maintenance of geospatial web platforms.
Participate in project meetings, communicating progress, results, analytical challenges, and methodological decisions clearly and concisely.
Share progress with project partners including members of local NGOs and Indigenous organizations.
Conduct research in a highly collaborative environment to analyze, synthesize, and present results, including verbal presentations with minimal oversight.