Job DescriptionThe Virginia Tech Center for Ecosystem Forecasting (www.ecoforecastprojectvt.org) is recruiting a data scientist to build predictive models across multiple ecosystem types. We seek an energetic and enthusiastic team member to join our innovative and dynamic research center to help develop real-time ecological forecasting models, software, and computing infrastructure to inform day-to-day environmental resource management. This position will be a core member of our research center, which includes multiple faculty members, staff, data scientists, post-docs, and students working at the intersection of environmental science and data science.This data scientist position will play a critical role in supporting the Center's mission to: analyze environmental data; build and share ecological models and software; create and assess a diversity of forecasting methods; translate forecasts for decision support; and engage with forecast users. This position will provide many opportunities for skill development and professional growth within our interdisciplinary collaborative team, which integrates team science, community engagement, and education.Responsibilities for this position include: the development and deployment of predictive models; management of cloud-based environmental data and workflows; development of open-source software and open training materials; and supporting the computational needs of the team.The position can start at Virginia Tech's Research Specialist 1 or 2 level depending on prior experience, with a salary commensurate with experience and expertise. This position is in-person, based on Virginia Tech's campus in Blacksburg, Virginia, USA.Candidates should submit a cover letter addressing how they meet the required and preferred qualifications described below that includes a link to their software portfolio (e.g., GitHub profile), a resume/CV detailing relevant work experience, and a list of three references with their contact information. This position is funded for at least two years, contingent upon satisfactory performance reviews. The position will remain open until filled. Application review will begin on 02/15/2024.Required Qualifications? Bachelor's degree in data science, statistics, computer science, or related field? Must have excellent teamwork and collaborative skills to work effectively on data science and computational research? Proficiency in R? Experience with command line interface? Experience with collaborative coding using Git and GitHub and demonstrated by their software portfolio (e.g., GitHub profile).? Experience with data visualization in R or similar language? Excellent and demonstrated organizational and efficient time management skills? Excellent communication skills, including verbal, written, and graphical communication skillsPreferred Qualifications? Master's degree in data science, environmental science, statistics, computer science, or related field? Experience working in a highly interdisciplinary collaborative team? Substantial experience with R? Proficiency with Python? Experience analyzing environmental data and/or models? Experience with software development (e.g., demonstrated by R package development).? Experience analyzing time-series datasets? Experience with machine learning models? Experience in likelihood or Bayesian statistical analysesPay Band4Appointment TypeRestrictedSalary InformationCommensurate with experience but within budget maximumReview DateFebruary 15, 2024Additional InformationCandidates should submit a cover letter addressing how they meet the required and preferred qualifications described below that includes a link to their software portfolio (e.g., GitHub profile), a resume/CV detailing relevant work experience, and a list of three references with their contact information. This position is funded for at least two years, contingent upon satisfactory performance reviews. The position will remain open until filled. Application review will begin on 02/15/2024.The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.About Virginia TechDedicated to its motto,Ut Prosim(That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive communitydedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicinecollege, Graduate School , andHonors College . The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including theInnovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerousExtension offices andresearch centers . A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Dreama Price at ****** during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
