Research Associate (data science/rangelands)

Research Associate (data science/rangelands) role at Woodwell Climate Research Center. This position focuses on applying ecosystem carbon model simulations for conservation practices within U.S. rangeland systems, including Montana and Colorado. The successful candidate will work with partners at the World Wildlife Fund and Columbia University, interact with ranch managers and other collaborators, and lead model simulations in a high-performance computing (HPC) environment. The role may involve model enhancements, data processing, verification with field and lab data, change detection analyses, and preparing reports for ranch managers. The candidate may organize a workshop in Montana for participating ranch managers.

Woodwell Climate is a rapidly growing, independent non-profit climate research institute dedicated to advancing science-based climate policy through research and outreach.

• Lead RangeSTAR model simulations within an HPC environment
• Manage very large geospatial datasets within HPC infrastructure
• Refine computing code (Python) and improve model parameter calibration
• Develop an efficient pipeline for implementing the model across millions of acres
• Lead project reports and presentations
• Organize and lead a workshop for participating ranch managers
• Archive project data

• Minimum of 3 years of demonstrated, successful original research
• Cloud computing and HPC experience
• Experience improving and implementing process models
• Strong data science skills including proficiency in spatial data analysis
• Familiarity with gridded geospatial data formats (NetCDF and Zarr)
• Experience using version control (Git, GitHub)
• Experience developing code within a Unix/Linux environment
• Strong coding skills in Python (R, Julia, C/C++ or other languages are a plus)
• Superior oral and written communication and networking skills
• Ability to work in a highly collaborative, fast-paced team
• Willingness to travel ~5% of the time

• 3+ years’ experience with a Master's degree in Environmental Data Science, Earth System Science, Ecology, Geography, Environmental Engineering, Computer Science or related field; or 5+ years experience with a Bachelor's degree or equivalent
• Ph.D. (granted or expected soon) in a related discipline

• Ability to tolerate sustained periods of walking, standing, and sitting
• Ability to lift 25 pounds
• Ability to communicate, verbally and in writing
• Ability to kneel, bend, and carry items
• Ability to use phones and computers
• Repetitive movements

The role is primarily indoors, with travel to organize a workshop in Montana required.

• Salary-exempt position
• Typically full-time (40 hours/week); may require additional hours to complete duties

Location: Falmouth, Massachusetts (hybrid and/or remote)

Desired Start Date: September 2025

Fixed-term: 2 years

Annual salary range: $65,000+, dependent on qualifications/experience. Woodwell offers a generous benefits package and work-life balance.

To apply, please submit your cover letter addressing your experience and qualifications relative to the responsibilities, and your curriculum vitae as a single PDF to our career portal.

Woodwell Climate Research Center is located on a 10-acre campus near Woods Hole. Woodwell is a private, non-profit research center and a leading source of climate science driving urgent action to address climate change. Woodwell is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, familial status, veteran status, or genetic information.

Woodwell Climate is committed to building an equitable and inclusive culture and actively works to welcome, respect, and amplify diverse voices in climate science.