AI/ML Ecosystem Data Analyst

The University of Vermont; Burlington, Northern (VT, KY); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

The University of Vermont is seeking a Research Data Analysis PC5 X to advance AI/ML workflows in ecological data analysis. You will design, train, evaluate, and deploy AI/ML models for mapping, classification, and detection of wildlife and other features, building pipelines and interfaces for reproducible research.

In collaboration with the Spatial Analysis Lab and RSENR, you will support AMBER and other programs, contribute to grant writing, and pursue outside funding opportunities.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field and four years of related professional experience.
• Expertise in data science, machine learning, and AI applications.
• Strong proficiency in relational databases and SQL-based systems (e.g., SQLite, Postgres).
• Experience with cloud-native infrastructure and programming in R and Python.

Responsibilities

• Analyze ecological data and design, build, and operationalize AI/ML workflows for data processing and insights.
• Develop data pipelines, databases, and interfaces (R Shiny or similar) to enable reproducibility and accessibility.
• Collaborate with SAL, RSENR, and partners on grant writing, research initiatives, and outreach.
• Lead or contribute to grant writing and development of scalable AI workflows.

Skills

PhD in relevant field

Data science

Machine learning

Relational databases

SQL/Postgres/SQLite

APIs/web services

Cloud-native infra

R

Python

Public/agency partnerships

Education

PhD in Computer Science, Wildlife Biology, Ecology, Data Science, Bioinformatics, or closely related

Tools

SQLite

Postgres

SQL

Power Automate

Teams

SharePoint

R

Python

Job description

The University of Vermont is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other category legally protected by federal or state law.

Finalists for positions at UVM may be subject to a criminal background check.

For classified staff positions, actual hiring pay dependent on current competitor market conditions, comparable campus peer(s) at time of hire, and candidate’s experience level and length.

Serve as the AI/ML Ecosystem Data Analyst within the USGS Research Cooperative Unit at UVM ,and in collaboration with the Spatial Analysis Lab ( SAL ). The primary role of this position is to analyze ecological data and design, build, and operationalize AI/ML workflows that collect, process, and derive insight from heterogeneous data sources, including wildlife imagery, bioacoustics recordings, geospatial and remotely sensed data, sensor networks, and field observations. Develop, train, evaluate, and deploy AI/ML models for mapping, classification, and detection of wildlife and other features, and build the data pipelines, databases, and R Shiny or comparable interfaces that make results reproducible, maintainable, and accessible to researchers, partners, and the public. Support the AI/ML branch of RSENR within the Cooperative Unit and SAL , contribute to ecosystem monitoring efforts, and help oversee the Alliance for Monitoring Biodiversity and Ecosystems Remotely ( AMBER ) program. Work under the direction of the USGS Research Cooperative Unit Leader and collaborate with the SAL Director, RSENR , and other partners on grant writing, business development, and research initiatives, while independently pursuing outside funding opportunities. Partner with geospatial analysts and the development team lead on research and development of new AI/ML methods and models

Minimum Qualifications (or equivalent combination of education and experience)

• - PhD in Computer Science, Wildlife Biology, Ecology, Data Science, Bioinformatics, or a closely related discipline, and four years related professional experience.
• - Demonstrated expertise in data science, machine learning, and AI applications.
• - Strong proficiency in relational database design and management, including stand-alone programs such as SQLite and served databases such as SQL or Postgres.
• - Experience with APIs, web services, Power Automate, Teams, and Sharepoint for workflow integration.
• - Strong record of interdisciplinary collaboration and scientific productivity.
• - Experience managing complex technical or research projects, including grant writing.
• - Experience with cloud-native infrastructure and scalable AI workflows, focused primarily on the R and Python coding languages.
• - Substantial experience in working with the public and agency monitoring partners.

Desirable Qualifications

• - Postdoctoral experience preferred
  - High proficiency in public outreach and instruction desired
• - Supervisory or personnel management experience desired

Anticipated Pay Range

Anticipated Pay Range $80,000 - $95,000

Other Information

Special Conditions

Special Conditions A probationary period may be required, Contingent on continued funding, Occasional evening and/or weekends required (if non-exempt position, may result in overtime), Travel to and from worksites required, This position is eligible for a hybrid schedule with an option to split time between campus and elsewhere, in accordance with the university telecommuting policy, Background Check required for this position

FLSA

FLSA Exempt

Union Position

Union Position Yes, UVMSU

Position will be posted for a minimum of one week, after which it is subject to removal without notice.

Job Location

Job Open Date

Job Open Date 08/20/2026

Job Close Date (Jobs close at 11:59 PM EST.)

Open Until Filled No

The University of Vermont is a welcoming, educationally purposeful community committed to creating an inclusive environment that embraces intellectual diversity and global perspectives. We seek to prepare students to be accountable leaders who will bring to their work a grasp of complexity, effective problem-solving and communication skills, and an enduring commitment to learning and ethical conduct. Members of the University of Vermont community embrace and advance the values of Our Common Ground: Respect, Integrity, Innovation, Openness, Justice, and Responsibility. Staff play a critical role in this effort and the successful candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to UVM’s mission and advancing Our Common Ground values through the execution of their job duties.

Position Information

Position Title

Position Title Research Data Analysis PC5 X

Posting Number

Posting Number S6267PO

Department

Position Number

Position Number 00027971

Percent of Full-Time

Percent of Full-Time 1.0

Standard Hours at 1.0 FTE

Standard Hours at 1.0 FTE 37.5

Term (months per year)

Term (months per year) 12

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).