Avian Research Assistant: Field & Data Analysis (PNW)

Oregon State University; Corvallis (OR); On-site; USD 45,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Oregon State University in Corvallis seeks a Faculty Research Assistant to support ARU-based avian research across the Pacific Northwest. The role combines field leadership with data analysis, including quality control of acoustic data and validation against expert IDs.

Applicants should have a bachelor's in Wildlife Ecology or related field, plus experience with R/Python, Bayesian occupancy modeling, and BirdNet/PNW-Cnet workflows. Travel and camping may be required.

Qualifications

• Must have a Bachelor's degree in Wildlife Ecology or related field.
• Ability to identify Pacific Northwest birds by sight and sound.
• Experience coordinating and leading fieldwork.
• Experience with remote fieldwork, solo and in teams.
• Ability to work independently, meet deadlines and manage workloads.
• Proficiency in R and Python.
• Experience developing Bayesian occupancy models.
• Experience processing audio data with BirdNet, PNW-Cnet, or similar.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and lead field crews for avian surveys and data collection.
• Validate detections against expert identification and maintain data quality.
• Analyze ARU and distribution data using R and Python; develop scripts for data management.
• Contribute to statistical models predicting detection and occupancy.
• Summarize results and co-author manuscripts for peer-reviewed publications.
• Perform field data collection in remote locations, including travel and camping as needed.
• Develop field protocols and monitor data quality across projects.

Skills

Bird identification by vocalization

Field coordination

Data management

R

Python

Statistical modeling

Education

Bachelor's degree in Wildlife Ecology or related field

Tools

BirdNet

PNW-Cnet

R

Python

Job description

Oregon State University in Corvallis seeks a Faculty Research Assistant to support ARU-based avian research across the Pacific Northwest. The role combines field leadership with data analysis, including quality control of acoustic data and validation against expert IDs.

Applicants should have a bachelor's in Wildlife Ecology or related field, plus experience with R/Python, Bayesian occupancy modeling, and BirdNet/PNW-Cnet workflows. Travel and camping may be required.