Geospatial Forest Climate Research Assistant (Hybrid)

Woodwell Climate Research Center; Falmouth (MA); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 74,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous benefits package

Job summary

Woodwell Climate Research Center in Falmouth, Massachusetts, seeks a Research Assistant III to support projects quantifying forest benefits—climate, social, and economic—across the Amazon, Congo basins, and temperate U.S. forests.

You will collaborate with lead scientists and partners to analyze satellite data and generate maps for proposals and publications. The role requires strong data science, Python/R programming, and GIS tools (Google Earth Engine, QGIS, ArcGIS); occasional travel and

Qualifications

• Experience with 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.

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.
• 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 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.

Skills

Earth observation data

Python

R

GIS

Google Earth Engine

Remote sensing

Machine learning

Scientific writing

Communication

Travel willingness

Education

BA/BS + 3+ years

MA/MS +1+ years

Tools

QGIS

ArcGIS

Google Earth Engine

Job description

Woodwell Climate Research Center in Falmouth, Massachusetts, seeks a Research Assistant III to support projects quantifying forest benefits—climate, social, and economic—across the Amazon, Congo basins, and temperate U.S. forests.

You will collaborate with lead scientists and partners to analyze satellite data and generate maps for proposals and publications. The role requires strong data science, Python/R programming, and GIS tools (Google Earth Engine, QGIS, ArcGIS); occasional travel and