Research Assistant III

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

Research Assistant III

Full Time Professional Hybrid

3 days ago Requisition ID: 1240

Mission:

Woodwell Climate Research Center (Woodwell) conducts science for solutions at the nexus of climate, people, and nature. We partner with leaders and communities for just meaningful impact to address the climate crisis.

Woodwell Climate is a global non-profit, working at the intersection of science and decision-making. We are built on a foundation of world-class research with the drive to take action and contribute real-world solutions - partnering with communities, businesses and policymakers to protect life and livelihoods from the devastating impacts of climate change. Founded in 1985 by world-renowned ecologist George Woodwell, our organization is headquartered in Falmouth, MA with over 150 employees.

Summary:

Join Woodwell’s Research department as a Research Assistant III. The successful candidate will support a range of projects broadly focused on supporting research to more effectively and comprehensively quantify the benefits of global forests, including climate (carbon and non-carbon), social, and economic benefits, with the ultimate goal of halting and reversing deforestation and forest degradation. Geographic areas of emphasis include the dense-humid tropical forests of the Amazon and Congo basins and the mature old-growth forests of the temperate United States. This position works closely with the lead scientist, fellow team members, and external collaborators/partners on projects supported by a range of funders, including government, foundation, and private sources.

Responsibilities include, but not limited to:

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.

Assume project management responsibilities delegated by the supervisor.

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 participate in 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.

Must have the Following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Demonstrated expertise using 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

Willingness to travel about 5% of the time

Ability to engage professionally with research partners from different institutional and cultural contexts

Qualifications:

BA/BS degree plus 3+ years’ experience or

MA/MS degree in related field plus 1+ years’ experience, or

Physical Requirements:

In the office:

• Ability to tolerate sustained periods of walking, standing, sitting
• Ability to lift 25 pounds
• Ability to communicate, verbally and written
• Ability to kneel, bend, and carry items
• Ability to use phone and computers

In the field, the physical requirements of this role include:

• Air, train, vehicle travel to access field locations
• Driving a vehicle or ATV to access field locations
• Walking, hiking, climbing to access field locations
• Paddling, canoeing to access field locations
• Standing and sitting for sustained periods
• Frequent bending, squatting, and kneeling
• Reaching overhead
• Climbing ladders
• Use of manual and power tools including shovels, saws, drills, and hammers
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 50lbs
• Ability to occasionally carry up to 50lbs
• Ability to occasionally push/pull up to 50lbs

The functions of this role are conducted indoors and outdoors

Hours of Work:

This role is paid on a salary basis.

Typically, full-time employees work 40 hours during a Monday through Friday workweek. However, this is a salaried position. Therefore, the individual is expected to work as required to complete the duties of the position.

Application review will be ongoing

Desired Start Date : October/November 2026

Fixed-term : 18 months

Classification and Compensation: This is a full-time, salaried, exempt position, the annual salary range starting at $67,000 (Falmouth, MA based) dependent on qualifications/experience. Compensation for remote or out-of-state candidates may vary based on local geographic differentials. Woodwell offers a generous benefits package and work life balance.

Location: Falmouth, Massachusetts onsite, hybrid or remote.

Located on a 10-acre campus near the village of Woods Hole, the Woodwell Climate Research Center (Woodwell) is a private, non-profit research centre. Woodwell is a leading source of climate science that drives the urgent action needed to solve climate change. Woodwell has 100+ staff members and is excited to welcome new employees to this work.

Woodwell Climate is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, mental, or physical disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, familial status, veteran status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. Woodwell is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for all individuals in employment practices, services, programs, and activities.