Research Associate

Oregon State University; Corvallis (OR); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Oregon State University is seeking a Faculty Research Assistant to advance the USGS NCCV project, analyzing climate model data and expanding web-based visualization capabilities. The role sits within the College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences, with collaboration across researchers and external partners.

Strong Python/Matlab/R skills and a PhD in a related field are required. The position is full-time, 12-month, fixed-term, with a salary range of $75,000–$85,000, and will be based

Qualifications

• PhD in climate science, Earth science, atmospheric science, or related field.
• Knowledge of climate assessments and IPCC AR6, NCA5, CMIP.
• Understanding of climate models, projections, and emissions scenarios.
• Proficiency in scientific data analysis using Python/Matlab/IDL/R.
• Experience with climate model data formats (NetCDF).
• Experience creating high-quality scientific figures/maps.
• Clear communication of analyses to diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Expand the scale and scope of the NCCV web application.
• Analyze and visualize climate model data.
• Participate in the Climate Adaptation Technical Services (CATS) team.
• Interact with partners and stakeholders.
• Conduct independent research.

Skills

Python

Matlab

IDL

R

English fluency

Data analysis

Education

Doctoral degree in climate science or related field

Tools

NetCDF

NumPy

Pandas

Matplotlib

Cartopy

xarray

Jupyter Notebooks

Job description

Department

College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences

Job Summary

The College of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences invites applications for a full-time (1.00 FTE), 12-month, fixed-term Faculty Research Assistant position. Reappointment is at the discretion of the Dean.

Key Responsibilities

• Expand the scale and scope of the USGS National Climate Change Viewer (NCCV) web application.
• Analyze and visualize climate model data.
• Participate in activities of the Climate Adaptation Technical Services (CATS) team.
• Interact with partners and stakeholders.
• Independent research.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in climate science, Earth science, atmospheric science, or a related field.
• Knowledge of climate assessments and international climate modeling projects such as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Sixth Assessment Report (AR6), Fifth National Climate Assessment (NCA5), and Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP).
• Understanding of climate models, climate model projections, and emissions scenarios
• Proficiency in performing scientific data analysis in a programming language such as Python, Matlab, IDL, or R.
• Experience with climate model data formats, including but not limited to NetCDF data files.
• Experience creating high-quality scientific figures and maps.
• Ability to clearly communicate scientific concepts and results of analyses to a variety of audiences, including presentation of results at scientific conferences and meetings.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with researchers, stakeholders, and external partners.
• Must complete and pass a USGS background check.
• Must complete USGS computer security courses within 90 days of hire.
• Fluency in English.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with Climate Adaptation Science Centers, their partners, or other federal programs.
• Familiarity with climate impact reports, such as Species Status Assessments.
• Experience with scientific Python programming with the core geoscience libraries (NumPy, Pandas, Matplotlib, Cartopy, xarray, Jupyter Notebooks).
• Knowledge of JavaScript programming.
• Familiarity with Linux-based operating systems or high-performance computing. environments

This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined to be position qualified as per University Standard: 05-010 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months.

Starting salary will be commensurate with skills, education, and experience.

For additional information please contact: Jay Alder at [e-mail] or 541-737-5629.

Working Conditions/Schedule

Work will be performed primarily in an office or similar setting with adequate light, ventilation, and climate controls. Travel for meetings and conferences may be required and may result in exposure to inclement weather and other common circumstances. Work is expected to be in person on the main Oregon State University campus in Corvallis, Oregon. Telework will be allowed prior to relocating to Corvallis, Oregon, and as needed and agreed on between the employee and supervisor after relocation. Most of the work will be sedentary, with extensive use of a computer as well as some moving about and lifting or moving of lightweight objects such as a laptop.

Salary Range

$75,000 - $85,000

Anticipated Start Date

2026-10-01

Anticipated End Date

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status. OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire. OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. If this position has “critical or security-sensitive” responsibilities and/or driving duties and you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job‑related pre‑employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at our Background Checks website including the for candidates section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre‑employment check, please contact OSU’s Employee and Labor Relations team at [e-mail].