Research Scientist or Associate (Adaptation Specialist), University of Oklahoma

Climate Adaptation Knowledge Exchange; Norman (OK); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Oklahoma, home to the South Central Climate Adaptation Science Center, seeks a Research Associate or Research Scientist to join an interdisciplinary team focused on reducing drought, flood, wildfire, and other climate risks across LA, NM, OK, and TX. The Adaptation Specialist will connect with partners and provide science-based support for natural resource management.

Travel is moderate within the four-state region; the incumbent will synthesize climate data, develop tools, and

Qualifications

• Ph.D. required for Research Scientist; Master’s with 5+ years experience for Research Associate.
• Strong data analysis skills (quantitative and/or qualitative).
• Ability to communicate scientific/technical information to non-experts.
• Proficiency with videoconferencing, cloud services, word processing, presentation software, and spreadsheets.

Responsibilities

• Synthesize climate adaptation research with datasets and tools for resource managers.
• Communicate scientific information to diverse audiences.
• Collaborate with agencies and NGOs to identify information gaps and user needs.
• Disseminate research through reports, science highlights, and accessible media.
• Attend meetings and conferences to build partner connections.
• Lead novel research or data analysis on impacts and adaptation for ecological systems.

Skills

Data analysis

Science communication

Software proficiency

Education

Ph.D. in ecology/hydrology/climate science/environmental science

M.S. with 5+ years experience in related field

Tools

R

Python

GIS

Job description

Research Scientist or Associate (Adaptation Specialist), University of Oklahoma

Organization/Grantor: University of Oklahoma, South Central CASC

Position/Title/Fund: Research Scientist or Associate (Adaptation Specialist)

Type/Term: Full-time

Description

The South Central Climate Adaptation Science Center (CASC) at the University of Oklahoma seeks to hire a Research Associate or Research Scientist to join an interdisciplinary team focused on reducing risk to drought, flood, wildfire, and other climate extremes across the CASC’s four-state region (LA, NM, OK, TX). The South Central CASC is a boundary organization, and this position will serve as one of our primary boundary spanners to connect with key partners in the region. This position will provide technical assistance for natural resource management for a variety of federal, state, and tribal agencies, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and other resource management partners. The Adaptation Specialist will be an employee of the University of Oklahoma based in Norman, OK. Moderate travel within the South Central CASC region is expected to meet with partners and continue building relationships with resource managers in the region.

Responsibilities

The selected candidate will play a leading role in synthesizing climate adaptation research and combining the information with climate-related datasets, tools, or other relevant products for resource managers. Specific duties are listed below:

• Engage with partners in actionable science and provide science-based information as they adapt to, respond to, and plan for climate extremes in their local jurisdictions
• Communicate relevant scientific/technical information to a variety of audiences, including scientists and non-scientists, in a variety of venues
• Collaborate with USGS, federal/state/tribal agencies, NGOs, and others to identify research and information gaps, including science information, products, datasets, decision support tools, etc. to meet partners’ needs for adaptation efforts
• Synthesize and disseminate the research conducted by the South Central CASC using effective software and through reports, agency science highlights, and other media in formats accessible and usable for resource managers
• Attend meetings and professional conferences to build connections with key partners
• Lead novel research or climate-related data analysis on impacts and adaptation for ecological systems with other research partners (Research Scientist)

Qualifications

Required:

• Ph.D. (for Research Scientist position) in ecology, hydrology, physical geography, climate science (broadly interpreted), environmental science, or related field, OR
• Masters Degree (for Research Associate position) with at least 5 years of experience in ecology, hydrology, physical geography, climate science (broadly interpreted), environmental science, or related field
• Strong data analysis skills (quantitative and/or qualitative)
• Ability to effectively communicate scientific/technical information to non-expert audiences
• Proficiency with computer applications, including videoconferencing (e.g., Zoom), cloud services (e.g., Google Docs), word processing, presentation software, and spreadsheets

Preferred:

• Experience with statistical analysis of environmental data, geographical information science, or intermediate programming using R, Python, or similar language to process or display environmental data
• Familiarity with management of climate, hydrologic, ecological, or other spatial environmental datasets
• Experience working independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team
• Experience working with practitioners outside academia on actionable science
• Interest in applied conservation, decision support, or co-developed science
• Experience writing proposals, governmental reports, or scientific summaries for decision makers
• Experience in vulnerability assessments, hazard mitigation plans, or climate adaptation planning