Scientist IV

Socket.dev; Columbia Township (MO); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Job summary

Cherokee Federal is seeking a Scientist IV to lead quantitative ecology research across aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, focusing on invasive species, environmental stressors, and wildlife dynamics. Strong skills in statistics, modeling, and programming are essential.

The role requires collaboration with government staff and external partners, data management, manuscript preparation, and presenting findings at meetings and conferences; travel to field sites may be necessary.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in quantitative ecology or closely related field required.
• 7+ years of relevant environmental research and quantitative ecology experience.
• Experience designing laboratory and field biological studies.
• Advanced knowledge of statistical modeling techniques.
• Ability to develop and interpret statistical models using R or Python.
• Experience managing complex scientific data sets and metadata.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to travel to field sites as needed.

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply study designs for lab, field, and modeling projects.
• Identify and apply statistical methods to complex data sets.
• Conduct advanced statistical analyses using R, Python, and other tools.
• Develop forecasting models for natural resource managers and stakeholders.
• Support data collection, literature synthesis, and experimental design.
• Prepare tables, figures, and narrative summaries communicating findings.
• Present findings at national and international conferences.
• Assist with manuscripts and technical reports.

Skills

Quantitative ecology

Statistical modeling

R programming

Python

Scientific writing

Collaboration

Data management

Microsoft Office

Communication skills

Field & lab research

Education

Master’s degree in quantitative ecology or related field

Tools

R

Python

Job description

The Scientist IV will support research related to aquatic and terrestrial species, invasive carp and crayfish control, environmental stressors, and waterfowl migration, energetics, and reproduction. The successful candidate will bring strong quantitative ecology, statistical modeling, programming, scientific writing, and collaborative research skills.

Compensation & Benefits:

Compensation is commensurate with experience. Full-time benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), and other possible benefits as provided. Benefits are subject to change with or without notice.

Scientist IV Responsibilities Include:

• Develop and apply effective study designs for laboratory, field, and modeling research projects involving aquatic and terrestrial species.

• Identify, evaluate, and apply appropriate statistical methods to complex field and laboratory data sets.

• Conduct advanced statistical analyses using programming languages and software packages such as R, Python, and other approved analytical tools.

• Develop, refine, test, and apply terrestrial and aquatic forecasting models for use by natural resource managers and other project stakeholders.

• Support development of models addressing population, community, physiological, behavioral, migration, energetics, reproduction, and environmental-response questions.

• Collect, compile, evaluate, and synthesize information from scientific literature, existing data sets, laboratory studies, and field studies for use in new experimental designs, analyses, and scientific products.

• Participate in laboratory and field data-collection activities as needed, including work supporting invasive carp, invasive crayfish, and other environmental research projects.

• Ensure laboratory and field data-collection methods follow established best practices, project protocols, standard operating procedures, and applicable quality-management requirements.

• Organize, manage, document, back up, and prepare project data for analysis, reporting, release, and long-term retrieval.

• Maintain complete and accurate records, including data files, metadata, analytical documentation, model inputs and outputs, quality-control records, and supporting project materials.

• Follow Fundamental Science Practices, standard operating procedures, quality management system requirements, biosecurity policies, animal-use policies, safety requirements, and applicable Federal guidance.

• Conduct data quality assurance and quality control activities, including review of control parameters, documentation of data quality, identification of anomalies, and implementation of corrective actions as appropriate.

• Support preparation and publication of data releases in accordance with policy, Fundamental Science Practices, and metadata standards.

• Create tables, graphs, figures, visualizations, model outputs, and narrative summaries that communicate complex scientific findings clearly to technical and nontechnical audiences.

• Assist with preparation of scientific manuscripts, technical reports, project reports, data releases, presentations, and other research communications.

• Participate actively in weekly technical meetings, project meetings, branch meetings, and research discussions.

• Provide data-driven recommendations, insights, and scientific interpretation to support project planning, implementation, and timely completion of deliverables.

• Coordinate with technical staff, ecologists, toxicologists, chemists, natural resource managers, and other collaborators to align research objectives, methods, schedules, and outputs.

• Translate complex scientific findings into clear, practical materials for briefings, stakeholder meetings, practitioner applications, scientific outreach, and conferences.

• Deliver oral and poster presentations at national and international conferences, working-group meetings, and stakeholder engagements.

• Train or assist other scientists with analytical workflows, data-management procedures, modeling methods, and related project activities as needed.

• Complete required training and submit timely travel documentation to support continuity of laboratory processing, field data collection, and project activities.

• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Experience, Education, Skills, and Abilities Requested:

• Master’s degree in quantitative ecology, ecology, biology, environmental science, statistics, natural resources, wildlife science, fisheries science, or a closely related field required.

• At least seven years of relevant experience in environmental research, quantitative ecology, biological science, statistical analysis, forecasting-model development, laboratory research, field research, or a related discipline required.

• Demonstrated subject matter expertise designing and completing laboratory and field biological studies.

• Advanced knowledge of general and specialized statistical modeling techniques.

• Demonstrated ability to develop, execute, validate, and interpret statistical models using R, Python, or comparable programming languages and analytical software.

• Experience designing laboratory experiments, field experiments, monitoring studies, and other research approaches that produce defensible scientific data.

• Experience developing, applying, or supporting ecological, population, behavioral, physiological, environmental, or forecasting models.

• Knowledge of terrestrial and aquatic ecology, biological research methods, and environmental stressors affecting native and non-native species.

• Ability to collect, integrate, and synthesize data from scientific literature, experimental results, field observations, and existing databases.

• Experience managing complex scientific data sets, preparing metadata, and maintaining well-organized electronic records.

• Knowledge of quality assurance, quality control, scientific integrity, reproducible research practices, and data-release requirements.

• Ability to create clear and accurate scientific tables, graphs, figures, visualizations, and written summaries.

• Experience writing or contributing to scientific manuscripts, technical reports, data reports, research summaries, and other formal scientific products.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Microsoft 365 applications.

• Strong analytical, organizational, written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Ability to work independently on assigned responsibilities while collaborating effectively with Government staff, scientists, project teams, and external partners.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet project deadlines, communicate progress clearly, and adapt to changing research needs.

• Strong commitment to scientific integrity, detailed documentation, high-quality data, safe work practices, and continuous improvement.

• Ability to meet the physical and safety requirements of office, laboratory, and field work, including occasional travel to field sites and meeting locations.

• Must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.

Company Information:

Cherokee Federal is a trusted team of government contracting professionals who rapidly build innovative and advanced solutions across environmental science, immigration, national security and intelligence, cybersecurity, health care, and logistics. Cherokee Federal is owned by Cherokee Nation Businesses, and 100% of profits support Cherokee Nation citizens through health care, education, and job creation. To learn more, visit cherokee-federal.com.

#CherokeeFederal #LI-DH1

Cherokee Federal is a military-friendly employer. Veterans and active military members transitioning to civilian careers are encouraged to apply.

5 Keywords:

• Quantitative Ecology
• Statistical Modeling
• Forecast Modeling
• Environmental Research
• R Programming

5 Similar Job Titles:

• Quantitative Ecologist
• Environmental Data Scientist
• Ecological Modeler
• Research Scientist
• Wildlife Biometrician

Legal Disclaimer:

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected veteran status, disability, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Many of our job openings require access to government buildings or military installations.