Senior Coastal Data Scientist

Cherokee Federal; Lafayette (LA); On-site; USD 64,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

401K

Job summary

Cherokee United Services, a division of Cherokee Federal, seeks a Scientist VII in Lafayette, LA to lead quantitative coastal research with CPRA and federal teams. The role focuses on land-change analysis, restoration effectiveness, and ecosystem impacts using reproducible R workflows and scientific publications.

The candidate will develop statistical models, analyze ecological data, and mentor junior staff while ensuring work follows standard procedures and rigorous review processes.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in coastal wetlands ecology or closely related field required.
• At least seven years of post-Ph.D.-level experience in coastal wetlands ecology.
• Deep knowledge of coastal ecosystems, wetlands, wildlife, and climate change effects.
• Experience applying statistical methods to ecological data and large data streams.
• Advanced proficiency with R and RStudio; SAS experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead analytical efforts with partners supporting CRMS and related aquatic research.
• Develop frameworks for land-change, restoration effectiveness, and ecosystem impacts.
• Perform mathematical and statistical analyses of ecological data.
• Develop, fit, and interpret statistical models using quantitative inference.
• Analyze data from field monitoring, remote sensing, and hydrologic programs.
• Prepare data summaries, visuals, and publications for diverse audiences.
• Maintain reusable R code and migrate SAS analyses to R workflows.
• Ensure timely delivery within multidisciplinary teams.
• Contribute to scientific reports and peer‑reviewed publications.

Skills

Coastal wetlands ecology

Statistical modeling

R programming

Restoration effectiveness

Land-change analysis

Education

PhD in coastal wetlands ecology

Job description

Cherokee United Services, a division of Cherokee Federal, seeks a Scientist VII in Lafayette, LA to lead quantitative coastal research with CPRA and federal teams. The role focuses on land-change analysis, restoration effectiveness, and ecosystem impacts using reproducible R workflows and scientific publications.

The candidate will develop statistical models, analyze ecological data, and mentor junior staff while ensuring work follows standard procedures and rigorous review processes.