Senior Research Scientist

Planitec BTP; Corpus Christi (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi invites applications for a Senior Research Scientist who leads predictive ecological modeling and data analysis to inform ecosystem management. You will engage stakeholders during model development and mentor students in quantitative ecology.

The role emphasizes developing models, handling environmental data, grant proposals, and disseminating findings through journals and presentations to scientists and external partners.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in an applicable field; eight years of related experience.
• Demonstrated ability to develop predictive ecological models.

Responsibilities

• Develops predictive ecological models for natural resources decision-making.
• Works with spatial and environmental datasets to support ecological modeling and analysis.
• Sources biological, environmental, and related data for use in modeling and analysis.
• Mentors undergraduate and graduate students in data analysis and ecological modeling.

Skills

Predictive modeling

Data analysis

Ecological mentoring

Grant writing

Education

Ph.D.

Tools

Git

NetCDF

Job description

Job Title Senior Research Scientist Agency Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi Department Harte Research Institute Proposed Minimum Salary Commensurate Job Location Corpus Christi, Texas Job Type Staff Job Description TAMU-CC is a dynamic university designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) with approximately 11,000 students from 47 states and 54 foreign nations. We employ over 1,400 full-time and 2,000 part-time Islanders (including students/GAs). The University attracts highly talented faculty and staff and offers an array of undergraduate and graduate degrees, including doctoral programs. As a member of the Texas A&M University System, TAMU-CC benefits from a range of resources, increased visibility and influence, and opportunities to collaborate in mutually beneficial ways with peers across member institutions and associated agencies. TAMU-CC’s beautiful campus is located on a 240-acre island on Corpus Christi Bay and was ranked #1 College by the Sea by Best College Reviews. Our natural setting is enhanced by its modern, attractive, and state-of-the-art classroom buildings and support facilities.

PURPOSE

The Senior Research Scientist, under general supervision, leads predictive ecological modeling and associated data analysis to inform ecosystem management and decision-making, engages stakeholders during model development, and mentors students in quantitative ecology.

DESCRIPTION

Functional Area 1: Research Percent Effort: 60%

• Develops predictive ecological models for natural resources decision-making
• Develops and works with spatial and other environmental datasets to support ecological modeling and analysis
• Sources biological, environmental, and related data for use in modeling and analysis
• Analyzes various biological, environmental, and related data using appropriate statistical and modeling techniques

Functional Area 2: Project Development and Management Percent Effort: 25%

• Develops new research aligned with program priorities in ecosystem science and modeling
• Writes competitive grant proposals to secure external funding
• Coordinates project planning, timelines, and deliverables for funded research activities
• Provides supervision and mentoring for research and technical staff

Functional Area 3: Scientific Dissemination Percent Effort: 15%

• Works with stakeholders and partners during model development to understand information needs and incorporate feedback into modeling approaches
• Maintains a strong record of publishing ecological modeling research in peer-reviewed scientific journals
• Delivers presentations to scientific audiences as well as to external partners, stakeholders, and other end users of applied ecosystem science
• Mentors undergraduate and graduate students on data analysis and ecological modeling, including supervision of research projects and co-authorship of student-led publications

QUALIFICATIONS

Ph.D. in an applicable field. Eight (8) years of related experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated ability to develop and apply predictive ecological models using a range of methodologies
• Record of producing open and reproducible science, including sharing data products and scripts in Git repositories
• High-quality publication record in peer-reviewed journals, commensurate with an independent research scientist
• Established track record of successful grant funding as lead PI or co‑PI on externally sponsored research projects
• Demonstrated experience mentoring and supervising undergraduate and graduate students in research, including serving on thesis committees and co-authoring student-led publications
• Experience delivering presentations to scientific audiences as well as to external partners, stakeholders, and other end users of applied ecosystem science
• Expertise building Bayesian networks for ecological application
• Expertise working with NetCDF file format

BENEFITS (rules, policies, eligibility apply)

From our generous benefits package and professional development opportunities, to our retirement programs and our commitment to service excellence, the Island University is an engaging and rewarding place to work.

• Insurance:
  • Medical $0 - $30 per month for Employee Only coverage after university contribution ($920 value).
  • Up to 83% of premium covered by the university: Employee and Spouse Employee and Children Employee and Family coverage.
  • Dental & Vision Life Insurance, Accidental D&D, Long Term Disability, Flexible Spending Account and Day Care Spending Account.
• DUAL CAREER PARTNER PROGRAM ON-CAMPUS WELLNESS OPPORTUNITIES
• Work Life Solutions:
  • Counseling, Work Life Assistance, Financial Resources, and Legal Resources.
• Tuition Benefits: Public Loan Forgiveness Book scholarships 100% tuition coverage for up to 18 credit hours per fiscal year (other rules may apply).
• Retirement: Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) or Optional Retirement Plan (ORP) Voluntary Tax Deferred Account/Deferred Compensation Plan.
• Time Off: 8+ hours of vacation paid time off every month. 8 hours of sick leave time off every month. 8 hours of paid time off for Birthday leave. 12-15 paid holidays each year.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer. Welcome and thank you for your interest in a career with Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.

We are a vibrant, Hispanic Serving Doctoral Research Institution that proudly provides a solid academic reputation, renowned faculty, and highly rated degree programs since 1947. The University has a heritage of teaching excellence with innovation in research and community engagement as part of the distinguished Texas A&M System. The only university in the nation located on its own island, at the heart of the Texas Gulf Coast. With palm tree lined pathways throughout the campus, nearby natural wetlands, a scenic hike-and-bike trail and pristine views of the beach and bays, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi is a first-choice institution. Texas A&M-Corpus Christi is an Equal Opportunity / Veterans / Disability Employer.

REASONS TO WORK AT TAMUCC

• Benefits (opens new window)
• Holiday & Leave (opens new window)
• Pay Plan (opens new window)
• E-Verify (opens new window)
• Veterans Preference (opens new window)
• Employee Development & Compliance Services Office (opens new window)
• Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
• Know your rights
• Pay Transparency
• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) is the Law
• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) is the Law Supplement

Again, welcome and thank you for your interest.