Senior Staff Associate I

The Center for International Earth Science Information Network (CIESIN) of the Columbia Climate School invites applications for a Senior Staff Associate I. Reporting to the Associate Director of Science Applications, the Senior Staff Associate I leads the development of complex geostatistical data workflows, applied research analyses and methods across multiple functions using open programming languages such as Python and/or R. Solves a broad range of data processing issues and proposes creative solutions to efficiently process and analyze large data collections. The incumbent works independently within a collaborative research environment and substantially contributes to the development of innovative methodologies to improve workflows. Manages data integration tasks; promotes the use of open science tools and methodologies when practical. Supports lectures related to geospatial data analysis and/or geospatial data modeling. Makes substantial contributions to the GIS analytics knowledge-base, participates in conferences, seminars, and/or workshops. Supports the development of research papers. Coordinates and leads the preparation of proposals for external funding.

Duties and Responsibilities will include:

• Leads complex geostatistical data processing and applied research tasks. Develops data workflows and pipelines to support data acquisition, validation, production, and curation of geospatial data. Solves large-scale computational problems using scripted tools and functions in open programming languages (Python, R). Improves code optimization, portability, and documentation in GitHub. Uses both open-sourced and licensed software and supports reproducibility.
• Substantially contributes to the overall knowledge-base for applied research in geospatial microplanning and geospatial optimization problems. Proposes solutions to integrate data streams in various formats, resolutions, and time scales, and effectively communicates outcomes. Leads the creation of new data products, documentation of data processes in the form of technical briefs, white papers, webinars and other training materials, as well as metadata. Participates in conferences, seminars, and/or workshops. Supports the development of research papers and research protocols.
• Substantially contributes to knowledge-transfer, lecturing and training. Supports lectures related to applied geospatial data analysis and/or geospatial data modeling. Participates in workshops, webinars, and tech-talks to disseminate geospatial know-how on innovative data integration, geospatial data modeling and processing methods.
• Works in coordination with other staff at CIESIN in order to successfully accomplish project’s milestones and deadlines. Participates in teleconferences, meetings, working groups, webinars, and related coordination activities as needed. Liaises with project stakeholders, aligning project priorities and proposed methods. Coordinates and leads the preparation of proposals for external funding.
• Supports other CIESIN projects and provides expert advice as needed.
• Reports to the Senior Staff Associate III serving as Associate Director for CIESIN’s Science Applications Division, and receives guidance from CIESIN project leaders.
• Exercises independent judgment and initiative within specific objectives. Must be able to work in interdisciplinary teams.