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

NOTE: Employment may be impacted by the Presidential proclamation issued on September 19, 2025 and the moratorium issued by Texas Governor Abbott on January 27, 2026.

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.