Overview The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) is a $430 million dollar observatory project dedicated to understanding how changes in climate, land use and invasive species impact ecology. For the next three decades NEON will collect a comprehensive range of ecological data on a continental scale across 20 eco-climatic domains representing US ecosystems. NEON will use cutting edge technology including an airborne observation platform that will capture images of regional landscapes and vegetation; mobile, relocatable, and fixed data collection sites with automated ground sensors to monitor soil and atmosphere; and trained field crews who will observe and sample populations of diverse organisms and collect soil and water data. A leading edge cyberinfrastructure will calibrate, store and publish this information. The Observatory will grow to 300+ personnel and will be the first of its kind designed to detect and enable forecasting of ecological change at continental scales.
Timeline This position will be funded for two years initially with the possibility of one year extension as deemed appropriate based on the success of the tasks performed during the first year. Summary: This position will be funded for two years initially with the possibility of one year extension as deemed appropriate based on the success of the tasks performed during the first year. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: • Coordinate and oversee data processing and analyses for a prototype study on microbial diversity and function. • Coordinate data management between outsourced analytical facilities and NEON cyberinfrastructure team. • Work with NEON scientists to develop appropriate ways to maintain genetic data and formats for public data access. • Work with NEON scientists to develop useful data products and analyses for the NEON genetic data. • Work with collaborating laboratories and NEON scientists to facilitate publication of results from the prototype studies, and collaborate with the NEON microbiology working groups to prepare reports and develop recommendations for future analyses and data processing. Education: • PhD in computational biology, bioinformatics, computer science or related field (Life science, Ecology, Evolution, etc.) Required Experience: • Experience analyzing high-throughput (454, Illumina, or SOLiD) data • Experience working in a collaborative scientific enterprise • Scientific writing and review Preferred Experience: • Experience with Quantitative Insights into Microbial Ecology (QIIME) freeware • Experience with MG-RAST or similar metagenomics databases Skills and Abilities: • Strong communication and interpersonal skills • Undertake responsibilities beyond those associated with individual research projects • Ability to work independently and as part of an active science team • Problem solver who can successfully apply experience, judgment, and creativity to both short- and long-term challenges • Self-starter who can create new opportunities within this field and use novel methods, analyses and approaches to tackle continental-scale research Apply to: www.neoninc.org NEON Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Minorities, Veterans and Disabled Persons are encouraged to apply.
