Research Associate (Soil Data Science)

Mission :

Woodwell Climate Research Center (Woodwell Climate) conducts science for solutions at the nexus of climate, people, and nature. We partner with leaders and communities for just meaningful impact to address the climate crisis.

Woodwell Climate is a rapidly growing, top-ranked, independent non-profit climate research institute whose mission is to advance science-based climate policies through scientific research and outreach. Our world-leading research and impact help individuals, organizations, corporations, communities, and nations understand the realities of climate change, recognize the impact on our planet, and embrace the urgent action needed to safeguard the future of life on Earth.

Summary :

Join Woodwell Climate’s Soil Carbon Lab as a Research Associate (or Postdoctoral Researcher). In this role, you will focus on the intersection of soil and climate sciences with statistics, mathematics and machine learning. The successful candidate will contribute to current projects, advance their own interests, and explore new avenues to generate a meaningful impact in addressing the soil and climate data needs. The successful candidate may utilize spectroscopy, remote sensing, digital mapping, machine learning, and process-based modeling to understand how soils and agricultural systems behave and are influenced by management decisions. The candidate will help compile and process spectroscopy and geospatial data, will lead reproducible data analysis pipelines, and produce meaningful information with advanced methods. The successful candidate will contribute to the compilation, documentation and presentation of scientific outcomes derived from multiple projects.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to :

Write and implement advanced statistical and ML / AI code

Database and online resource management of the Open Soil Spectral Library

Document and report research outcomes as a leading author or coauthor of scientific publications and conference proceedings

Stay current with advances in data science and modeling communities, considering new ways and algorithms that can be utilized to enhance our science

Must have the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

Minimum of 3 years of demonstrated record of successful research

Strong data science skills, including proficiency in spatial data analysis

Experience in implementing machine learning or advanced statistical analysis

Experience using version control (Git, GitHub)

Strong coding skills (Python, R, other languages a plus)

Superior oral and written communication and networking skills

Ability to work as a member of a highly collaborative team in a fast-paced environment

Willingness to travel about 5% of the time

Open to Postdoctoral Researcher

Qualifications :

3+ years’ experience with a Master's degree in Environmental Data Science, Soil Science, Earth System Science, Ecology, Geography, Environmental Engineering, Computer Science or a related discipline, or 5+ years experience, appropriate for the requirements of the job with a bachelor's degree for the Research Associate level, or

Ph.D. (granted or expected soon) in Environmental Data Science, Soil Science, Earth System Science, Ecology, Geography, Environmental Engineering, Computer Science or a related discipline for the Postdoctoral Researcher level

Work Environment :

The functions of this role are primarily conducted indoors

Hours of Work :

This role is paid on a salaried, exempt basis

Typically, full-time employees work 40 hours during a Monday through Friday workweek. However, this is a salaried position. Therefore, the individual is expected to work as required to complete the duties of the position. This may mean weekend hours and / or hours beyond 40 per week

Application review will begin ongoing

Desired Start Date : November 10, 2025

Fixed-term : 2 years with possibility of extension dependent upon performance and availability of funds

Classification and Compensation :  This is a full-time, salaried, exempt position; the annual salary range is $70,000+, dependent on qualifications / experience. Woodwell offers a generous benefits package and work-life balance.

Location :  Falmouth, Massachusetts, hybrid and / or remote

Application Instructions :  To apply, please send your cover letter addressing your experience and qualifications in relation to the responsibilities of this position and curriculum vitae as  a single PDF  to our career portal.

Please visit Woodwell's website  to learn more about Woodwell’s work.

Located on a 10-acre campus near the village of Woods Hole, the Woodwell Climate Research Center (Woodwell) is a private, non-profit research center. Woodwell is a leading source of climate science that drives the urgent action needed to solve climate change. Woodwell has 100+ staff members and is excited to welcome new employees to this work.

Woodwell Climate is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, mental or physical disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, familial status, veteran status, genetic information or protected categories by law. Woodwell is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for all individuals in employment practices, services, programs, and activities.

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