Senior Biodiversity Scientist

Senior Biodiversity Scientist

Position Overview
The Senior Biodiversity Scientist position plays a pivotal role in supporting the mission of NatCap TEEMs by leading, conducting, and supporting biodiversity and ecosystem service research projects. This position reports directly to the Center Director and their supervisor if different from the Center Director. Working closely with the Center Director and its Governing Council, the Senior Biodiversity Scientist ensures that the ecological dimensions of biodiversity are effectively integrated into the Center's broader research, strategy, and modeling efforts. This position will be responsible for developing and managing research programs that highlight the impact of human activities on biodiversity and ecosystems, as well as their contributions to people and economies.

Council, the Senior Biodiversity Scientist ensures that the ecological dimensions of biodiversity are effectively integrated into the Center's broader research, strategy, and modeling efforts. This position will be responsible for developing and managing research programs that highlight the impact of human activities on biodiversity and ecosystems, as well as their contributions to people and economies.

By collaborating with the Center Director and Governing Council, this role will enhance the Center's capacity to produce rigorous, evidence-based insights that support global decision-making on sustainable development. The Senior Biodiversity Scientist will lay the groundwork for a biodiversity and global change ecology research program within the NatCap TEEMs framework, emphasizing innovative, collaborative, and interdisciplinary approaches that align with the Governing Council and the Center Director's vision for NatCap TEEMs.

This position entails 65% research 15% program support, 10% fundraising, 5% Stakeholder Engagement, and 5% administrative duties. The position involves occasional travel, typically 3 times/year, but not exceeding 5times/year, for conferences, presentations, and collaborative professional events.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Research and Knowledge Dissemination (65%)

• Lead research in global change ecology with a focus on developing models that assess the impact of environmental changes on biodiversity and ecosystems.
• Publish individually or collaboratively with other NatCap TEEMs researchers in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals to contribute to the broader scientific community.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest scientific literature, integrating new insights into ongoing projects, and actively share key developments with the other NatCap TEEMs researchers to inform and enhance collaborative efforts.
• Collaborate with the other NatCap TEEMs researchers to support the Center's broader research agenda, engaging in interdisciplinary projects that extend beyond this position's responsibilities to advance the Center's mission.
• Conduct original, independent research on ecosystems, biodiversity, and human impacts on wildlife, aiming to produce scientifically rigorous and policy-relevant results that support sustainable development locally and internationally.
• Review, synthesize, and effectively disseminate the most relevant scientific knowledge across the NatCap TEEMs network and to external partners, ensuring findings are FAIR (findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable) if as much as possible.
• Dedicate 25% of research time to personal projects that align with areas of interest, such as novel research in global change ecology, fostering innovation and creativity within the field.
• Develop and refine ecological models to evaluate the effects of human activities and environmental changes on biodiversity and ecosystems, contributing to decision-support tools that inform policy.
• Present research findings at national and international conferences, showcasing NatCap TEEMs' contributions to biodiversity science and fostering dialogue with the global research community.
• Mentor junior researchers and create a supportive, collaborative team environment that encourages skill development and professional growth.

Project Management and Fundraising (25%)

• Collaborate closely with the Center Director, Governing Council, and other key stakeholders to ensure that research goals and strategies are deeply informed by ecological science, providing expert guidance to foster innovative and impactful research.
• Work with the Center Director and Governing Council to develop research projects that align with the overarching vision of NatCap TEEMs, ensuring that biodiversity and ecosystem considerations are at the forefront of the Center's objectives.
• Lead and manage research projects as the Principal Investigator (PI), or provide essential project management support as a co-PI or co-investigator (co-I), driving interdisciplinary initiatives that integrate biodiversity science with economic modeling.
• Support the Center Director in fundraising efforts by identifying and pursuing relevant funding opportunities for biodiversity research, including grants, gifts, and private sector funds.
• Design, support, and manage interdisciplinary research programs as PI that focus on ecosystem and biodiversity science, ensuring alignment with economic and ecological frameworks.
• Oversee comprehensive grant management, ensuring adherence to timelines, budget constraints, and reporting requirements for large, collaborative projects in the role of PI.
• Proactively identify and secure funding sources, taking the lead in preparing high-quality grant proposals in collaboration with interdisciplinary teams.
• Engage with a wide range of stakeholders to ensure that project objectives are consistent with both institutional priorities and broader research goals.
• Coordinate and support the efforts of scientific staff and external collaborators, managing priorities to ensure successful project execution and impactful research outcomes.

Administrative Support (10%)

• Provide expert consultation on projects led by NatCap TEEMs members that require ecological or biological expertise, including support for PhD student research and side projects initiated by other lead scientists/researchers, helping them to ensure that these projects are scientifically sound, even if they are not part of the position's core research portfolio.
• Assist, support, and deputize the Center Director as requested and needed, contributing to strategic planning, project oversight, and the implementation of research initiatives.
• Support in organizing and facilitating meetings, ensuring agendas are prepared, records are maintained, and project documentation is accurate and up to date.
• Support the Center's data management, reporting, and other administrative tasks, streamlining project operations and ensuring compliance with institutional requirements.

Required Qualifications

• An advanced degree (Ph.D. preferred) in ecology, environmental science, natural resource management, climate change, or a related field is required.
• One year of postdoctoral research experience.
• In-depth knowledge of environmental economics, natural capital accounting approaches, ecosystem valuation, climate adaptation strategies, and relevant policy frameworks.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities, with experience working effectively with diverse stakeholders across sectors and cultures.
• Eagerness to engage with multiple organizational partners in person and online.
• Ability to create and foster a rich, dynamic team atmosphere that encourages collaboration and knowledge-sharing
• Commitment to sustainability, conservation, social equity, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Preferred Qualifications

• Publication record of at least three peer-reviewed papers.
• Expertise or experience using InVEST or working with the Natural Capital Project.
• Proficiency in research methodology such as statistical analysis in R, empirical natural sciences work, and theoretical natural sciences work.
• Interest in applying for competitive funding to manage and support a foundational biodiversity research program within TEEMs.
• Publication record in peer-reviewed journals in ecology and ecology-related fields.
• Willingness to expand expertise in environmental economic modeling and research methods.
  

About the Department:
In the Department of Applied Economics at the University of Minnesota, we bring economics to life: with you, for you. We believe in the power of evidence and economic thinking to help people make smart decisions. Research in our department cuts across all areas of peoples' lives, improving everything from the lakes they swim in, to the food they eat, to the viability of the businesses in their community. We work with big datasets that present opportunities to work across disciplines to answer new questions and better address long-standing ones. At the heart of our research is a focus on improving the world through informed decisions about the economics at play in our daily experiences.

The work that happens in the Department of Applied Economics affects the world. We regularly partner with governments, NGOs, and international organizations to evaluate their existing programs and inform the design of new ones. Our legacy of international engagement is strengthened by our student body, research staff, and faculty who come from around the globe to learn from our world-class researchers.
About NatCap TEEMs

Natural Capital Project:

The Earth-Economy Modelers (NatCap TEEMs) is a research center at the University of Minnesota's Department of Applied Economics. NatCap TEEMs is committed to advancing sustainability by integrating economic and ecological models. Our goal is to inform decisions that impact both people and nature by building evidence-based tools. NatCap TEEMs is a partner of the Natural Capital Project (NatCap), whose mission is to pioneer science, technology, and partnerships that enable people and nature to thrive. We engage with a global network of partners to address the environmental challenges of the Anthropocene, providing operational and policy-relevant information for sustainable development. This Earth-Economy Modeling approach provides specific, operational, policy-relevant information to help humanity stay within the safe and just operating space for sustainable development.

Pay Range: $85,000 - $95,000 per year depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

The application review process will continue until the position is filled. Interested candidates should:
1. submit a detailed CV/Resume
2. a cover letter outlining their research vision for this position, and
3. contact information for three professional references to Nfamara K. Dampha damph002@umn.edu
Priority consideration for applications is February 5th, 2025. The deadline for applications is February 14, 2025.
NatCap TEEMs is an equal-opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.
Remote working Option
This position will be based on the St. Paul campus, allowing for the possibility of remote/virtual work for approximately 1-2 days per week. Your office will be located at Ruttan Hall, 231, 1994 Buford Ave, St Paul, MN 55108.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).