Ecological Research Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary/Basic Function:

Serves as an independent researcher or a collaborator on a multi-scholar research initiative. May have lead responsibility for discrete components of a larger project under the general direction of a senior or principal researcher.

This is a temporary position with an expected duration of two years.

Level Scope:

Recognized subject matter expert who knows how to apply theory and put it into practice with in-depth understanding of the professional field with limited oversight from managers. Independently performs the full range of responsibilities within the function; requires deep job knowledge of area typically obtained through higher education combined with experience. Manages large projects or processes and problems faced are difficult and often complex; analyzes problems/issues of diverse scope and determines solutions. May manage programs that include formulating strategies and administering policies, processes, and resources; functions with a high degree of autonomy. Influences others regarding policies, practices and procedures.

Essential Functions:

60% of Time the Research Scholar may:
Lead development of deep learning algorithms capable of identifying individual plant species in UAS imagery, including convolutional neural networks (CNNs), object detection models, semantic segmentation workflows, transfer learning approaches, and multi-temporal image analysis methods.
Build, test, and document open-source software and web applications that enable researchers and land managers to generate species maps from UAS imagery.
Work with large image datasets, including tens of thousands of georeferenced individual plants paired with high-resolution UAS imagery collected across Idaho, Oregon, and other western dryland ecosystems.
Develop robust approaches that generalize across landscapes, sensors, and environmental conditions, and evaluate uncertainty in AI predictions for ecological inference.
Collaborate closely with ecologists, statisticians, federal scientists, and stakeholder organizations at Boise State University, USDA Agricultural Research Service, and the Sevilleta LTER program.
Publish project results in high-impact peer-reviewed journals and share reproducible code, data products, and workflows that support ecological research and rangeland management.
Present findings at meetings, conferences, workshops, and collaborator institutions; periodic travel between Boise, Idaho, and Burns, Oregon, is expected.

35% of Time the Research Scholar may:
Operate and maintain research or field equipment, as applicable.
Supervise or mentor and train undergraduate and graduate students, postdocs, and research staff.
Take lead responsibility for discrete components of a larger research project under the general direction of a senior or principal researcher.
Prepare complete documentation of research activities for reference purposes, including following applicable data management protocols.
Analyze, interpret, and document research findings for review.
Compare actual results and expected results and suggest solutions to correct the deviations.
Evaluate existing research techniques and recommend improvements to ensure quality and productivity.
Assist in the preparation of proposals and reports.
Assist in the teaching of classes.

5% of Time the Research Scholar will:

Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

Team player with an excellent work ethic, meticulous attention to detail, and high intrinsic self-motivation to learn and work in the lab or field, as applicable
Ability to acquire accurate, reproducible data with a critical eye towards consistency, reproducibility, and the scientific method in general
Scientific writing skills demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications
Experience presenting research results in meetings, conferences, and seminars
Excellent project and time management skills
Strong interpersonal and mentoring skills
Advocate for safety and ethics in the workplace

Minimum Qualifications:

Requires a minimum of a Ph.D. degree or equivalent terminal degree in a relevant discipline, with a minimum of 2 years postdoctoral experience (or equivalent research experience) with a demonstrated record of research productivity. A Master's degree or equivalent, plus at least 5 years of relevant post-master's professional work experience, or in rare instances, a Bachelor's degree or equivalent, plus at least 8 years of exceptional relevant professional experience also will be considered.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with species classification, object detection, semantic segmentation, or transfer learning.
Experience with drone (UAS) image acquisition and processing.
Experience with structure-from-motion photogrammetry.
Experience with geospatial analyses.
Experience developing interactive web applications or scientific software.
Experience or interest in dryland, rangeland, or plant ecology.
Strong machine learning background and enthusiasm for applying deep learning and computer vision to ecological and environmental problems.

Salary and Benefits:

Salary range is $66,705.60 to $80,000 annually and is commensurate with experience. Boise State University provides a best-in-class benefits package, including (but not limited to):

• 12 paid holidays AND the University is closed between Christmas and New Year's (requires use of 3 vacation days)
• Between 12-24 annual paid vacation days for full-time Professional and Classified staff depending on position type and years of service
• 10.76% University contribution to your ORP retirement fund (Professional and Faculty employees)
• 11.96% University contribution to your PERSI retirement fund (Classified employees)
• Excellent medical, dental and other health-related insurance coverages
• Tuition fee waiver benefits for employees, spouses and their dependents
• See our full benefits page for more information!

Required Application Materials:

Resume

Cover Letter

About Us:

Nestled along the Boise River and steps from the state capitol, Boise State University fosters a vibrant and welcoming academic environment that fuels student and employee success. We're a trailblazing institution, nationally recognized for our innovative spirit and commitment to positive impact on Idaho and beyond.

Boise State is proud to be recognized by Forbes as the only Idaho employer listed in the top 100 of all national midsize and large employers. We're building a thriving community of faculty and staff whose unique skills, experiences, and perspectives come together to create a rich and rewarding academic experience. Applications from all backgrounds are welcomed.

Learn more about Boise State and living in Idaho's Treasure Valley at https://www.boisestate.edu/about/