[Remote] Research Scientist I - Agronomical Data

Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. The Land Institute is a non-profit organization focused on developing perennial grain agriculture to address climate, water, and food security issues. They are seeking a Research Scientist I in Agronomical Data Science to enhance data workflows and analytical tools for perennial groundcover research trials, contributing to agricultural sustainability.

Responsibilities

• Refine, validate, and deploy image analysis models to quantify groundcover intensity across diverse field environments
• Process and manage large image datasets from multiple research locations
• Improve model performance across varying lighting conditions, crop stages, and species compositions
• Collaborate with researchers to ensure outputs align with agronomic measurements and experimental needs
• Assist researchers and graduate students in structuring, cleaning, and standardizing datasets
• Develop and maintain data storage workflows and documentation for multi-site trials
• Support the implementation of shared data management systems across collaborators
• Ensure data integrity, reproducibility, and accessibility
• Develop models to evaluate the scalability and limitations of perennial groundcover systems
• Analyze interactions between management practices, environmental conditions, and system performance
• Contribute to scenario modeling that informs best management practices and adoption potential
• Translate complex analyses into clear and actionable insights for researchers and stakeholders
• Provide support on data conclusions and next steps for new research implementation
• Support program lead in developing, implementing, and publishing research projects
• Assisting with grant writing to initiate new projects and external collaborations
• Provide data management support
• Assist with data analysis

Skills

• Master's level degree or equivalent experience in data science, agronomy, or related fields
• Strong programming skills, such as Python or R
• Experience with image analysis or computer vision applications
• Experience working with agricultural or biological datasets
• Demonstrated ability to manage and organize complex datasets
• Experience with machine learning frameworks such as TensorFlow or PyTorch
• Familiarity with field-based agricultural research and experimental design
• Experience working in collaborative, multi-institutional research environments
• Knowledge of crop systems, especially perennial or conservation-based systems
• Experience with geospatial data or environmental modeling
• Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking
• Ability to work independently while collaborating across disciplines
• Clear communication of technical concepts to diverse audiences
• Attention to detail and commitment to data quality
• Ability to collaborate effectively with individuals across diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences
• Desire to work independently, with minimum supervision

Benefits

• Remote-friendly work environment
• Paid parental leave
• Competitive, equitable compensation
• 403(b) Retirement
• 403(b) Employer contributions
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Employer-Provided Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Dependent Care
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Accidental Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid holidays
• Generous paid time off
• Complete laptop workstation and set up for remote work

Company Overview

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