[Hiring] Research Applications Scientist @Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies

Role Description

We seek a Research Applications Scientist to join the Western Fire and Forest Resilience Collaborative (WFFRC). This position will have the opportunity to work with WFFRC science teams across the country and will be supervised by WFFRC's Deputy Director for Policy and Management, Dr. Crystal Raymond.

• Support the design and execution of short-term, targeted research projects and deliverables with land managers that address immediate management needs related to fire and forest management.
• Work with WFFRC scientists to customize westwide research to specific geographies.
• Produce practical, management-relevant deliverables for research such as science syntheses, workshops and training, or tools and guidance to apply the science to management.
• Communicate WFFRC research with land management audiences through presentations, research briefs, and other science communication opportunities.
• Synthesize science developed by WFFRC and other relevant sources into review papers or actionable summaries tailored for land managers and decision-makers.
• Contribute to internal WFFRC working groups to help represent the needs of land managers in the execution of WFFRC's science vision.

Qualifications

• PhD in applied natural sciences or related fields.
• Minimum one (1) year of experience conducting applied natural science research in the western US.

Requirements

• Research design and analysis skills.
• Demonstrated skills in developing research deliverables beyond scientific publications.
• Strong oral and written science communication skills including presenting scientific information to non-technical audiences.
• Ability to work remotely, independently, and collaboratively with science teams dispersed around the country.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills for engaging with stakeholders and translating management needs into research deliverables.
• A passion for applying science to achieve real-world impact.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with interdisciplinary research teams.
• General knowledge of fire and forest ecology in the western US.
• Experience in science-management partnerships and co-producing actionable science with resource managers.

Working Conditions

• Full time, exempt, fully benefited.
• One year initial appointment, renewable for an additional year contingent upon performance and funding.
• The Cary Institute standard work week is 35 hours per week, Monday through Friday.
• Domestic travel is required approximately 2-5 times per year.
• This position has no physical demands, safety concerns, or potential hazards.
• Finalist candidates must successfully complete a post-offer, pre-employment background check.

Closing Date

Application review will begin by March 10, 2026.

To Apply

Interested candidates should complete an online application at www.caryinstitute.org/who-we-are/jobs . Please upload a single PDF including a cover letter (no more than 2 pages) describing research interests, CV, and contact information for three references using the upload resume link on the application website. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Cary Institute is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Affirmative Action (AA) employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, familial status, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.