[Hiring] Data Scientist @Funga PBC

Role Description

We are looking for a Data Scientist/Statistician to support our work analyzing forest productivity and experimental data. You will collaborate with the team to scale our ability to process and interpret ecological and experimental data, contributing directly to Funga’s mission.

We need a pragmatic builder who thrives on turning complex raw data into actionable models. This is a role for someone who balances deep scientific rigor with the urgency and velocity required to accelerate our impact.

In This Role, You Will:

• Perform robust statistical analyses of experimental and observational forest data.
• Evaluate and enhance current experimental design by performing power analyses and applying statistical models to multi-year trials.
• Rapidly prototype and deploy models connecting forest productivity to soil microbiomes and environmental factors, accounting for spatial and temporal dependencies.
• Enhance our carbon accounting system to incorporate incoming field-collected, genomic, and remotely sensed data.
• Build and validate pipelines for assessing the effectiveness of satellite and drone datasets for capturing on-the-ground measurements.
• Work closely with internal stakeholders on Growth, Applied Science, and other teams to ensure that insights meet their needs and accelerate their work.
• Travel up to 10-15% of the time for team offsite events, data collection, and stakeholder meetings as needed.

Qualifications

• An MS or Ph.D. in a quantitative field (Statistics, Applied Mathematics, or equivalent experience).
• Demonstrated expertise in hierarchical/mixed-effects models, longitudinal data analysis, repeated measures methods, and spatio-temporal modeling.
• High proficiency in SQL, R, and Python for data manipulation and modeling.
• Practical experience applying machine learning techniques to biological, environmental, or similarly complex systems.
• Familiarity with data integration, version control (Git), and reproducible research workflows (e.g. Markdown, Jupyter, Quarto).
• Pragmatism balanced with rigor; prioritizing rigorous, actionable insights over academic perfection.
• A passion for biodiversity, ecosystem health, and climate action.
• Background in forest ecology, soil microbial ecology, or experimental design for field trials is a major plus.
• Experience with geospatial and remote sensing data analysis is a plus.

Benefits

• Make a meaningful impact: Contribute to innovative solutions addressing one of the most pressing global challenges - climate change.
• Collaborative environment: Work closely with a diverse team of scientists, foresters, and business leaders who share a common passion for sustainability.
• Career growth: Be part of a pioneering company with opportunities for professional development and leadership.
• Participate in comprehensive healthcare benefits and employee equity programs.

Salary and Benefits

The expected salary range for this role is $90,000 - $130,000 USD, with actual salary based on qualifications and experience. Relocation may be considered for qualified applicants seeking to move to Austin.

Funga offers a competitive benefits package including equity in our fast-growing startup; a flexible time off policy; medical, dental, and vision benefits; and a wellness reimbursement program.