Research Scientist

Founded in 1863, Boston College is a Jesuit, Catholic university located six miles from downtown Boston with an enrollment of 9,484 full-time undergraduates and 5,250 graduate and professional students. Ranked 35 among national universities, Boston College has 888 full-time and 1,281 FTE faculty, 2,711 non-faculty employees, an operating budget of $1.4 billion, and an endowment in excess of $3.5 billion.

The Schiller Institute for Science & Society is seeking an experienced Research Scientist to develop and implement a data-driven platform that integrates models, remote sensing, machine learning, and in-situ data to support research initiatives in the Center for Earth System Science and Global Sustainability (CES3) and Global Carbon Project (GCP) Boston Office at Boston College. These initiatives include the GCP’s global assessments of nitrous oxide, methane, and carbon budgets, RECCAP3-Nations, Nitrogen/N2O Model Intercomparison Project (NMIP), Land-Ocean-Aquatic Continuum (LOAC), Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR), Integrated Assessment for Food-Energy-Water Nexus, and Nature-based Climate Solutions.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate exceptional research capabilities by excelling in research performance, developing competitive grant proposals, and effectively managing projects to advance research initiatives. This position offers a unique opportunity for early-career scientists to collaborate with leading experts from the CES3 and GCP communities, advancing their careers in studying global carbon and nitrogen cycles; greenhouse gas monitoring, accounting, and prediction (GHG-MAP); terrestrial ecosystems modeling and remote sensing; and conducting translational research that bridges fundamental science and climate solutions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a data-driven integrated platform to support various research initiatives.
• Advance research programs by developing competitive grant proposals.
• Manage ongoing projects and ensure timely tracking of progress.
• Coordinate collaborative efforts across internal and external partners, including GCP community, government bodies, and academic institutions.
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals.

To apply for this position, please submit the following materials:

• A cover letter outlining your research and qualifications
• Your CV
• DOI links to two representative publications
• The names and contact information of three references

For additional information about the position, please contact Prof. Hanqin Tian, Inaugural CES3 Director at hanqin.tian@bc.edu..

This is a 3-year funded position with benefits.

Competitive salary commensurate with relevant experience.

Salary Range: $75,000-$95,000

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Earth System Science, Ecosystem Ecology, or a related field (within 8 years after completing the Ph.D.).
• Postdoctoral research experience in modeling and/or remote sensing of terrestrial ecosystems, global carbon and nitrogen cycles, or Greenhouse Gases Monitoring, Accounting, and Predicting (GHG-MAP).
• A track record of proposal development and project management.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and collaborative skills

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with the AI/Machine Learning application to earth/environmental systems.
• Familiarity with high-performance computing and large datasets.
• Strong understanding of climate policy frameworks and data communication tools.