Ecosystem Dynamics Research Associate

·       Computer programming to format and execute existing quantitative ecological models.

·       Assisting with development of web-applications and Graphic User Interface (GUI) for existing ecological models.

·       Literature searches involving data needed to parameterize and calibrate existing ecological models.

·       Data entry, documentation, and analysis.

·       Participating as a member of a multi-disciplinary research team.

·      Interacting with EPA scientists.

·       Regularly updating lab notebook with sample processing details and completion schedules; report regularly via email to inform team members of progress; update electronic reports as necessary.

·       Networking and exploring many career paths at EPA.

·       Experience calibrating and validating existing models that describe physical, biological, or ecological phenomena.

·       Experience in computer programming in R, C++, FORTRAN, or Java languages.

·       Experience finding and organizing data from primary and secondary data sources (electronic media, published standards, and downloadable databases).

·       Skills with Microsoft excel for formatting, normalizing, and managing data for use in mathematical and statistical modeling.

·       Experience compiling, organizing, and summarizing literature references.

·       Experience creating maps with data layers in ArcGIS for species/habitat distributions and water quality data. 

·       Experience with quality control and quality assurance (QA/QC) of database, statistics, metrics, or other project outputs.

·       Experience developing graphics, tables and GIS products for scientific reports and manuscripts.

Within ORD, the Center for Environmental Measurement & Modeling (CEMM) conducts research to advance EPA’s ability to measure and model contaminants in the environment, including research to provide fundamental methods and models needed to implement environmental statutes. The methods and models developed by CEMM are typically applied at the airshed, watershed and ecosystem level. Within CEMM, the Gulf Ecosystem Measurement and Modeling Division (GEMMD) provides leadership and specialized research in marine, estuarine, and watershed ecology and ecotoxicology to predict and assess the effects of human-generated stressors on the unique aquatic resources of the U.S. Gulf of Mexico & the Nation. GEMMD develops tools and the scientific basis that help facilitate sustainable environmental management decisions that maximize economic, ecosystem, social outcomes, and resiliency.