Location: Albany, NY Category: Research Foundation Posted On: Wed Jul 23 2025 Job Description:
Title: Research Scientist
Descriptive Title: Biodiversity Data Researcher
Unit: New York Natural Heritage Program
Duration: Up to 18 months, ending by May 2027
Location: Albany, NY
Salary: $60,000 - $70,000 annual depending on qualifications
NYNHP Short-Term Research Scientist Position
The New York Natural Heritage Program (NYNHP) is seeking a Biodiversity Data Researcher to assess the impacts of invasive species on native biodiversity for a short-term, project-based appointment. In collaboration with NYNHP science staff and regional invasive species managers, the Biodiversity Data Researcher will analyze decades of data collected on rare species, significant natural communities, and invasive species in New York State to quantify impacts to biodiversity and provide information to stakeholders that aids in strategic invasive species management decisions.
NYNHP has been documenting conditions of and threats to rare species and significant natural communities across the state for 40 years. NYNHP has also been managing invasive species data from all stakeholders for the state for 15 years. Throughout New York State, there are currently over 17,000 documented locations of rare species and over 350,000 observations of invasive species. An initial spatial analysis of these extensive spatial datasets shows that 28% of documented rare species occurrences are co-located with invasive species observations. However, not all species intersections will be impactful depending on species' biology or site-characteristics.
The Biodiversity Data Researcher will work collaboratively with NYNHP staff to design analytical approaches to assess the impacts of invasives on rare species and significant natural communities using NYNHP datasets and other data resources such as external observation databases, spatial datasets (such as aerial imagery), historical information (such as museum specimens), or quantitative field surveys. The researcher will also develop data products and management guidance, informed by analyses and the needs conveyed by an advisory group of stakeholders. Findings will be synthesized and published.
NYNHP is a program of the Research Foundation for the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY-ESF) whose mission is to collect, analyze and share scientific information that can be used to preserve native species and ecosystems. NYNHP works in partnership with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and other state, federal and private organizations involved in natural resource management and advancing the conservation of biodiversity. For more information visit www.nynhp.org. This position is based out of the DEC Central Office in Albany, NY, and provides access to SUNY-ESF resources remotely, such as library and software access. A hybrid work schedule can be considered.
Duties:
Compile and analyze information on invasive species impacts to rare species from internal and public databases, scientific literature, site-based species lists and assessments, and other relevant sources.
Develop analytical approaches to quantify impacts on rare species occurrences (and over time when available) and to prioritize conservation efforts.
Convene meetings with NYNHP staff, regional invasive species managers, and other stakeholders throughout project to collaboratively refine goals and interpret results.
Incorporate findings into accessible online tools for use by natural resource managers to protect rare species and significant natural communities.
Develop additional products for field scientists and natural resource stewards such as 1) data collection methods for documenting invasive species impacts and native biodiversity recovery at management sites; and 2) compiling guidance for avoiding harm to sensitive native species while managing invasive species.
Communicate results to stakeholders and the broader scientific community via presentations, research-to-practice reports, and peer-reviewed publications.
Job Requirements:
Required Qualifications:
Graduate degree (M.S. or PhD) in ecology, conservation biology, landscape ecology, plant ecology, botany, natural resources, geography, forestry, or a related field.
Experience analyzing and interpreting scientific data and large spatial datasets.
Strong communication skills for synthesizing and presenting results to technical and non-technical audiences.
Knowledge of regional fauna and flora, natural communities, ecosystems, ecosystem processes, and their conservation needs.
Self-motivation, with the ability to work independently while collaborating within a multidisciplinary team
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience translating scientific results into practical applications and communicating scientific information to broad audiences.
Familiarity with desktop software and scripting languages for visualization, manipulation, and statistical analysis of spatial data (e.g., ArcGIS Pro, QGIS, R, Python).
Familiarity with online platforms for visualizing and sharing spatial data and maps (e.g., ArcGIS Online).
Experience leading collaborative workgroups of stakeholders.
Working Conditions: The Biodiversity Data Researcher will work primarily in an office setting. There may be some opportunities for limited fieldwork collecting data in natural areas.
Additional Information:
SUNY-ESF and the Broader Community
ESF is a specialized college within the 64-campus SUNY system, and a Carnegie R2 "High Research Activity" Institution that consistently earns high rankings in US News and World Report, Forbes, Princeton Review, and other national college guidebooks. With a total enrollment of about 2,200 undergraduates and 400 graduate students, combined with the immediate proximity of Syracuse University and Upstate Medical University, ESF provides an intimate, small-college atmosphere within a vibrant, large-university setting. ESF's extended campuses include more than 25,000 acres of forest properties, both close to Syracuse and across the Adirondack Park, which provide numerous opportunities for experiential coursework, research, and public outreach.
Located on the eastern edge of the Finger Lakes region, Syracuse is a small city in a rural region offering a diversity of natural and cultural amenities, a low cost of living, and a high quality of life - ranking among the top 10 percent of "Best Places to Live" in "The Places Rated Almanac." Syracuse is situated with easy access to New York City, the Adirondack Park, Lake Ontario, and many other points of interest in the eastern United States and Canada.
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As an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer, The Research Foundation for SUNY will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant's race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy-related conditions, reproductive health decisions, childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status, age, national origin or ancestry, marital status, familial status, citizenship, physical and mental disability, prior arrest or conviction record, genetic characteristics/genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, domestic violence victim status, military status or service, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected under federal, state or local law.
The Research Foundation for The State University of New York offers exceptional benefits such as healthcare, dental, vision, pension plans, competitive pay, generous paid time off, life insurance and long-term disability insurance.
The Research Foundation for the State University of New York is not an agency or instrumentality of the State of New York. Employees of the Research Foundation for the State University of New York are not state employees, do not participate in any state retirement system, and do not receive state fringe benefits. The Research Foundation for the State University of New York operates under a contract with The State University of New York and receives no directly appropriated state funding.
