Founded in 1863, Boston College is a Jesuit, Catholic university located six miles from downtown Boston with an enrollment of 9,654 full-time undergraduates and 5,072 graduate and professional students. Ranked 37 among national universities, Boston College has 923 full-time and 1,336 FTE faculty, 2,822 non-faculty employees, an operating budget of $1.4 billion, and an endowment in excess of $3.9 billion.

The Senior Research Associate will support the research mission of Center for Earth System Science and Global Sustainability (CES3) and the Global Carbon Project Boston Office by developing and applying data-driven, integrated platforms and decision support systems.

The position contributes to research on the food-energy-water nexus, nature-based solutions, sustainable agriculture and food systems, wildfire and greenhouse gas assessments, MRV and carbon dioxide removal (CDR), and near-real-time greenhouse gas monitoring and forecasting. The scientist will collaborate across disciplines to support CES3's mission, strengthen its research portfolio, excel in research performance, develop competitive grant proposals, and effectively manage projects.

This is a three-year position with continuation dependent on funding availability.

Key Responsibilities

• Developing and implementing data-driven, integrated platforms and decision support systems
• Conduct research on nature-based solutions, GHG assessments, MRV, CDR, and food-energy-water systems.
• Lead/support proposal development and research project management.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and external partners.
• Prepare publications, reports, and presentations.

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

1) A cover letter outlines your research interest and qualification, 2) your CV, 3) DOI links to two representative publications, and 4) The names and contact information of three referees. For additional information on the position, please contact Prof. Hanqin Tian (Inaugural Director) at email: hanqin.tian@bc.edu

FTE Range $70,000 - $100,000

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Earth system science, ecosystem science, hydrology, geospatial data science, Remote sensing, or a related field.
• Strong skills in data analysis, modeling, and programming.
• Record of peer-reviewed publications and effective communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with process-based ecosystem modeling, MRV/CDR, nature-based solutions, or food-energy-water systems.
• Experience with machine learning, remote sensing, or near-real-time environmental data systems.
• Experience contributing to research proposals or securing funding.