Career Center

The Center for International Earth Science Information Network (CIESIN) located at the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory campus of Columbia University invites applications for an Associate Research Scientist to support research projects across CIESIN and CCSR (Center for Climate Systems Research) on climate-related mobility and conflict, integrating knowledge of climate, environmental and socioeconomic systems. 

Support CIESIN on the DOD Minerva Project Comparing Underlying Drivers of South-North Migration in Central America and West Africa and the NSF Convergence Research: Disentangling Environmental Change and Social Factors as Drivers of Migration through data analysis and contributing to modeling future flows using agent based and other modeling approaches.  Support CCSR's DOD MURI project Towards a Multi-Scale Theory on Coupled Human Mobility and Environmental Change by using R and Python tools for modeling displacement. Support CIESIN's work under the NASA Socioeconomic Data and Applications Center (SEDAC), including work on new data development. Advise on methodologies, and assist as able on other data intensive tasks for data integration projects. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct research on climate mobility and conflict; use data analysis to address complex data analysis and integration challenges; publish results in peer reviewed literature.
• Perform data cleaning, integration, and statistical and spatial analysis of complex spatial data sets.  Work on data development automation through scripting. 
• Prepare and deliver scientific presentations at relevant scientific conferences, workshops, and other venues.
• Out of analyzed data, develop and document data products for SEDAC dissemination.
• Develop new projects for funding in coordination with Deputy Director and other colleagues.
• Will report to he Deputy Director and receive guidance from the CCSR project leader.

This position requires a Ph.D. in Political Science or equivalent quantitative social science discipline with a demonstrated research interest on migration and/or conflict issues.  Knowledge in tabular and geospatial data processing concepts and ability to apply them to complex data analysis techniques.  Demonstrated skills in various GIS and statistical analysis packages, including data development and analysis.  Experience with data, data mining, programming and econometric/statistical packages such as Python and R.  Ability to work well in multicultural and multidisciplinary teams.  Strong track record in publishing research and communication of results through scientific conference presentations. Experience leading independent research projects, including field work, is an asset.  

The search will remain open for at least 30 days after the ad appears and will remain open until the position is filled.  

Appointments are made on a fiscal year basis and are eligible for renewal each July 1st, contingent upon performance and funding.  There is currently funding in place for (1) year.  

Columbia University benefits accompany this Officer of Research appointment.

The Lamont campus values diversity and inclusion, and encourages applications from members of underrepresented minority groups.

$75,000-$80,000/year

We accept online applications only.

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Pay Transparency Disclosure

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training.  The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

About Columbia University

Columbia University is one of the world's most important centers of research and at the same time a distinctive and distinguished learning environment for undergraduates and graduate students in many scholarly and professional fields. The University recognizes the importance of its location in New York City and seeks to link its research and teaching to the vast resources of a great metropolis. It seeks to attract a diverse and international faculty and student body, to support research and teaching on global issues, and to create academic relationships with many countries and regions. It expects all areas of the university to advance knowledge and learning at the highest level and to convey the products of its efforts to the world.

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