Faculty Research Assistant/Research Associate: Wildfire Analytics

Oregon State University

Corvallis, OR

JOB DETAILS
SKILLS
Analysis Skills, Communication Skills, Customer Support/Service, Data Analysis, Data Collection, Data Management, Data Sets, Decision Support, Document Archiving, Ecology, Establish Priorities, Federal Government, Fire Assessment, Fire Ecology, Forestry, Funding, Geospatial Analysis, Graph Theory, Human Interaction, Leadership, Mathematics, Mentoring, Natural Resources, Oceanography, Plan Meetings, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Problem Solving Skills, Psychiatry and Mental Health, Publications, Python Programming/Scripting Language, R Programming Language, Record Keeping, Research & Development (R&D), Research Skills, Risk, Risk Management, Scientific Research, Statistical Modeling, Statistics, Team Player, Training/Teaching, Trend Analysis, Willing to Travel, Writing Skills
LOCATION
Corvallis, OR
POSTED
7 days ago

Position Details

Position Information

Department Forest Eng/Resourcs/Mgmt (FOR) Position Title Faculty Research Assistant Job Title Faculty Research Assistant/Research Associate: Wildfire Analytics Appointment Type Academic Faculty Job Location Corvallis Benefits Eligible Full-Time, benefits eligible Remote or Hybrid option? Job Summary

The Department of Forest Engineering, Resources, and Management invites applications for multiple full-time (1.00 FTE), 12-month, fixed-term, Faculty Research Assistant or Research Associate: Wildfire Analytics position. Reappointment is at the discretion of the Department Head.

This position in the Wildfire Analytics, Science and Planning lab at Oregon State University focuses on wildfire management and effects, with a particular focus on risk to the many values placed across landscapes. The wildfire environment has become increasingly complex, expensive, and hazardous in recent decades because of historical fire and forest management, a changing climate, and an expanding wildland urban interface. Emerging from these trends is the greater understanding that business as usual may not be sustainable, such that significant change in how we view, respond, and manage fire is needed. This position will contribute to a large body of ongoing research focused on science that supports decision making.

This position will work alongside other fire ecologist and wildfire risk science experts, contributing geospatial technical and analytical skills (existing or learned) grounded in systems thinking. We will focus on applied research and development of decision-support tools that help advance collaborative forest restoration or maintenance, integrated natural resource planning, and wildfire risk response and mitigation. Both theoretical and applied research outcomes are expected. The successful candidate will be responsible for data collection and management, as well as running statistical models and other appropriate analyses. They will be extensively involved in scholarly activities, including contributing to and authoring publications, and presenting data at scientific meetings and workshops.

Why OSU?

Working for Oregon State University is so much more than a job!

Oregon State University is a dynamic community of dreamers, doers, problem-solvers and change-makers. We don't wait for challenges to present themselves - we seek them out and take them on. We welcome students, faculty and staff from every background and perspective into a community where everyone feels seen and heard. We have deep-rooted mindfulness for the natural world and all who depend on it, and together, we apply knowledge, tools and skills to build a better future for all.

FACTS:

  • Top 1.4% university in the world
  • More research funding than all public universities in Oregon combined
  • 1 of 3 land, sea, space and sun grant universities in the U.S.
  • 2 campuses, 11 colleges, 12 experiment stations, and Extension programs in all 36 counties
  • 7 cultural resource centers that offer education, celebration and belonging for everyone
  • 100+ undergraduate degree programs, 80+ graduate degrees plus hundreds of minor options and certificates
  • 35k+ students including more than 2.3k international students and 10k students of color
  • 217k+ alumni worldwide
  • For more interesting facts about OSU visit: https://oregonstate.edu/about

Locations:

Oregon State has a statewide presence with campuses in Corvallis and Bend, the OSU Portland Center and the Hatfield Marine Science Center on the Pacific Coast in Newport.

Oregon State's beautiful, historic and state-of-the-art main campus is located in one of America's best college towns. Corvallis is located close to the Pacific Ocean, the Cascade mountains and Oregon wine country. Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, this beautiful city offers miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, a river perfect for boating or kayaking and an eclectic downtown featuring local cuisine, popular events and performances.

Total Rewards Package:

Oregon State University offers a comprehensive benefits package with benefits eligible positions that is designed to meet the needs of employees and their families including:

  • Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.
  • Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.
  • Retirement savings paid by the university.
  • A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave.
  • Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities.
  • Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program.
  • Optional lifestyle benefits such as pet, accident, and critical illness insurance, giving you peace of mind and the support you need to thrive in all aspects of your life.

Oregon State University is deeply committed to the principles of a Health Promoting University. This commitment drives a collaborative approach across OSU's safety and well-being programs, reducing silos and coordinating efforts to enhance employee safety and well-being. By prioritizing resources that support the health of both employees and students, OSU fosters a culture of care and a healthier campus environment where everyone can thrive.

2025 Best Place for Working Parents Designation!

Future and current OSU employees can use the Benefits Calculator to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU.

Key Responsibilities

Participate in research, including, but not limited to, compilation of data sets, documentation and archiving of data sets, generation of research questions, development and implementation of appropriate methodology, statistical analysis of primary and secondary data, maintenance of records and archives, interpretation of results and development of conclusions based on research. (30%)

Writing and oral communication of research. (30%)

Spatial and statistical analysis of data sets. (30%)

Maintain a leadership role in the laboratory, including participating in professional development and DEI opportunities, helping organize meetings, assisting with analytical efforts, and providing mentorship to other RAs as needed. (10%)

What You Will Need

Minimum Qualifications for Faculty Research Assistant:

  • Master's degree in geospatial analyses or data analytics, mathematics, wildfire management, ecology, or related field.
  • Excellent writing and oral communication skills, including humility and skills that foster co-production of research with Tribal Nations, federal agencies and other practitioners.
  • Research experience, work experience, or coursework in forestry and wildland fire
  • Geospatial and statistical analyses in R, Python or ArcPro
  • Experience in developing, fitting, and interpreting regression models
  • Interests in trans-disciplinary research problems related to human-wildfire interactions
  • Desire to collaborate on producing peer-reviewed publications and other products
  • A positive attitude and interest in collaboration in a conscientious and inclusive way

Minimum Qualifications for Research Associate:

  • PhD in geospatial analyses or data analytics, wildfire management, mathematics, ecology, or related field.
  • Excellent writing and oral communication skills, including humility and skills that foster co-production of research with Tribal Nations, federal agencies and other practitioners.
  • Research experience, work experience, or coursework in forestry and wildland fire
  • Geospatial and statistical analyses in R, Python or ArcPro
  • Experience in developing, fitting, and interpreting regression models
  • Interests in trans-disciplinary research problems related to human-wildfire interactions
  • Desire to collaborate on producing peer-reviewed publications and other products
  • A positive attitude and interest in collaboration in a conscientious and inclusive way
  • Motivation for independent research and ability to conceptualize new questions and research endeavors

What We Would Like You to Have

  • Experience with multiple regression, logistic regression, graph theory, and other statistical modeling approaches
  • Evidence of successful transdisciplinary collaborations

Working Conditions / Work Schedule

The work may require overnight travel for data collection or verification purposes, or for presentation of results.

Pay Method Salary Pay Period 1st through the last day of the month Pay Date Last working day of the month Recommended Full-Time Salary Range Salary is commensurate with skills, education, and experience. Link to Position Description

https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/position_descriptions/180918

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number P09990UF Number of Vacancies Multiple Anticipated Appointment Begin Date 07/07/2026 Anticipated Appointment End Date Posting Date 06/10/2026 Full Consideration Date 06/23/2026 Closing Date 07/06/2026 Indicate how you intend to recruit for this search Competitive / External - open to ALL qualified applicants Special Instructions to Applicants

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by June 23, 2026. Applications will continue to be accepted after the full consideration date, until a sufficient applicant pool has been achieved or the position is filled. The closing date is subject to change without notice to applicants.

When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:

1) A Curriculum Vitae; and

2) A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position.

You will also be required to submit the names of at least three professional references, their e-mail addresses and telephone numbers as part of the application process.

For additional information please contact:

Chris Dunn

chris.dunn@oregonstate.edu

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status.

OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

  • Cover Letter
  • Curriculum Vitae

Optional Documents

  • VETERANS ONLY: Must provide proof of Veteran Status (DO NOT upload any unrelated documentation - information uploaded to this field will be removed once reviewed)

About the Company

O

Oregon State University