Research Applications Scientist - Western Fire and Forest Resilience Collaborative

Position Summary

We seek a Research Applications Scientist to join the Western Fire and Forest Resilience Collaborative (WFFRC). WFFRC is engaging 10 science teams to create and implement a research program that will ensure the science of fire ecology and forest resilience can support effective solutions for the fire crisis in the western US. WFFRC is led by the Forest Futures Lab at Cary Institute of Ecosystem studies and is expected to run for the next 5 to 10 years. This position will have the opportunity to work with WFFRC science teams across the country. This position will be supervised by WFFRC’s Deputy Director for Policy and Management, Dr. Crystal Raymond.

The Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies is the world’s premier think tank on ecosystem science. It is a uniquely collaborative, supportive, and welcoming institution. The successful candidate will have opportunities for professional development beyond the project. For additional information on the Western Fire and Forest Resilience Collaborative, visit https://www.westernfireforest.org/. For additional information about Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, visit https://www.caryinstitute.org/.

Salary Statement: This is a full-time fully benefitted exempt position. Annual salary ranges from $74,000- $82,000 depending on experience plus a highly competitive benefits and time-off package. A start date before March 30, 2026 is preferred.

Essential Responsibilities

● Support the design and execution of short-term, targeted research projects and deliverables with land managers that address immediate management needs related to fire and forest management.

● Work with WFFRC scientists to customize westwide research to specific geographies.

● Work with WFFRC scientists to produce practical, management-relevant deliverables for their research such as science syntheses, workshops and training, or tools and guidance to apply the science to management.

● Communicate WFFRC research with land management audiences through presentations, research briefs, and other science communication opportunities.

● Synthesize science developed by WFFRC and other relevant sources into review papers or actionable summaries tailored for land managers and decision-makers.

● Contribute to internal WFFRC working groups to help represent the needs of land managers in the execution of WFFRC’s science vision.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in applied natural sciences or related fields.

• Minimum one (1) year of experience conducting applied natural science research in the western US.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with interdisciplinary research teams.

• General knowledge of fire and forest ecology in the western US.

• Experience in science-management partnerships and co-producing actionable science with resource managers.

Required Skills

• Research design and analysis skills.

• Demonstrated skills in developing research deliverables beyond scientific publications.

• Strong oral and written science communication skills including presenting scientific information to non-technical audiences.

• Ability to work remotely, independently, and collaboratively with science teams dispersed around the country.

• Effective communication and collaboration skills for engaging with stakeholders and translating management needs into research deliverables.

• A passion for applying science to achieve real-world impact.

Working Conditions

● Full time, exempt, fully benefited

● One year initial appointment, renewable for an additional year contingent upon performance and funding.

● The Cary Institute standard work week is 35 hours per week, Monday through Friday.

● Domestic travel is required approximately 2-5 times per year.

● This position has no physical demands, safety concerns, or potential hazards.

● Finalist candidates must successfully complete a post-offer, pre-employment background check

Closing Date: Application review will begin by February 27, 2026.

To Apply:

Interested candidates should complete an online application at www.caryinstitute.org/who-we-are/jobs. Please upload a single PDF including a cover letter (no more than 2 pages) describing research interests, CV, and contact information for three references using the upload resume link on the application website. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

The Cary Institute is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Affirmative Action (AA) employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, familial status, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.