[Remote] Research Scientist I - Agronomical Data

Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. The Land Institute is a non-profit organization focused on developing perennial grain agriculture to address climate, water, and food security issues. They are seeking a Research Scientist I in Agronomical Data Science to enhance data workflows and analytical tools for perennial groundcover research trials, contributing to agricultural sustainability. Responsibilities Refine, validate, and deploy image analysis models to quantify groundcover intensity across diverse field environments Process and manage large image datasets from multiple research locations Improve model performance across varying lighting conditions, crop stages, and species compositions Collaborate with researchers to ensure outputs align with agronomic measurements and experimental needs Assist researchers and graduate students in structuring, cleaning, and standardizing datasets Develop and maintain data storage workflows and documentation for multi-site trials Support the implementation of shared data management systems across collaborators Ensure data integrity, reproducibility, and accessibility Develop models to evaluate the scalability and limitations of perennial groundcover systems Analyze interactions between management practices, environmental conditions, and system performance Contribute to scenario modeling that informs best management practices and adoption potential Translate complex analyses into clear and actionable insights for researchers and stakeholders Provide support on data conclusions and next steps for new research implementation Support program lead in developing, implementing, and publishing research projects Assisting with grant writing to initiate new projects and external collaborations Provide data management support Assist with data analysis Skills Master's level degree or equivalent experience in data science, agronomy, or related fields Strong programming skills, such as Python or R Experience with image analysis or computer vision applications Experience working with agricultural or biological datasets Demonstrated ability to manage and organize complex datasets Experience with machine learning frameworks such as TensorFlow or PyTorch Familiarity with field-based agricultural research and experimental design Experience working in collaborative, multi-institutional research environments Knowledge of crop systems, especially perennial or conservation-based systems Experience with geospatial data or environmental modeling Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking Ability to work independently while collaborating across disciplines Clear communication of technical concepts to diverse audiences Attention to detail and commitment to data quality Ability to collaborate effectively with individuals across diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences Desire to work independently, with minimum supervision Benefits Remote-friendly work environment Paid parental leave Competitive, equitable compensation 403(b) Retirement 403(b) Employer contributions Health Insurance Dental Insurance Vision Insurance Employer-Provided Life Insurance Flexible Spending Account Dependent Care Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance Voluntary Life Insurance Accidental Insurance Critical Illness Insurance Employee Assistance Program Paid holidays Generous paid time off Complete laptop workstation and set up for remote work Company Overview The Land Institute is a research organization advancing perennial grain agriculture. It was founded in 1976, and is headquartered in Salina, Kansas, USA, with a workforce of 51-200 employees. Its website is Company H1B Sponsorship The Land Institute has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships, with 1 in 2025, 1 in 2022, 5 in 2020. Please note that this does not guarantee sponsorship for this specific role.