Research Scientist in Food Systems
Listed on 2026-07-29
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Research/Development
Data Scientist, Research Scientist
About the Job
Title:
Research Scientist in Food Systems and Informatics
Job code: 9791IN - Informatics Multidiscipline
Employee Group: P&A
Full/Part Time (FTE):
Full Time (100% FTE)
Regular/Temporary:
Regular
About the Job:
The research scientist in food systems and informatics will support the research of the Food System Supply-chain Sustainability platform (FoodS3). They will support backend data and model code, streamline data management, assist with company-specific supply chain projects, develop new and innovative ways of visualizing model outputs, assist with communicating FoodS3 information to the public, support and lead research grants and publications, and maintain the FoodS3 website.
Previous experience with integrated modeling and skills in python, R, github, and GIS required.
Overall, the research scientist is expected to balance multiple tasks and manage time efficiently to ensure project activities and research activities are rigorous and completed in an organized and efficient manner for incorporation into stakeholder outputs, website content, and peer-reviewed publications. Research outcomes are also co-produced with non-academic project partners to support the implementation of research findings into operations and environmental decision-making, which requires thoughtful partner engagement, regular briefings, and recommendation memos.
The position is annually renewable with continuation dependent on performance and external funding for two years.
Location and Work environment:
This position has been designated as work profile
2. Profile 2 is expected to work on-site more than 50% of the time (at least 3 days per week). Your office will be located at IonE in St. Paul, MN. IonE management retains the right to modify flexible work arrangement agreements on a temporary or permanent basis for any reason at any time.
Work Schedule:
Work hours are typically 9-5, M-F. However, IonE endorses a “work with flexibility” approach that offers a welcoming and flexible work environment where everyone is inspired to do their best. Employees are encouraged to work with their supervisors to adjust their work schedule if needed.
Primary Responsibilities:
- 25% Data management and model improvement
- Streamline data management by automating, simplifying, and standardizing data inputs and model outputs.
- Work with research faculty leads to create methodological improvements and advancements to FoodS3 supply chain optimization and scenario analysis capabilities.
- Participate in collaborative team code development via github.
- 50% Data-intensive Research
- Develop new and innovative ways of visualizing FoodS3 model outputs as graphs and maps.
- Use FoodS3 to model stakeholder-specific supply-sheds.
- Research and implement new data and methodologies to improve the FoodS3 platform and impact categories.
- Write and collaborate on new FoodS3 related research and grant proposals
- 15% FoodS3 Website
- Maintain the FoodS3 website, adding and updating content as needed.
- Build and support a web based API for model visualization and outputs.
- 10% Team Science and Professional Development
- Attend staff meetings, IonE events, and participate in staff activities and programming of the Institute on the Environment, including required attendance at IonE KI Deep Engagement Weeks three times per year
- Adopt IonE research software, data, and metadata best practices related to archiving, documentation, and accessibility.
- Organize, document, and share work in Basecamp, Google suite collaborative products, and team file organization structure
- Professional development to improve your skills relevant to the job and/or disseminate work through conferences or other ways of reaching scientists and practitioners
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
- Advanced degree in a food systems related interdisciplinary field with one or more years of research training.
- Three or more years experience developing integrated sustainability models in food and agriculture systems.
- Three or more years experience independently developing computational and analytical workflows with python, R, github, and GIS.
- Three or more years experience with web application visualization software such as…
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