Bat Acoustic Research Scientist

Status: Full Time, Salaried

Reports to: Director of Research Coordination

Salary: $68,000-$73,000 + benefits

Location: Remote (U.S.-based only)

About BCI

Bat Conservation International (BCI), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to ending bat extinctions worldwide, seeks an Acoustic Research Scientist to join BCI with a focus on bat acoustic data management and analysis. The Research Scientist will serve as the scientific, operational, and partnership lead for BCI’s Bat Acoustic Data Lab, a collaborative effort supporting acoustic monitoring and conservation initiatives across North America and beyond.

Position Summary 

The Acoustic Research Scientist plays a central role in advancing BCI's Bat Acoustic Data Lab by combining quantitative analysis, program coordination, and partner engagement. Approximately half of the role focuses on quantitative analysis of bat acoustic monitoring data, while the remaining responsibilities center on managing collaborative projects, coordinating partnerships, and supporting the day-to-day operations of the Bat Acoustic Data Lab.

Reporting to the Director of Research Coordination, the successful candidate will work closely with internal staff and external partners to ensure high-quality data, reproducible science, and effective collaboration across BCI's acoustic monitoring initiatives. As the Bat Acoustic Data Lab and BCI's research portfolio continue to evolve, responsibilities may shift to meet organizational priorities and emerging conservation opportunities.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys balancing scientific analysis with relationship management, project coordination, and collaborative problem-solving in a dynamic conservation environment.

Position Description

The Research Scientist will:

Program Coordination & Partnerships 

• Lead administration and strategic coordination of the Bat Acoustic Data Lab.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for BCI’s partners and collaborators conducting bat acoustic monitoring.
• Oversee data processing workflows, project tracking systems, and quality assurance procedures.
• Coordinate internal teams, external contractors, and collaborative partners to ensure timely completion of project objectives.
• Maintain and improve standardized protocols, documentation, training materials, and data management systems.
• Support bat detector lending programs, equipment management, and acoustic monitoring logistics as needed.
• Coordinate training opportunities related to bat monitoring protocols, acoustic survey methods, data management, and analysis.
• Promote inclusive participation in conservation science and monitoring programs.
• Identify opportunities to expand collaborative monitoring networks, such as the North American Bat Monitoring Program (NABat) and conservation partnerships.

Quantitative Analysis and Research

• Consult and contribute to evidence-backed conservation efforts
• Collaborate with BCI staff and external partners to develop research questions, experimental designs, and analytical approaches that support bat conservation research and management
• Develop and implement rigorous approaches for data management, quality control, and reproducible science.
• Analyze acoustic monitoring datasets to address priority conservation questions.
• Lead and contribute to scientific manuscripts, technical reports, conservation assessments, and other research products.
• Advance innovation in bat monitoring, acoustic processing, occupancy modeling, population assessment, and other emerging analytical methods.

Ideal Candidate Qualifications

Required Knowledge and Experience

We are seeking candidates with strong quantitative skills and demonstrated experience managing collaborative research programs.

• Master’s degree or equivalent combination of education and professional experience in ecology, wildlife biology, conservation science, quantitative ecology, statistics, or a related field.
• Strong quantitative analytical skills, including statistical modeling and reproducible scientific workflows. Proficiency in R and experience working with large ecological datasets.
• Familiarity with acoustic monitoring technologies, automated species classification, and acoustic data processing workflows.
• Experience with open science, reproducible workflows, and scientific data management.
• Experience developing scientific reports, peer-reviewed publications, and technical communications.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fully remote and highly collaborative environment.

Preferred Knowledge and Experience

• Experience with bat ecology, behavior, monitoring, or conservation.
• Experience with NABat and other large-scale wildlife monitoring programs.
• Experience with Bayesian statistics, occupancy modeling, population modeling, or spatial ecological analyses.
• Experience writing grant proposals and managing externally funded projects.

Work Characteristics and Competencies

• Strong interpersonal skills and relationship-building abilities.
• Strategic thinker with excellent problem-solving skills.
• Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and highly organized.
• Collaborative leadership style with a growth mindset.
• Ability to balance scientific rigor with practical conservation outcomes.
• Adaptable and comfortable navigating changing priorities.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
• Contributes positively to a healthy workplace culture and organizational mission.

Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (JEDI)

BCI is deeply committed to JEDI and embeds JEDI-centered practices throughout its conservation work and organizational culture. BCI believes the best organizational performance comes from a safe, diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace and actively seeks candidates who will contribute to these efforts.

To Apply

If you meet most of the qualifications, we encourage you to apply.

Please submit:

• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Cover letter describing:
  • Your experience building and managing collaborative partnerships.
  • Your quantitative analysis and data management experience.

Examples of how you have successfully adapted to evolving responsibilities or organizational priorities.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and accepted until the position is filled or September 4. We encourage interested candidates to apply early. 

Anticipated start date: October 1.

***All applications are reviewed through ADP Workforce Now***

https://1.adp.com/degsQykczQv