Urban Ecology Researcher

KieranTimberlake is currently seeking an Urban Ecology Researcher to join our team. Our design practice includes over 85 professionals with diverse backgrounds and is recognized worldwide as a sustainable design leader. With equal emphasis placed on research and the design of the built environment, our projects include the programming, planning, and design of master plans and new buildings; the conservation, renovation, and transformation of existing buildings; the development of application-specific environmental analysis and prediction tools; building and environmental monitoring; and novel building and envelope assemblies.  We are a signatory of the AIA 2030 Commitment and US Architects Declare.

Responsibilities

The Urban Ecology Researcher will be a member of KieranTimberlake’s Research Group and will work alongside peer Environmental Researchers to advance the firm’s pursuit of resilient design solutions for buildings and cities. They will be responsible for applying their understanding of natural systems and ecological design principles to support architectural and research project teams, and their regular activities will encompass the following:

• Integrating climate adaptation strategies and resilient deign principles into architectural and urban planning projects
• Interpreting regional and local ecological data and regulations for project sites
• Conducting ecosystem services and ecological impact assessments
• Participating in technical-review sessions with peer-mentors in environmental research
• Synthesizing ecological goals for clients and stakeholders across themes of conservation, public health, and ecosystem health
• Preparing research proposals for applied and empirical experiments
• Reviewing technical literature in environmental planning and urban ecology
• Preparing research results for publication and peer review
• Extending research findings to make actionable design proposals
• Learning new tools, methods, and techniques in environmental analysis
• Collaborating on development of novel tools and workflows
• Supporting KieranTimberlake’s Sustainability Action Plan
• Engaging in interdisciplinary brainstorming sessions and discussions with peer Research Group members across a wide range of topics, including building performance, environmental justice, human health, post-occupancy evaluation, and many others

Qualifications

The ideal candidate is a thoughtful, curious individual who wants to be part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary team and can demonstrate:

• Strong written, verbal, and graphic communication skills
• Strong quantitative reasoning ability
• Demonstrated success in collaborative teams
• Eagerness to learn new methods and skills
• Certification from or desire to receive certification from the US Green Building Council (USGBC), International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), International Living Future Institute (ILFI),or similar
• Proficiency with modeling software such as: Arch GIS, ENVI-met, life cycle assessment (LCA), 3D CAD, and visual scripting
• Basic understanding of computation and programming principles, including basic knowledge of at least one of the following languages: C#, Javascript, Python, R

Candidates should also list professional experience or relevant coursework in any of the following areas:

• Resilient design principles or urban ecology
• Energy and environment
• Principles of environmental planning and management
• Environmental and health equity
• Environmental policy
• Field- or lab-based experimental design
• Ecosystem services modeling
• Dynamic systems modeling
• Life cycle analysis/assessment
• Statistics and data analysis
• Geospatial modeling (GIS)

Submission Requirements

Interested applicants with degrees in landscape architecture, restoration ecology, environmental engineering, environmental management, urban design, or related fields should submit the following via our website:

• Cover letter indicating your interest in the position
• Current resume including three references
• Research/project portfolio or design sheets
• Writing sample

The position reports to the Research Director, Partners, and Principals of the firm. Salary is commensurate with professional experience, education level, and demonstrated knowledge.

About KieranTimberlake

KieranTimberlake transforms the built and natural environments through artistry, integrity, innovation, and performance. The firm’s culture of inquiry allows it to deliver exceptional social, ethical, and environmental outcomes to its clients.

Founded in 1984, KieranTimberlake brings together the experience and talents of diverse professionals  in a practice that is recognized worldwide. With equal emphasis on research, ecology, history, and aesthetics, its interdisciplinary process inspires creativity and encourages sharing ideas, knowledge, and technique. The firm’s work includes programming, planning, and design of new buildings, adaptive reuse, and urban and campus planning, as well as developing performance analysis and prediction tools; building and environmental monitoring; and novel building technologies.

KieranTimberlake is an equal-opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.