Plant Systems and Field Scientist

Purpose of the Engagement

• Monitor and maintain plants and research forests in the OXMAN laboratory and in the field.
• Lead field campaigns collecting high-resolution ecological data using advanced tools including hyperspectral imagery, thermal imaging, and LIDAR.
• Design, deploy, and manage distributed sensor networks—both in-ground and aerial—to capture real-time environmental and physiological data, while prototyping novel sensing modalities (e.g., micro-electromechanical sensors, spectral fluorometers, Wi-Fi–based moisture sensors).
• Identify physiological and ecological indicators of plant health and stress to inform ecosystem design and evaluation.
• Curate species-level datasets that include plant needs (sunlight, water), growth characteristics, companion dynamics, and other functional traits.
• Collaborate across disciplines to translate ecological findings into spatial strategies, simulations, and design solutions.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute fieldwork to acquire spectral, thermal, structural, and soil data from project sites.
• Design, deploy, operate and maintain sensor platforms (e.g., UAVs, terrestrial sensors, field spectrometers) for reliable and repeatable data collection.
• Work with internal teams to align field data with modeling assumptions and simulation inputs.
• Conduct research into plant stress responses, phenological patterns, and biophysical indicators of vitality.
• Analyze remote sensing data (e.g., NDVI, thermal indices, point clouds) to characterize vegetation structure and function.
• Compile and manage plant trait databases that integrate native species profiles, habitat requirements, and performance data.
• Support ecosystem modelers by contributing field-derived metrics for calibration and validation of digital twins or simulation environments.
• Participate in case study development by synthesizing field insights into design briefs and ecological strategies.
• Work alongside designers, architects, and technologists to translate biological systems into engineered interventions.

Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Plant Science, Ecology, Environmental Science, Forestry, or related field.
• 3–5+ years of field-based ecological research experience, with a strong foundation in plant systems.
• Demonstrated experience collecting and analyzing data from hyperspectral imagery, thermal imaging, LIDAR, or satellite sources.
• Proficiency in tools such as QGIS, ENVI, R, Python, or Google Earth Engine.
• Strong communication and documentation skills for interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Experience developing or managing native plant lists for restoration, conservation, or design projects.
• Familiarity with trait-based ecological modeling or agent-based simulations.
• Knowledge of ecosystem services indicators (e.g., carbon sequestration, albedo, transpiration, resilience).
• Experience working with soil health data, weather station data, or phenocams.

What We’re Looking For

• Deep curiosity for how plant systems shape and respond to environmental design.
• Comfort navigating the interface between fieldwork, lab-based research, and computational environments.
• Initiative to design and execute research agendas that bridge science and application.
• A collaborative mindset, eager to co-create with disciplines ranging from architecture and robotics to materials science.

Additional Information

• This is a full-time, permanent position based at OXMAN’s headquarters, with travel required to project field sites.
• All deliverables and intellectual property developed remain the property of OXMAN.
• OXMAN is committed to cultivating an inclusive and innovative work environment. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.