CO-WY Engine: Data Science Fellow

The CO-WY Engine is a dynamic and collaborative initiative under the National Science Foundation’s Regional Innovation Engines (NSF Engines) program, dedicated to fostering innovation, inclusion, and economic growth across Colorado and Wyoming. As a partnership-driven organization, the Engine connects diverse stakeholders—industry leaders, academic institutions, community organizations, and policymakers—to create sustainable solutions that address regional challenges and opportunities. With a strong commitment to inclusive engagement, the Engine prioritizes equitable access, shared success, and impactful collaborations, ensuring all voices contribute to shaping the future of the region. Our mission is to build a resilient ecosystem where talent thrives, innovation flourishes, and communities prosper.

Overview

The CO-WY Engine is harnessing the unique environmental data assets of the Front Range to promote place-based innovation in climate resilience technologies. The Data Science Fellow has a unique opportunity to support the organization, integration, and improvement of shared climate data assets across the region. Through this work, the Fellow will work closely with leading research teams across areas including wildfire, water security, and extreme weather and climate modeling in the university, national lab, corporate, and startup ecosystem. The Fellow will work with the Engine’s R&D Director to ensure that key data assets in the region are findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable (FAIR). Further, the Fellow will have the opportunity to lead and implement exciting interdisciplinary events such as community hackathons and prediction-based challenges.

Location

• Hybrid preferred; remote eligible. Fort Collins, Colorado, 80524.

Term

• Fixed; 1 year, with a potential to renew for an additional year depending on funding

Responsibilities

The interdisciplinary data scientist will:

• Conduct a data inventory and needs assessment across the Engine ecosystem. Identify high-impact opportunities to integrate disparate data sources. (50%)
• Assist with the design and implementation of modeling and simulation challenges (e.g., forecasting extreme weather events), community hackathons, and other technology “bake-offs”. (25%)
• Work with the Engine R&D/Translation project teams and Engine leadership to establish community standards for data management and sharing. (25%)

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a quantitative field (MS or equivalent required; PhD preferred) with experience with large, open-source data platforms and fluency in one or more major data science programming language (python, Julia, R). Should have a demonstrable interest in creating resilience through innovation.

Given the high demand across all job categories, we strongly prioritize hiring individuals with prior experience in climate-related fields.

The CO-WY Engine is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace that reflects the communities we serve. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applicants of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, religion, age, or any other protected status. Our mission to promote innovation and collaboration is grounded in the belief that diverse voices and experiences drive success. We actively work to create an environment where everyone feels valued, empowered, and supported to thrive and contribute meaningfully to our shared goals.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $75,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance