Principal/Senior Data Scientist

The Principal Data Scientist role combines scientific leadership with hands-on research, integrating programming, statistical modeling, data visualization, and ecological interpretation.

He/she leads core data science initiatives, mentors and manages data analysts, oversees data sampling strategies, and ensures the highest scientific rigor in methodologies and reporting.

His/her work lies at the intersection of ecology, statistics, and technology, with a strong focus on understanding bird and bat interactions with wind farms.

He/she employs a broad suite of analytical techniques — including radar and camera monitoring, ESAS surveys, viewpoint observations, GIS-based movement analysis, post-mortality surveys, citizen science data, and stochastic collision risk modeling — to assess and predict wildlife patterns across onshore and offshore projects.

He/she also plays a central role in advancing bat research, developing models of bat activity and behavior to guide curtailment measures and inform effective mitigation strategies.

Key Responsibilities

• Reporting:

Reports directly to the Director of the Biodiversity Department.

• Data Strategy and Study Design:

Develops and oversees data collection strategies for radar, camera, acoustic, and viewpoint surveys.

Designs studies and experiments to ensure efficiency, representativeness, and data quality, while integrating uncertainty estimates into models and reports to ensure transparent communication of analytic limitations.

• Statistical Analysis and Modelling:

Applies advanced statistical inference and modeling techniques to analyze biodiversity and ecological datasets in alignment with project objectives.

Develops and validates collision risk models to predict avian collision probabilities using multiple data sources, ensuring model accuracy and reliability through comparison with observed data.

• Data Management and Quality Assurance:

Manages and maintains data and metadata systems to ensure integrity, organization, accessibility, and comprehensive documentation.

Identifies, quantifies, and mitigates data biases in radar and other sensor-derived datasets through calibration, validation, and methodological refinement.

• Workflow Automation and Reporting:

Automates analytical workflows to enhance operational efficiency, reproducibility, and scalability of data analysis processes.

Prepares comprehensive technical reports detailing methodologies, model outputs, and scientific findings for diverse stakeholders.

• Scientific Dissemination:

Contributes to scientific dissemination through peer-reviewed publications, conference participation, academic collaborations, and knowledge-sharing initiatives that strengthen STRIX's scientific reputation.

• Interdepartmental Support:

Supports business development by ensuring the scientific and technical quality of project proposals and providing expert input during proposal preparation.

Contributes to technological and analytical software development, and trains and supervises junior data analysts.

• Continuous Improvement:

Reviews and analyzes lessons learned from each project, contributing to the effectiveness of the management system through process optimization, quality control, and continuous improvement to ensure customer satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Education:

PhD in Ecological Statistics, Data Science, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience (6+ years) in a relevant discipline.

• Experience:

Extensive experience in core data science activities, including sampling design, power analysis, statistical analysis, data visualization, and reporting.

Proficient in ecological modeling using the R programming language and GIS tools.

Hands-on experience with bird and bat data modeling across different wind farm operational stages (onshore and offshore) is highly desirable.

Relevant methods include radar monitoring, ESAS surveys, post-mortality surveys, viewpoint data, GIS movement data, point counts, citizen science data, species distribution mapping, and multiple collision risk modeling frameworks (including stochastic CRMs).

• Technical Skills:

Proven research and scientific reporting experience, collaborating effectively with biodiversity experts and data scientists engaged in advanced statistical modeling, species distribution modeling, distance sampling, population viability analysis, and acoustic propagation modeling.

Proficient in preparing and analyzing data from visual, video, and acoustic surveys, as well as environmental datasets from satellite imagery and predictive models.

Strong technical writing skills, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to produce clear, concise reports in English.

Full professional proficiency in English is required.

• Teamwork Skills:

Demonstrated ability to communicate ideas clearly and provide constructive feedback.

Reliable and consistent in meeting commitments and following through on tasks.

Contributes to team problem-solving, fosters collaboration, and motivates colleagues while maintaining a high level of professionalism.

• Other Desirable Skills:

Knowledge of additional programming languages such as Python.

Understanding of bird and bat ecology and behavior.

Why Join STRIX

Established in ****, STRIX is a leading international biodiversity consultancy specializing in the energy sector.

We provide a comprehensive range of services in biodiversity, and innovation to support the development of sustainable projects.

Today, STRIX offers strategic consultancy for wind power projects, delivering specialist studies aligned with international lending requirements and addressing bird and bat risk assessments.

We develop customized solutions to minimize wildlife mortality at both offshore and onshore wind farms, as well as other large infrastructures, leveraging advanced technologies such as radars, cameras, and innovative data analytics.

Our expertise includes modeling large ecological datasets to identify spatial and temporal patterns in bird and wildlife behavior, enabling accurate collision risk estimation and the design of effective mitigation strategies.

With extensive experience operating in remote and challenging environments, our team ensures high system availability and low maintenance, supported by the in-house engineering capabilities of our technical team.

At STRIX, we are at the forefront of integrating environmental sustainability with the growth of renewable energy.

Joining our team means contributing to a pioneering global effort to ensure that renewable energy development advances in harmony with biodiversity, fostering a truly sustainable future for our planet.

At STRIX, we are dedicated to advancing environmental sustainability and biodiversity conservation within the renewable energy sector.

Joining our team means contributing to the responsible development of renewable energy while supporting global efforts to protect wildlife and natural ecosystems.

We foster a collaborative and forward-thinking work environment that seamlessly integrates innovative technology with environmental stewardship.

This role is ideally suited for professionals with a strong passion for wildlife and a meticulous approach to ecological data accuracy.

Team-oriented individuals who excel in multidisciplinary, dynamic, and innovative settings will find this position both impactful and deeply rewarding.

Working conditions

STRIX offers a competitive compensation package, along with opportunities for professional growth and development.

Contract terms and conditions will be defined during the recruitment process.

The position is based at the STRIX office in Carcavelos, a charming seaside town on the sunny west coast of Portugal.

How to apply

Please send a cover letter (maximum 1 page) and CV (maximum 3 pages) by email to

no later than

7 December ****

STRIX reserves the right to reject any or all applications received.

For information about our privacy practices and commitment to protecting your privacy, please review our privacy policy.