Position Summary: The Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society in the College of Forestry at Oregon State University (Dr. Matt Betts) and the US Forest Service Intermountain Region Office in Ogdan Utah (Dr. Sean Healy) are soliciting applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work as part of a collaborative effort to model species distributions and carbon dynamics at regional to continental scales. The anticipated start date for this position is June or July 2023; support is available for a minimum of 2 years subject to adequate performance review after 12 months.
Position Duties: The postdoc will work with existing data (e.g., LiDAR, GEDI, Landsat TM, eBird, GBIF and other biodiversity synthesis datasets) and use species distribution modeling to model species-specific habitat changes over time and their relation to above-ground carbon storage in forests. Publications will address several objectives that include but are not limited to:
The degree to which forest degradation and loss is affecting habitat amount and fragmentation for birds of North America, as well as how putative habitat changes are influencing population changes. How different land tenures and land uses influence the trajectory of carbon and habitat distribution changes. Novel methods for habitat mapping including Continuous Change Detection and Classification (CCDC) approach.
Minimum/ Required Qualifications
- Ph.D. in ecology or related field
- Computing skills including statistical/programing software (e.g., R, Python), remote sensing and GIS software, particularly Google Earth Engine, ArcGIS, and
- Professional competence in planning, designing, executing, and coordinating research
- Demonstrated proficiency for independently writing scientific publications for submission to peer-‐reviewed journals
- Strong communication skills that allows for working effectively as a member of a research team
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous research with species distribution modeling
- Knowledge and experience with quantitative approaches in forest biodiversity
- Lead-‐author on publications using species distribution models
Application Instructions
Applicants should create a single PDF file that contains:
- a cover letter addressing qualifications as related to the specific duties and qualifications of the position;
- a full-length curriculum vitae (CV);
- the names and contact information (i.e., email, telephone) of three references who may be contacted; and
- two examples of peer-reviewed publications.
This document should be emailed to Dr. Betts (matt.betts@oregonstate.edu) “Species distribution modeling postdoc” in the subject line. We will begin reviewing applications by March 30th, but applications will be accepted until a suitable candidate is selected, and only applicants selected for consideration on a shortlist will be contacted.
Oregon State University commits to inclusive excellence by advancing equity and diversity in all that we do. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.
Minimum/ Required Qualifications
- Ph.D. in ecology or related field
- Computing skills including statistical/programing software (e.g., R, Python), remote sensing and GIS software, particularly Google Earth Engine, ArcGIS, and
- Professional competence in planning, designing, executing, and coordinating research
- Demonstrated proficiency for independently writing scientific publications for submission to peer-‐reviewed journals
- Strong communication skills that allows for working effectively as a member of a research team
Preferred Qualifications;
- Previous research with species distribution modeling
- Knowledge and experience with quantitative approaches in forest biodiversity
- Lead-‐author on publications using species distribution models
Salary: $52-56,000 USD
Start Date: June /2023
Last Date to Apply: 04/15/2023
Website https://flel.forestry.oregonstate.edu
Contact Person; Matt Betts; Contact eMail: matt.betts@oregonstate.edu