Opportunities

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Join an international team forecasting ecosystem dynamics in a biodiversity hotspot!

opportunities

The Department of Geography at the University at Buffalo (UB) invites applications for a postdoctoral scholar position for a NASA-funded project on ecological forecasting and biodiversity. This project aims to integrate remote sensing, field observations, and environmental variables to predict and evaluate near-real-time changes in an open ecosystem: the fynbos of the Cape Floristic Region of South Africa. Novel statistical modeling and geospatial artificial intelligence (GeoAI) methods will be developed to fuse these large geographic datasets and perform ecological forecasting and anomaly detection to advance our understanding on the vegetation dynamics in the study region. Read more about the project at emma.eco. This project is connected to the larger Biodiversity Survey of the Cape (bioscape.io)


The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary research team, and will be co-advised by the PIs, including Adam M Wilson and Yingjie Hu at the University at Buffalo, Jasper Slingsby at the University of Cape Town, and Glenn Moncrieff at the South African Environmental Observation Network. The candidate can pursue part-time independent research related to the project objectives, and will develop and enhance skills in ecological forecasting and novel computational methods. Review of applications will begin August 23, 2021 and the selected postdoctoral scholar could start as soon as September 15, 2021. Depending on the COVID-19 situation, the scholar can work remotely for some time period.


Learn more and apply here!

https://www.ubjobs.buffalo.edu/postings/29620


Review of applications will begin August 23, 2021


Key responsibilities:

  • Analyzing and fusing big geo data from a variety of sources

  • Developing statistical and GeoAI models for ecological forecasting

  • Planning and facilitating communications & meetings for team members and consultants

  • Facilitating communications with stakeholder groups

  • Project reporting

  • National and international travel will be expected following current state and federal guidance

Minimum Qualifications

  • Ph.D. in remote sensing, ecology, geography, engineering, or a related field

  • Ability to work both in an interdisciplinary research team and independently

  • Excellent communication and conflict resolution skills

Preferred Qualifications

  • Prior experience with bayesian statistics, ecological forecasting and geographic data

  • Prior experience with deep learning and GeoAI research


This position is affiliated with the Department of Geography and the Department of Environment and Sustainability at the University at Buffalo (UB), a large R1 Research University on the shores of Lake Erie.

Outstanding Benefits Package

Working at UB comes with benefits that exceed salary alone. There are personal rewards including comprehensive health and retirement plan options. We also focus on creating and sustaining a healthy mix of work, personal and academic pursuit – all in an effort to support your work-life effectiveness. Visit our benefits website to learn about our benefit packages.


About UB

The University at Buffalo is SUNY’s most comprehensive public research university, and an outstanding place to work. UB amplifies ambition for faculty and staff by offering endless possibilities to achieve more. Here, people from all backgrounds and cultures challenge and inspire each other to discover, learn and succeed. Dedicated staff and engaged faculty collaborate to further knowledge and understanding, and develop tenacious graduates who are valued for their talents and their impact on global society. Visit our website to learn more about the University at Buffalo.

As an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer, the Research Foundation will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant’s race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin and veteran or disability status.


People who identify as traditionally under-represented in their field are especially encouraged to apply.


If you have questions, please reach out to Adam Wilson (adamw@buffalo.edu) or Yingjie Hu (yhu42@buffalo.edu).


Learn more and apply here!

https://www.ubjobs.buffalo.edu/postings/29620

Review of applications will begin August 23, 2021