Duke University, Nicholas School of the Environment - Durham
Position ID:
Position Title:
Postdoctoral Associate - Ecosystem Dynamics
Position Location:
Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States of America
Subject Areas:
Appl Deadline:
(posted 2025/01/27, listed until 2025/04/01)
Position Description:
Position Description
The Qiu lab at the Nicholas School of the Environment at Duke University invites applications for one highly motivated Postdoctoral Associates focused on understanding dynamics of temperate forests and dry forest-grassland ecosystems. We seek candidates with experience in integrating multi-source remote sensing with field sampling to study vegetation dynamics (e.g., phenology) and its response to environmental stressors (e.g., sea level rise, salt-water intrusion, urban heat island effects, fire, and disturbance) at landscape to continental scales. The ideal candidates will utilize various remote sensors (e.g., Planet-scope; NASA’s EMIT, GEDI, and ECOSTRESS; NEON’s AOP products) alongside diverse ecological data (e.g., monitoring network, PhenoCam, Citizen Science data). Responsibilities include developing and applying advanced statistical models, machine learning, and deep learning approaches. As such, we seek applicants with strong quantitative backgrounds in remote sensing and time series analysis. The selected postdocs will contribute to data analysis and visualization, fieldwork, mentoring undergraduate and graduate students, manuscript preparation, and presenting research at conference. They will also have the opportunity to leverage resources such as the Duke Forest, high-performance computing clusters, Riegl VZ-400i, and the Drone Lab, while collaborating with researchers at UNC and NC State University. TERM: 1 year, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding. QUALIFICATIONS Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in Ecology, Environmental Science, Climate Science, Computer Science, Geography, or a related field. We are looking for candidates with a strong interest in ecology and quantitative modeling, along with training in programming languages such as R, Python, and/or MATLAB. Candidates should have advanced skills in programming (e.g., R or Python) for processing and visualizing geospatial data, particularly time series of remotely sensed data, as well as ecological datasets. Experience with high-performance computing environments is highly preferred. A strong record of peer-reviewed publications is also desirable. Proficiency in spoken and written English is required. PROJECTED START DATE: The position is available immediately. Target start date for the position is May 2025 Application Deadline: Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.Duke University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
Application Materials Required:
Submit the following items online at this website to complete your application:
- Curriculum Vitae
- A one-page cover letter describing your background and career goals
- Two sample research papers
- A two-page statement of research interests and methodological skills
- Three reference letters (to be submitted online by the reference writers on this site
)
And anything else requested in the position description.
Further Info: