Post-doctoral Scholar in Forest Ecology: The Meng Lab at the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Vanderbilt University, invites applications for a Post-doctoral Scholar with a strong interest in advanced research focused on modeling edge effects, forest degradation, carbon sequestration, and forest fires in tropical regions, particularly Amazonia. This position is part of a NASA project and involves collaboration with a diverse team across multiple universities and institutes. As a Post-doctoral Scholar, you will be engaged in cutting-edge research using remote sensing and terrestrial biosphere models to study forest edge effects on the carbon cycle and fires in the Amazon region. This is a unique opportunity to be part of a dynamic and rapidly evolving research field with the potential for impactful publications and increased research visibility.
Designation: Post-doctoral Scholar
Research Area: Forest Ecology, Carbon Cycle Modeling, Remote Sensing
Location: Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Vanderbilt University
Eligibility/Qualification:
- Ph.D. (or equivalent) in Ecology, Environmental Science, Forestry, Data Science, Remote Sensing, Geography, Earth System Science, or a related discipline by the time of appointment.
- Strong proficiency in high-performance computing environments and coding skills in R and/or Python.
- Expertise in the analysis of large remote sensing datasets related to forest ecology or ecosystem processes, along with statistical and data visualization abilities.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to organize scientific findings for peer-reviewed publications and presentations.
- Capability to conduct independent research while fostering interdisciplinary collaborations within a diverse team.
Job Description:
Post-doctoral Scholar in Forest Ecology and Carbon Cycle Modeling
As a Post-doctoral Scholar, your responsibilities will include:
- Implementing remote-sensing-based initialization of forest structure and functional diversity for the Functionally Assembled Terrestrial Ecosystem Simulator (FATES), a demographic vegetation model.
- Conducting historical and future simulations to assess the impact of edge effects on the carbon cycle and forest flammability.
- Analyzing and interpreting forest ecology and ecosystem process data and model outputs.
- Developing peer-reviewed research manuscripts, reports, and presentations for scientific conferences and publications.
- Mentoring and supervising undergraduate and graduate students, providing guidance and support for their research activities.
- Collaborating with other members of the project research team, facilitating grant writing, and exploring new collaborations to advance scientific goals.
How to Apply: For full consideration, please apply by November 1st, 2023. To apply, please complete the application form using the following link: Google Form Application.
Required application materials to be submitted via the Google Form:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- List of contacts for three references
- One-page cover letter highlighting your qualifications and interest in the position
Last Date for Apply: 01 November 2023
For inquiries or additional information, please contact Lin Meng at lin.meng@vanderbilt.edu or by phone at (615) 322-2976.
Notes:
- The position is available immediately, and the start date is negotiable.
- This is a full-time, 1-year postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of renewal, contingent on satisfactory job performance and funding availability.
- The Meng Lab is committed to providing strong post-doctoral mentoring, career development, and promoting diversity in candidate recruitment, especially from underrepresented groups.
About Vanderbilt University: Vanderbilt University is an R1 Carnegie classification research institution and ranks among the top universities in the United States. It offers comprehensive, high-quality undergraduate and graduate programs. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, Vanderbilt provides a thriving campus with a moderate climate, excellent parks, diverse cultural opportunities, and a strong and varied economy. Vanderbilt University and the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences are dedicated to fostering an academically and culturally diverse community and encourage individuals from traditionally underrepresented groups to apply. Vanderbilt is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.
