Post Doctoral Researcher II (NASA) - Human Environment Systems
Boise State University

Job Info

About Us:

Boise State University, powered by creativity and innovation, stands uniquely positioned in the Northwest as a metropolitan research university of distinction. Learn more about Boise State and the City of Boise at https://www.boisestate.edu/about/boise-and-beyond/. Boise State University is committed to increasing the diversity of its faculty, staff, students, and academic program offerings and to strengthening sensitivity to diversity throughout the institution. Boise State University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer, and members of historically underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply. We are a welcoming campus that supports diversity and inclusion.
Job Summary/Basic Function:
A postdoctoral researcher position is available for a NASA-funded project focused on remote sensing of water resources in the western U.S. In particular, the post-doc will use optical and radar fusion, time-series datasets, and AI (e.g. deep learning, machine learning) to monitor water availability and the mesic resource restoration process. Of particular interest is mesic resource response to beaver-related restoration efforts throughout the western U.S.
Mesic resources, i.e. wetlands, riparian zones and wet meadows, are critical keystone resources for agricultural production, biodiversity, and ecosystem services in the West. The post-doc will develop new metrics from remotely sensed datasets to measure water resource response to restoration and land management interventions..
Our project team has rich geospatial datasets on beaver rewilding and we are looking for someone with advanced remote sensing, data science, and analytical skills to better monitor water resources in general, and water resource response to land management interventions. This project has strong potential for both high-impact peer-reviewed publications and to influence land management and mesic restoration policies.

Department Overview:
The post-doc will join the Human-Environment Systems community (https://www.boisestate.edu/hes/), a group of faculty, researchers and students committed to trans-disciplinary, team-based, actionable research that addresses real-world environmental challenges. Dr. Jodi Brandt (https://www.boisestate.edu/hes/people/jodi-brandt/) will be the post-doc's major advisor, and the student will join the Wetlands-SES working group at Boise State, and collaborate with scientists at the Beaver Ecology and Relocation Center at Utah State University.

Level Scope:
Serves in a temporary position that enables an individual with their Ph.D. to continue their training as a researcher and gain skills and experience that will prepare them for their research career in academia or elsewhere. As a postdoc, the position can perform mostly independent research, collaborate on a multi-scholar research initiative, and will have lead responsibility for discrete components of a larger research project or program, all while under the general direction of a senior or principal researcher.

Essential Functions:
The project involves analyzing multiple types of remote sensing data (Sentinel, Landsat, Planet; optical and radar), the analysis of large spatial datasets, strong coding skills, and preparing manuscripts for publication in top-tier journals.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
Expertise in data science, remote sensing, spatial analysis, hydrology, and/or modeling.

Because the study will be conducted at the scale of the entire western U.S, qualified candidates will have strong computational training and the desire to further develop their expertise in data science, remote sensing, and programming.

Stakeholder engagement is also an important part of the project, so experience with, and/or a desire to gain, transdisciplinary, actionable science skills is also required.

Strong English written and verbal communication skills are required, as is the ability to work well in a team that includes interdisciplinary scientists and professionals.

Boise State University embraces and welcomes diversity in its faculty, student body, and staff. Accordingly, applicants who would add to the diversity and excellence of our academic community are encouraged to apply.

The selected candidate must be able to meet eligibility requirements for work in the United States at the time the appointment is scheduled to begin and to continue working legally for the proposed term of the appointment.

Minimum Qualifications:
Competitive candidates will have a PhD and experience related to the topics above. We also welcome applications from candidates with a M.S. and a publication record in topics related to this research. Applicants that do not have a PhD are encouraged to reach out to Jodi Brandt (jodibrandt@boisestate.edu).

Preferred Qualifications:
We are seeking a candidate with a publication record in using optical and radar remote sensing datasets and spatial statistics
Salary and Benefits:
The salary for this position is $55,000 + full benefits. Boise State University is committed to offering a benefits package that provides health and financial protection plans as well as resources to promote health and well-being. Our program provides flexibility so you can choose the benefits that are right for you and your family. Learn more about our benefit options at https://www.boisestate.edu/hrs/benefits/.

Required Application Materials:
Applicants should apply with CV, contact information for 3 references, and a cover letter. The cover letter should include a statement describing experience with remote sensing, data science, and statistical techniques. Informal inquiries about the position can be directed to Jodi Brandt (jodibrandt@boisestate.edu).

Advertised: October 22, 2021 Mountain Daylight Time
Applications close: December 31, 2021 11:55 PM Mountain Standard Time