Post-Doctoral Research Associate in Geospatial Modelling of Forested Watersheds Posted: July 19, 2010
The School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science at Michigan Technological University is seeking a Research Associate to develop geospatial mapping models to address key questions about the relationships between forest composition and climate change on the hydrologic outputs of Great Lakes watersheds. The successful applicant will develop mapping models that generate predictions of forest composition, biomass and disturbance at the scale of small to large watersheds, utilizing USDA Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) data. As the expected two and a half year project proceeds, these model estimates will be linked to existing databases for climate and watershed hydrology to explore relationships between forest dynamics and watershed output. Eventually, user interfaces will be developed allowing researchers and the public to fully utilize the FIA data for such watershed scale investigations. A background in GIS/RS and geospatial modelling/spatial statistics is required. Experience in forestry, hydrology, ecosystem science, or soil science is ideal but strong interest will suffice. Familiarity with US Forest Service FIA data is also desirable. Proficiency in spoken and written English is an absolute necessity. Michigan Tech is one of the premier Forestry and Environmental Science Universities in the United States. The School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science has been ranked fourth in the nation for scholarly productivity among forestry schools, and first in North America based on citations per faculty member. Well-established partnerships with the USDA Northern Research Station and the Northern Institute for Applied Carbon Science enhance opportunities for scholarly collaboration. The university is located in the Houghton, Michigan near the shores of Lake Superior, and offers superb outdoor recreation opportunities in a modern, safe small city community. The heavily forested Lake Superior basin is ideally suited for the proposed work linking forest responses to management and climate to watershed scale hydrologic responses and their subsequent downstream impacts on the Great Lakes. The anticipated start is Fall 2010. Salary will be commensurate with education and experience and Michigan Tech offers excellent benefits. Interested persons should send transcripts, one-page statement of professional interests, curriculum vitae including names and contact information for two references, and any other relevant materials to Dr. Robert Froese by email at [email protected]. -- Robert Froese, PhD, RPF Associate Professor, School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931 USA Email: [email protected]; Voice: 906-487-2723; Cell: 906-370-7285; Fax: 906-487-2915
