Two Postdoctoral Openings in Spatial Ecology and Modeling Coupled Human- Natural Systems
Innovative and highly motivated candidates with strong track records of research productivity are invited to apply for two Postdoctoral Scientist positions at North Carolina State University. Each position will involve interdisciplinary research that integrates spatial, social, and ecological sciences, with a focus on one of two areas: (1) Modeling dynamic interactions between forest disease spread, wildfire, and land management to understand how interacting disturbances mediate trajectories of environmental change, such as impacts to forest biodiversity and/or carbon dynamics. (2) Developing geospatial solutions to sustainability challenges, with a focus on modeling feedbacks between land-use change and the provision of ecosystem services in rapidly urbanizing regions of the U.S. This is an exciting opportunity to join a rapidly growing spatial ecology and modeling group at North Carolina State University. Selected candidates will have a unique opportunity to develop data-driven models using extensive datasets already collected, participate in ongoing data collection, and design new studies. For the first position, preferred applicants will have a background in landscape ecology and invasion/disease ecology. For the second position, applicants are preferred who have an interdisciplinary background with experience integrating analytical approaches from the ecological, social, and geospatial sciences. Successful applicants for both positions will have experience in spatial-temporal modeling with strong computer programming skills (e.g. C++, R, and/or Python). Target start date is June 2014 and each position would be funded for at least 2 years. Interested applicants should send the following as a single pdf: complete CV, contact information for 3 references, and a brief (< 3 pages) statement of research interests and ideas related specifically to these positions. Applications will be evaluated based on past research productivity, alignment of applicant experiences with the goals of the Meentemeyer lab group, and the individuals potential to grow as a productive, independent investigator. Submit applications to Dr. Ross Meentemeyer ([email protected]), Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources, North Carolina State University (http://cnr.ncsu.edu/fer/directory/meentemeyer.php and http://workthatmatters.ncsu.edu/newhires/meentemeyer.php). Please indicate which position is your main interest. For full consideration, applications should be received by January 31, 2014.
