The Townsend Lab (http://labs.russell.wisc.edu/townsend/) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is seeking a post-doc interested in using full-range (400-2500 nm) imaging spectroscopy data (i.e., hyperspectral imagery) to understand patterns of vegetation function in natural and managed ecosystems. You will be part of a team funded on a NSF-NASA Dimensions of Biodiversity Project developing methods to quantify functional diversity using imaging spectroscopy from NASAs AVIRIS- Classic and AVIRIS-NG sensors in grassland, savanna and forest systems in Minnesota and Wisconsin, including the Cedar Creek LTER site. The imaging spectroscopy work involves the estimation of canopy foliar traits from hyperspectral data, and linkage to field data collected by our team and collaborators at the University of Minnesota, University of Nebraska, and Appalachian State University.
The responsibilities of the post-doc include: - Processing and analysis of AVIRIS-class imaging spectroscopy data; - Testing, development and validation of imaging spectroscopy models to estimate ecosystem biochemical and physiological traits; - Linkage of imaging spectroscopy data and derived products to to ground measurements in collaboration with other project investigators; - Contribute to and write papers based on the analyses. Prospective candidates should have: - A Ph.D. in-hand in geography, biology/ecology, ecosystem or environmental science, or a related discipline, - Extensive experience with remote sensing data and its analysis, and - Strong statistical background, and preferably related experience programming in R or Python. Desired skills include: - Experience processing and analyzing hyperspectral imagery. However, experience with imaging spectroscopy data is not mandatory, although extensive experience with remote sensing data is necessary. Applicants must have excellent English writing and verbal communication skills, as well as the ability to work and lead a research team, are essential. The position is available starting after August 1, 2016 (start date is flexible). The position is available for two years, pending satisfactory importance. Further years are contingent on funding. University, Department, Labs: The University of Wisconsin-Madison is one of the major research universities in the United States (www.wisc.edu). It ranks 2nd in research expenditures among all U.S. universities and first among public universities. Total student enrollment is 41,500, out of which 8,800 are graduate students. Employees include 2,000 faculty. UW-Madison has a long history of excellence in ecology, conservation biology, and wildlife biology (www.ecology.wisc.edu). The Townsend Lab maintains state-of-the-art facilities for remote sensing research, including computation power, as well as a broad range of field spectrometers, calibration equipment, and ecosystem measurement instrumentation. Town: Madison, Wisconsin consistently ranks as one of the best places in the United States to live, work, and study. It is Wisconsin's capital city, with a vibrant metropolitan population of approximately 500,000 that combines small town charm with a nice variety of leisure and cultural opportunities. For more information on campus and town see: http://www.wisc.edu/about/location.php. Application Process: Applications will be reviewed upon receipt and review will continue until a suitable candidate is chosen. Applications received before July 1, 2016 will be given full consideration. The University of Wisconsin- Madison is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. The position is open to both US citizen and international candidates. Interested applicants are asked to e-mail the documents listed below to Dr. Phil Townsend. Please send the documents compiled together in ONE PDF named YourSurname.pdf with Hyperspectral Postdoc Application 2016 in the email subject line. - Letter outlining research interests, academic and professional background - Resume or CV - Copies of transcripts (unofficial copies are acceptable) - Names and contact addresses of three references Questions should be directed to Dr. Phil Townsend ([email protected]). --- Phil Townsend, Professor Department of Forest & Wildlife Ecology University of Wisconsin
