Postdoctoral Researcher - Arctic Carbon Monitoring

Woods Hole Research Center

Postdoctoral Researcher

Arctic Carbon Monitoring

SUMMARY: The Woods Hole Research (WHRC) seeks a post-doctoral researcher to collaborate on a project focused on carbon cycling in arctic and boreal environments. The postdoctoral researcher will lead the remote sensing component of this project, which includes quantifying landscape changes, mapping burned area, and developing statistical models of carbon fluxes across the circumpolar zone. The successful candidate will work closely with a team of scientists at the Woods Hole Research Center as well as collaborators at other institutions to integrate field observations, develop remote sensing-based products, assimilate observations into modeling efforts, contribute to the development of a web-based visualization platform, and engage the scientific community and stakeholders at workshops and other venues.

Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will:

• Work closely with the research team to process and analyze multi-sensor satellite remote sensing data related to landscape changes, wildfires, and carbon fluxes across the Arctic within a supercomputing environment.
• Collaborate on the development of predictive models using advanced statistical techniques.
• Advance our understanding of how disturbances impact large-scale carbon cycling across the Arctic.
• Take a lead role in project activities and collaborate with a highly-interdisciplinary team to develop an Arctic Carbon Monitoring and Prediction System.
• Engage with scientists, policy makers, and other stakeholders at workshops and other venues.
• Synthesize, present, and publish results.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Ph.D. (granted or expected soon) in Earth System Science, Remote Sensing, Geography, or a related discipline.
• Experience manipulating large geospatial data sets, developing and applying statistical models including machine learning, and linking remote sensing to field observations.
• Experience using satellite remote sensing data sets, such as from optical-infrared, passive microwave, and/or active radar sensors.
• Knowledge of arctic tundra and boreal forest carbon cycling (CO₂ and CH₄).
• Excellent interpersonal, teamwork, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to lead a research project and independently develop new research directions while also being part of a highly collaborative team.
• Experience interacting with stakeholders (e.g., policy makers, community members, natural resource managers) is desirable but not required.

Application Deadline:  December 6, 2019                           

Desired Start Date:    Flexible start date, February - April 2020

Classification and Compensation: This is a full-time, salaried, exempt position. The salary range is  $60,000 to $65,000.  This is a two-year appointment with the potential to extend. WHRC offers a very generous benefits package.

Application Instructions: To apply, please send cover letter highlighting your qualifications for this position, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references to jobopenings@whrc.org. Please type JWPD19 in the subject line.

The Woods Hole Research Center is an independent, nonprofit institute focused on environmental science, education, and public policy. The WHRC focuses on combining analysis of satellite images of the Earth with field studies and computer models to better understand changes in the world’s ecosystems, from the thawing permafrost in the Arctic to the expanding agriculture regions of the tropics.