Postdoctoral Research Associate

Baylor University

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Remote Sensing and Geospatial Modeling of Aquatic Environments

The Departments of Environmental Science and Biology at Baylor University, Texas seek a postdoctoral scholar to conduct research that combines geospatial modeling and remote sensing with in situ monitoring to understand spatiotemporal changes in water quality and ecological function of freshwater systems, with emphasis on reservoirs, regulated rivers, and urbanized systems. The fellow will be co-mentored by Dr. Ryan McManamay (Environmental Science) and Dr. Stephen Powers (Biology) and will be encouraged to collaborate with our growing research community. The expected research will develop new strengths and capabilities in characterizing dynamics in aquatic and urban environments through integration of spatial data products, in situ monitoring, urban indicators, and modeling to understand and forecast complex human-environment systems. Other projects may include using artificial intelligence for biological monitoring and biodiversity discovery.

The successful candidate will collaborate with faculty and staff within the Center for Reservoir and Aquatic Systems Research (CRASR), which includes an analytical lab and full-time supported laboratory staff. Additionally, the Center for Spatial Research (CSR) provides support for spatial data product acquisition and modeling, including unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) deployments.

Role of Postdoctoral Fellow

The scholar is expected to routinely publish scientific articles in international journals, lead or contribute to proposals, co-mentor graduate students, serve professional societies, and, if desired, serve as an instructor and participate in curriculum development.

Qualifications

Expected qualifications for a candidate include:

• Doctoral degree should be awarded by the time of start date
• Experience using geospatial approaches, especially remotely sensed data products for modeling of spatiotemporal patterns in waterbodies

Preferred qualifications include:

• Advanced computational skills with ability to quickly manipulate large datasets and perform exploratory analytics
• Experience in combining remote sensing with in situ (field) observation
• Evidence of scholarly activity with experience publishing in reputable scientific journals
• Experience in rapid data retrieval and database queries
• Familiarity with programming languages, specifically R and python
• Familiarity with ESRI ArcGIS or QGIS platforms

To Apply

Candidates should submit an electronic packet with the following items to Dr. Ryan McManamay (Ryan_McManamay@baylor.edu): (1) a cover letter describing of your research experience, interests, and goals, (2) a curriculum vita (CV), (3) names and contact information for three professional references.

Base salary is $47,500 (32% benefits) with potential for higher salary commensurate with experience. The position is a three-year term, set to start June 1, 2020 and end May 31, 2023, but with the possible of continuation or transition. Baylor provides relocation reimbursement, where moving expenses are reimbursed up to one month’s pay.

The Baylor Experience

Working at Baylor is so much more than simply having a job! As part of the Baylor family, employees not only receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical and dental insurance, and generous time off, they also get to experience Baylor.

• Experience a mission driven organization based on a strong Christian commitment (www.baylor.edu/about)
• Experience Baylor academics with outstanding tuition remission for staff and qualified dependents*
• Experience Baylor athletics with reduced admission or free access to athletic events
• Experience our beautiful campus with access to libraries, museums, and recreational facilities such as our fitness center, athletic courts, an indoor swimming pool, and the Baylor marina to name a few
• Experience our great dining facilities and enjoy an employee discount

About Baylor
Baylor University is a private Christian university and a nationally ranked research institution, consistently listed with highest honors among The Chronicle of Higher Education’s “Great Colleges to Work For.” Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continuously operating university in Texas. The university provides a vibrant campus community for over 16,000 students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Baylor is actively recruiting staff who support our mission as we pursue our bold vision, Illuminate.

Baylor University is a private not-for-profit university affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, Baylor is committed to compliance with all applicable anti-discrimination laws, including those regarding age, race, color, sex, national origin, marital status, pregnancy status, military service, genetic information, and disability. As a religious educational institution, Baylor is lawfully permitted to consider an applicant’s religion among its selection criteria. Baylor encourages women, minorities, veterans and individuals with disabilities to apply.