BioSCape Science Project Manager (Postdoc)

Join BioSCape – NASA’s first biodiversity-focused airborne campaign and work with a large interdisciplinary team of scientists and engineers to advance remote sensing of biodiversity, gain valuable leadership experience, and hone your skills in mission project management.

The Department of Geography at the University at Buffalo (UB) invites applicants for a postdoctoral science project manager for a NASA-funded biodiversity field campaign in South Africa (bioscape.io). The BioSCape Airborne Campaign will deploy three imaging spectrometers (AVIRIS-NG, PRISM, and HyTES) and one LiDAR instrument (LVIS) from two aircraft over the Western Cape of South Africa. In combination with field observations, the campaign will provide data for scientists to understand the structure, function, and composition of the region’s ecosystems, and learn about how and why they are changing in time and space. This position will be supervised by the PI team, Adam M Wilson at the University at Buffalo and Erin Hestir at the University of California at Merced. The postdoctoral project manager will be able to pursue part-time independent research related to the project objectives.

Key accountabilities and responsibilities:

• Coordinating deliverables for the BioSCape project on-time within scope and budget
• Coordinating with the science team, NASA airborne team, and instrument teams
• Develop overall project plans to track progress
• Work with PIs to manage changes in project scope, schedule and costs
• Planning and facilitating science team communications & meetings
• Reporting and escalating to the project PIs as needed.
• National and international travel (3-4 times/year) will be expected following current state and federal guidance

This position is affiliated with the Department of Geography, the Department of Environment and Sustainability, and the National Center for Geographic Information and Analysis (NCGIA), at the University at Buffalo (UB), a large R1 Research University on the shores of Lake Erie.

Outstanding Benefits Package
Working at UB comes with benefits that exceed salary alone. There are personal rewards including comprehensive health and retirement plan options. We also focus on creating and sustaining a healthy mix of work, personal and academic pursuit – all in an effort to support your work-life effectiveness. Visit our benefits website to learn about our benefit packages.

About UB
The University at Buffalo is SUNY’s most comprehensive public research university, and an outstanding place to work. UB amplifies ambition for faculty and staff by offering endless possibilities to achieve more. Here, people from all backgrounds and cultures challenge and inspire each other to discover, learn and succeed. Dedicated staff and engaged faculty collaborate to further knowledge and understanding, and develop tenacious graduates who are valued for their talents and their impact on global society. Visit our website to learn more about the University at Buffalo.

As an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer, the Research Foundation will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant’s race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin and veteran or disability status.

Minimum Qualifications    

1. Ph.D. in remote sensing, engineering, ecology, geography, or related field
2. Excellent communication and conflict resolution skills
3. Ability to work effectively with large interdisciplinary teams
4. Ability to work independently and in an interdisciplinary research team

Please submit:

1. ) A 1-2 page cover letter describing your experience, particularly as it relates to airborne remote sensing campaigns and project management, research interests, and why you are a strong candidate for this position,
2. ) Your CV,
3. ) 1-3 recent first-author publication(s) relevant to this position and/or evidence of efficacy in project management (description of project and responsibilities and deliverables), and
4. ) Contact information from three professional references.

Applications will be evaluated beginning May 3, 2021 and will remain open until a suitable candidate is selected. The target start date is July 1st. All application materials must be received by this date for full consideration.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this posting, please contact Adam Wilson at adamw@buffalo.edu or 716-645-0502. The University at Buffalo is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer (AA/EO).