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Postdoctoral Scholar - Sierra Nevada Research Institute

Position overview

Position title: Postdoctoral Scholar
Salary range: See Table 23 for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $64,480 - $ 77,327
Percent time: 100%
Anticipated start: May 1, 2024
Position duration: 2 years

Application Window

Open date: February 15, 2024

Most recent review date: Friday, Mar 15, 2024 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.

Final date: Tuesday, Dec 31, 2024 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

The Soil & Environmental Physics Lab (https://soilphysics.ucmerced.edu) at UC Merced is seeking applicants for a postdoctoral scholar focused on transdisciplinary research related to agriculture and food security as part of NASA's Acres Consortium (https://www.nasaacres.org). The postdoctoral scholar will conduct integrated basic and applied research on the application of satellite Earth observation data to pressing agricultural and food security challenges facing U.S. farmers, ranchers, and agrifood stakeholders. Research tasks may include analysis of satellite imagery, application of machine learning to agricultural data sets, and field experiments. The postdoctoral scholar will contribute to the development of an agriculture stakeholder network and collaborative public science communication strategies with a focus on increasing use of Earth observation data in the agriculture sector. They will contribute content to NASA Acres Consortium online resources and publications. The postdoctoral scholar will be expected to oversee and manage undergraduate and graduate students, contribute to the preparation of grant proposals, and publish findings in peer-reviewed journals.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications

• A Doctoral degree (in agriculture, environmental science, remote sensing, geography, data science, or a related field)
• Familiarity with quantitative research methods
• Experience publishing peer reviewed articles and presenting research at technical conferences

Preferred qualifications

• Advanced experience with experimental methods, statistical analysis, and/or machine learning approaches for analyzing large datasets
• Proficient in geospatial data analysis software (e.g. ArcGIS, Google Earth Engine, etc.)
• Advanced experience in Python and/or R programming languages
• Ability to effectively communicate complex research both verbally and in writing
• Prior experience applying satellite remote sensing data to agriculture or food security research challenges

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  • Cover Letter

  • Statement of Research

Reference requirements
  • 3 required (contact information only)
Apply link: https://aprecruit.ucmerced.edu/JPF01702

Help contact: ksackett@ucmerced.edu

About UC Merced

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system’s 10 campuses. With over 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students (https://cie.ucmerced.edu/analytics-hub/student-statistics), UC Merced is committed to interdisciplinary excellence in research and teaching as well as to diversity, equity and inclusion. Ranked as one of the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced provides outstanding educational opportunities to highly qualified students from the heart of California, the nation, and abroad. The campus has special connections to nearby Yosemite National Park; is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design; and supports the economic development of Central California. The Merced 2020 Project doubled the physical capacity of the campus, and enhanced academic distinction, student success, and research excellence (https://merced2020.ucmerced.edu/).

The University of California, Merced is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements. This includes the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/5000695/VaccinationProgramsPolicy.

Job location

Merced, CA