Postdoctoral Research Scientist in “permafrost active layer complexity and responses to environmental changes in Arctic tundra and boreal forests in Alaska and Northwest Canada” with the Numerical Terradynamic Simulation Group (NTSG), University of Montana, USA
The Numerical Terradynamic Simulation Group (NTSG) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Scientist to advance the understanding of permafrost active layer complexity and responses to environmental changes in Arctic tundra and boreal forests in Alaska and Northwest Canada. The successful candidate will primarily conduct remote sensing analysis and data-driven modeling of active layer properties at local to landscape scales (~1-100m resolution). These activities will be contributing to the Arctic Boreal Vulnerability Experiment (ABoVE); a NASA led international field campaign to improve understanding of climate and disturbance related impacts on arctic-boreal ecosystems and communities.
This position involves processing and analyzing active and passive microwave remote sensing data, and optical-infrared data acquired from satellite and airborne sensors for estimating soil freeze-thaw status and active layer changes using machine-learning models. The position involves processing and analysis of large digital geospatial environmental datasets obtained from satellites and other sources; conducting machine-learning and statistically based analysis and model simulations using Python, R or Matlab in a Linux environment. This position also involves implementing deep learning architectures for active layer analysis using cloud computation platforms, including Google Earth Engine and Colab. The position requires active project management skills and the ability to work productively and independently in successfully meeting project objectives. The position also requires advanced programming and modeling skills, ability to conduct independent scientific research, write scientific manuscripts and publish in the peer-reviewed literature, and conduct public presentations of research findings.
This position involves working closely and successfully with colleagues in a large interdisciplinary research group. The position also involves active collaborations with colleagues at other institutions. The position will also oversee and be responsible for individual research projects, but will not actively manage or supervise other employees.
The position will involve long hours spent working on a desktop computer workstation in university research setting. This employee will also work in a physically intensive field work over long workdays for up to several weeks in a remote Arctic tundra setting. The position also involves periodic air travel to attend science meetings.
This position requires incumbent to develop a working knowledge of continued advances and expertise in the necessary skills as indicated by a growing publication record (e.g., 2 or more publications per year in the peer-reviewed scientific literature). The incumbent will also develop successful management and completion of a major research project, demonstrated experience in remote sensing and environmental modeling pertaining to Arctic research and a demonstrated experience in implementing, training, and evaluating deep learning architectures. This employee will gain an understanding of microwave remote sensing theory, modelling and applications and a demonstrated experience using a diversity of remote sensing data from different platforms (airborne, satellite, cubesat) and sensors ((In)SAR, GNSS, optical-IR).
Required Skills:
- Demonstrated ability to analyze large multi-dimensional geospatial datasets using Python, R, or other programming languages based on machine-learning and statistical approaches under Linux and/or cloud-computation environments.
- A strong background in remote sensing and/or permafrost hydrology.
- A strong record of scientific publications.
- Ability to conduct physically intensive field work involving long work days for up to several weeks in a remote Arctic setting.
- Ability to effectively communicate, cooperate and work productivity in a high performing multi-disciplinary research group.
- Ability to work productively, independently and as part of a team.
- Ability to conduct independent scientific research, write scientific manuscripts and publish in the peer-reviewed literature.
- Ability to conduct public presentations of research findings.
Minimum Required Experience:
- PhD in environmental engineering, geoscience, hydrology, ecology or a related field and at least two (2) years’ experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Demonstrated experience in environmental modeling pertaining to Arctic research.
- Demonstrated experience in implementing, training, and evaluating deep learning architectures.
- Understanding of microwave remote sensing theory, modelling and applications.
- Demonstrated experience using a diversity of remote sensing data from different platforms (airborne and satellite) and sensors ((In)SAR, GNSS, optical-IR).
Position Details:
Job Location: Missoula, MT, USA
Position Type: Full-time, 1.0 FTE, fiscal-year (12 months), Letter of Appointment position.
Title: Postdoctoral Research Scientist, The Numerical Terradynamic Simulation Group (NTSG)
Salary: $55,000 and is commensurate with qualifications.
Benefits: Comprehensive and competitive benefits package including health and life insurance, mandatory retirement savings plan, partial tuition waiver, and an employee wellness program.
Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the Offer of Employment In accordance with University regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations. ADA/EOE/AA/Veteran’s Preference Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, we encourage applications from minorities, veterans, and women. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law.
References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant.
Testing: Individual hiring departments at UM may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions.
Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9).
How to Apply:
Priority Application Date: 14 September 2023 by 11:59 PM (MT)
Complete applications received by this date will be guaranteed consideration. To receive full consideration, candidates are required to submit all of the following materials. Application will remain open until position is filled.
Please submit the following application materials** via the UM Jobs portal and by clicking “New Resume/CV” button. Please do not apply through Indeed.com*.
A complete application Includes:
- Letter of Interest – addressing your qualifications and experience related to the stated required skills for the position. A general letter salutation such as “Dear Search Committee” or “Dear Hiring Manager” is acceptable.
- Detailed Resume – listing education and describing work experience.
- Professional References – names and contact information for three (3) professional references.
*Applying through Indeed.com or easy apply through Indeed.com may result in submission of an incomplete application. Applications may be removed from full consideration if they are not complete with materials listed above under the “How to Apply” section. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure complete application materials are submitted and received by the date listed above.
**Please note: only five (5) attachments are allowed per application. Please combine documents accordingly.
