Postdoctoral Research Associate in Remote Sensing and Geospatial Analysis

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Department: School of Forest Resources

Date: 28 July 2022

Reports to: Dr. Parinaz Rahimzadeh

Purpose: The School of Forest Resources at the University of Maine has a position available for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work on ongoing NASA and USDA research projects on forest health assessment using remote sensing technologies in collaboration with USFS, forest landowners and Maine forest industry.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

  1. Design and implement research projects in the area of remote sensing and geospatial analysis as related to forests and forest health.
  2. Assist in the design and implementation of field work, data collection and flight campaigns.
  3. Mentor graduate and undergraduate students involved in the project.
  4. Research and recommend purchase for equipment, materials and supplies for use in research projects.
  5. Represent UMaine at appropriate national and international conferences.
  6. Publish research results in appropriate peer reviewed journals and collaborate in grant writing.
  7. Assist with formal teaching in the areas of expertise if needed.
  8. Develop and maintain professional relationships that reflect courtesy, civility, and mutual respect.
  9. Build productive relationships with internal and external constituencies.
  10. Utilize coaching and mentoring methods which provide an environment that is anticipatory, supportive, and encourages constructive feedback on performance.
  11. Commit to organizational improvement by identifying opportunities to improve, and recommending possible alternatives for a situation.
  12. Perform other reasonably related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

  • A Ph.D. in forestry, natural resources, remote sensing, geo-spatial analysis or other closely related disciplines.
  • Hands-on experience with remote sensing data processing and software such as ENVI or ERDAS Imagine and geospatial analysis software such as ArcGIS Pro or similar open-source software or other platforms such as Google Earth Engine.
  • Knowledge of programming languages such as IDL, R or Python.
  • Experience with various statistical methods like parametric or nonparametric regression.
  • Demonstrated excellent organizational, written and oral communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.
  • Having a valid driver’s license
  • Applicants must be eligible to accept employment in the United States at the time the appointment is made.

Preferred:

  • Prior research work in forested environments.
  • Experience on field work and aerial data acquisition campaigns.
  • Demonstrated track record of scientific publications or presentations.

Supervisory Responsibility: None.

Work Environment: Work will take place at the University of Maine, Orono, ME, U.S.A. Employee could potentially be exposed to biosafety levels II (BSL II) pathogens and toxins. The employee will be expected to work collaboratively to develop methodologies and conduct experiments, responding flexibly and creatively to input from the Project Director and researchers.

Work Year: Full-time, fiscal-year appointment.

Work Schedule: Normal UMaine business hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Due to the nature of the position, work beyond regular hours (to include evenings and weekends) will be necessary to meet the requirements of the position. The employee shall establish regular office hours and in consultation with the supervisor, adjust the work schedule as appropriate.

Position Type: Contingent on external funding and performance. Initial appointment for one year, with renewal contingent upon funding and performance, up to a maximum duration of five years.

Schedule for Evaluation: In Accordance with UMPSA Agreement.

Appropriate background checks are required.

All UMS employees are required to comply with applicable policies and procedures, as well as to complete applicable workplace related screenings, and required employee trainings, such as Information Security, Safety Training, Workplace Violence, and Sexual Harassment.

To apply please go to: https://umaine.hiretouch.com/job-details?jobID=77800