[ES_JOBS_NET] Postdoc announcement in soil moisture and wildfire prediction - UGA

[Matthew Robert Levi]

 Good afternoon,

Please distribute the following announcement to anyone who may be
interested.


*Postdoctoral research associate in soil moisture and fire modeling at the
University of Georgia*

We seek a dynamic and innovative postdoctoral research associate to work at
the nexus of soil science and fire ecology. Our project seeks to understand
the relationship between soil moisture and fire prediction by integrating a
suite of soil, fire, climate, and remote sensing datasets with robust
modeling techniques. The project is a collaboration between the University
of Georgia, Oklahoma State University, the US Geological Survey, and two
USDA regional climate hubs (Southwest and Southern Plains). The candidate
will be based at the University of Georgia in the Department of Crop and
Soil Sciences in Athens, GA
http://www.caes.uga.edu/departments/crop-soil.html. UGA is a Land/Sea Grant
institution and is ranked 16th among public universities in the U.S. News &
World Report’s 2018 edition of America’s Best Colleges. Athens is well
known for its quality of life in regard to both outdoor and urban
activities (https://www.visitathensga.com/) and is 90 miles northeast of
Atlanta, the state capital. Ideal candidates would combine expertise in
data analysis and modeling of large spatial datasets. *Potential start date
is June 1, 2018* for up to two years (contingent upon funding). We offer a
competitive salary commensurate with experience. *Keywords: *Soil moisture;
Wildfire; Mapping; Modeling

*Objective*: Primary goals are (1) develop an effective model of soil
moisture for two large river basins in the southwestern and south central
US using soil and climate data; (2) quantify the relationships between
modeled soil moisture and wildfire probability; and (3) distribute soil
moisture and wildfire probability maps for both basins.

*Summary of duties*: Integrate existing soil, climate, and remote sensing
data to model soil moisture conditions present in the root zone at daily
time steps and moderate spatial resolution for two large watersheds in the
southwestern and south central US. Apply newly generated soil moisture
maps, along with other biophysical variables, to develop dynamic fire
probability maps for the basins. Produce soil moisture models and wildfire
data sets for the 2000–2016 period, and selected maps of dynamic soil
moisture and wildfire probability. Work with collaborators and stakeholders
to facilitate stakeholder meetings and produce peer-reviewed manuscripts,
presentations and website content. Travel to some stakeholder and
professional meetings is expected.

*Required qualifications*: Completed Ph.D. in soil science, fire ecology,
landscape ecology, or similar field by start date. Experience with spatial
modeling and proficiency with computer software including R, Python,
ArcGIS, etc. is required. A positive attitude and willingness to
collaborate with an interdisciplinary team of researchers is required.

*Desired qualifications*: Familiarity with soil geographic databases (e.g.,
SSURGO), climate data (e.g., PRISM), remote sensing, and wildfire modeling
is desired.

*To apply:* Please send an email to Dr. Matt Levi at matthew.levi at uga.edu
with subject line: “Application for soil-fire postdoc” that includes your
CV and a short cover letter (1 page) detailing your qualifications and
interest for the position.  Review of applications will begin May 15 and
will be open until filled. The University of Georgia is an Equal
Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.  All qualified applicants will
receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color,
religion, sex, national origin, disability, gender identity, sexual
orientation or protected veteran status.


Regards,
Matt
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