[ES_JOBS_NET] 2 Postdocs Remote Sensing foliar traits (Applications due July 28)

[Erika MARIN-SPIOTTA]

The application date is July 28!


Also at: https://tinyurl.com/townsend-postdoc


Postdoctoral Positions - University of Wisconsin-Madison

Foliar Functional Traits, Ecosystem Function and Hyperspectral Remote Sensing: Arctic/Boreal and NEON


We are seeking two postdoctoral researchers broadly interested in the use of remote sensing to map the distribution of foliar functional traits and functional diversity at regional-to-continental scales, and to use the resulting data to ask how and why foliar traits vary with environmental drivers and climate change. The research uses airborne imaging spectroscopy data (hyperspectral imagery).


This work comprises two projects funded by the National Science Foundation and NASA. In the NSF funded work, we are using NEON aerial imaging spectroscopy (and lidar) from all biomes of the United States to map a suite of 20+ foliar functional traits, and ask how the mapped variability compares to our knowledge of trait variation based on traditional field methods. The NASA work is a new effort as part of the Arctic-Boreal Vulnerability Experiment (ABoVE) project in which we are using AVIRIS-Next Generation airborne imagery to map foliar traits across the ABOVE region. Here we ask similar questions, focused on drivers of functional diversity as well as climate change impacts.


Both of these projects are focused on a larger goal of developing baseline data to characterize foliar functional trait characterization at broad spatial scales using consistent methods. This work will provide a foundation to future satellite missions. As the projects progress, we see opportunities to link our foliar trait analyses to broader ecological analyses including those associated with flux tower data, ecosystem modeling, and biodiversity studies.


The post-docs will be part of a team of researchers at the University of Wisconsin, CalTech/NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and other institutions who are looking to develop comprehensive approaches to analyze hyperspectral imagery for foliar trait mapping and using the results to guide ecosystem research. One of the postdoctoral positions has the opportunity to spend a few months per year working with collaborators at JPL in Pasadena, California. Because of the breadth of our questions, we seek candidates from a broad range of disciplines.

Co-PI’s and collaborators include: Phil Townsend and Eric Kruger, University of Wisconsin; Ryan Pavlick, Chip Miller and David Schimel, Jet Propulsion Laboratory; Aditya Singh, University of Florida; John Couture, Purdue University;

Shawn Serbin, Brookhaven National Lab


Interests and Qualifications:

Successful candidates will have a background in remote sensing, ecosystem ecology and/or quantitative methods.  We are looking to build a team, and are particularly interested in candidates with any of the following skills/interests:

  1.  Remote sensing, especially hyperspectral/airborne image analyses, such as atmospheric correction, BRDF, radiative transfer models or trait estimation methods

  2.  Advanced statistical methods, such as probabilistic inference or machine learning

  3.  Ecological applications of remote sensing/imaging spectroscopy data, including ecosystem models, especially as related to foliar functional traits


This position will work collaboratively with our team on developing and implementing algorithms to map foliar functional traits across a range of ecosystem types with application to carbon cycle and/or biodiversity.  The position will work on methods to integrate cal/val data with imagery from multiple field campaigns and implement new methods for quantitative analysis. We will consider a range of backgrounds, and are especially interested in candidates with experience in new computational/analytical methods. The position requires strong quantitative skills, especially in programming (R and/or Python are our primary tools, and to a lesser degree Matlab) and data analysis and synthesis. These positions are available to start in the Fall, 2019 (or sooner) with support for two years (and potentially a third) pending continued funding and satisfactory performance.


Applicants must have:


-PhD in Ecology, Environmental Science, Remote Sensing, Geography, Statistics or similar discipline. Strong computational/statistical skills, experience with remote sensing data.

-Excellent English writing and verbal communication skills, as well as the ability to work as part of a research team.

[more on reverse side]


Application Process: Postdoctoral positions are available to start any time during the second half of 2019.

Applications will be reviewed upon receipt and review will continue until suitable candidates are chosen. Preference will be given to applications received by July 28, 2019.


Please send the following to ptownsend at wisc.edu<mailto:ptownsend at wisc.edu>:

- Statement outlining research/professional interests and academic background

**In your statement, please indicate if you have a particular interest in either the ABoVE (Arctic-Boreal) or NEON work (no preference is fine) or any of the three skills/interests listed above

- Resume or CV and copies of transcripts (unofficial copies are acceptable)

- Names and contact addresses of three references

Interested applicants are asked to e-mail the documents above to Dr. Phil Townsend. Please send the documents compiled together in ONE PDF named YourSurname.pdf with [postdoc] “Foliar Traits Postdoc Application 2019” or [Ph.D. student].


The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.  We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. The position is open to both US citizen and international candidates.


Questions should be directed to Dr. Phil Townsend (ptownsend at wisc.edu<mailto:ptownsend at wisc.edu>).

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