[ES_JOBS_NET] Postdoc Researcher: Spatial Modeling & Causal Inference for U.S. Agricultural Land Use Change

[Jing Gao]

Dear colleagues,

I'm seeking a postdoc researcher (details below). Please help spread the
word. Thanks a ton.

Jing Gao, Ph.D.
Geography | Data Science | Computer Science | Environmental Engineering
University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
*Linkedin <https://www.linkedin.com/in/JingGao-geo>* | *Twitter
<https://twitter.com/JingGao_geo>* | *Datasets
<https://dataverse.harvard.edu/dataverse/geospatial_human_dimensions_data>*

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*Postdoc Researcher: Spatial Modeling & Causal Inference for U.S.
Agricultural Land Use Change*

*Position Description:* We are seeking a postdoc researcher at the University
of Delaware <https://www.udel.edu>, to work on an interdisciplinary project
examining spatiotemporal patterns of the persistent application of cover
crops (as an example of high-priority, sustainable agricultural land use
practices) across the continental U.S. The goal is to understand how
individual-level sustainable land use decisions aggregate to form
large-scale landscape patterns that can yield environmental benefits.
Starting with an exploratory data analysis of publicly available spatial
data on cover crops and related natural and human systems, the project will
generate new insights identifying associations between persistence of the
sustainable practice and related environmental and social factors. Using
spatial modeling and machine learning methods, we aim to explain the
mechanisms that cause the landscape evolution. Creative extensions and
co-development of new directions are encouraged.

The position offers an attractive salary and benefit package. Initial
contract is for two years with the potential to renew.

*Responsibilities:* The researcher will be expected to (1) identify,
obtain, and manage appropriate datasets, (2) conduct exploratory data
analyses, (3) build, calibrate, and validate empirical models of
spatiotemporal patterns, (4) design and implement data-driven experiments,
(5) carefully document data metadata and analytical procedures for
reproducible science, (6) analyze, visualize, and interpret modeling and
experiment results, (7) work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team
to incorporate diverse feedback, and (8) publish in peer-reviewed
scientific journals.

*Opportunities:* The position is funded by an NSF HEGS grant and is also
related to the NSF-EPSCoR Project WiCCED (Water in the Changing Coastal
Environment of Delaware). The researcher will be mentored by Dr. Jing Gao
(leading the Geospatial Data Science and Human Dimensions of Global Change
lab) and Dr. Kent Messer (directing the Center for Experimental & Applied
Economics), while working with interdisciplinary experts. There will be
diverse opportunities to engage with the UD Data Science
<https://dsi.udel.edu/> Institute (DSI) and the Center for Behavioral &
Experimental Agri-Environmental Research (CBEAR) <https://centerbear.org/>,
a USDA Center of Excellence. The University of Delaware is a tier-1
research university and ranks among the top 100 universities in federal R&D
support for science and engineering.

*Minimum Qualifications:* (1) PhD in a related field before starting, (2)
solid background in geospatial analysis and modeling using quantitative and
computational methods, (3) attention to detail with data manipulation and
analyses, (4) proficiency with one or more scientific programming language
(e.g., Python, R), (5) excellent written and oral communication skills with
demonstrated ability to publish scientific manuscripts, and (6) strong
motivation and work ethics.

*Preferred Qualifications:* Research experience/familiarity with (1)
geospatial applications of machine learning, data science, spatial
statistics, (2) publicly available datasets on U.S. agricultural,
environmental, and socioeconomic variables, (3) data-driven spatiotemporal
analyses integrating diverse data sources, and (4) causal inference for
agricultural or environmental issues, especially, agricultural land use
practices. Experience with grant proposal writing is welcomed, but not
required.

*Application:* Email a CV, a research statement highlighting relevant
experiences and skillsets, unofficial transcripts, an example publication,
and contact information for three references, to Dr. Jing Gao (
jinggao at udel.edu), with the subject line “Cover Crop Postdoc Application -
[Full Name]”.

Review of applications will begin on May 30, 2022, and will continue until
a suitable candidate is identified. Shortlisted candidates will be
contacted and interviewed virtually. Start date is negotiable (ideally no
later than September 1, 2022).

The University of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Individuals
from under-represented backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.
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