[ES_JOBS_NET] Postdoc & PhD Positions Opening: Global Change Ecology at Vanderbilt University

[Meng, Lin]

Hi All,

The Meng Lab (https://my.vanderbilt.edu/lin-meng/) in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Vanderbilt University is seeking a highly motivated post-doctoral scholar and 1-2 Ph.D. students interested in Global Change Ecology using remote sensing, in situ observation, and modeling. The Meng Lab aims to answer key ecosystem questions: How do climate change and human activities affect terrestrial ecosystems? We study the response of plants to climate changes and human activities such as urbanization and deforestation. We are also interested in carbon and water cycles in terrestrial ecosystems regulated by vegetation dynamics. Research in the Meng Lab is inherently interdisciplinary, spanning from individual trees to global scales.

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Postdoc Position
The successful candidates will investigate the changes in vegetation dynamics (e.g., phenology, seasonality, and interannual trend) under climate change, disturbance, and human activities, as well as the vegetation feedback to carbon and water cycles. The new findings will inform model development of vegetation in response to a changing environment, including in urban areas. There will also be exciting opportunities to explore topics related to vegetation cooling effect on urban heat, phenology under fire and droughts, ecological light pollution, and phenology modeling using machine learning depending on the interest of the successful candidate.

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications: (1) A Ph.D. in environmental science, ecology, geography, remote sensing, meteorology, natural resource/forestry, or a closely related relevant area by the time of appointment. (2) Strong programming skills (R or Python), data-intensive processing and analysis, satellite remote sensing analysis, and statistical and visualization skills. (3) Solid background in global change ecology, vegetation remote sensing, and land surface processes. (4) Strong record of publishing research in peer-reviewed journals. Preferred Qualifications: Prior experience working with Google Earth Engine, geospatial approaches, and extensive vegetation model development/evaluation.

To apply: Please send an email to Dr. Lin Meng (lin.meng at vanderbilt.edu<mailto:lin.meng at vanderbilt.edu>) with subject line:  “Application for Global Change Ecology postdoc” that includes your (1) CV, (2) list of contacts for three references, (3) a short cover letter (1 page) highlighting your qualifications and interest in the position and (4) unofficial copies of university transcripts.
Qualified applicants will be immediately reviewed upon receiving the application, while the search may continue until the position is filled. The start date of September 1, 2022, is expected but negotiable. This position can be renewed annually depending on satisfactory performance and availability of funding. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience in relevant research.

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Ph.D. Student Position
Research topics for prospective Ph.D. students are open in the field of global change ecology, urban ecology, and tropical ecosystems and will be determined by Dr. Meng and the student. Prospective students are encouraged to contact Dr. Meng via email with the subject “Global Change Ecology Ph.D. opportunity” to discuss potential research projects and interests before submitting the application. Please include (1) CV, (2) a list of contacts for three references, (3) a short cover letter (1 page) highlighting your qualifications and interest in the position and (4) unofficial copies of university transcripts in the email. Starting date is Fall 2023 but can be flexible.

Qualifications: strong quantitative programming skills and solid background in global change ecology, vegetation remote sensing, and land surface processes. Proficiency in spoken/written English.

Application: The Fall application deadline for the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (EES) program is January 15, 2023. Please visit https://gradschool.vanderbilt.edu/admissions/application/index.php for admission requirements and application process. If you are interested in applying to the EES graduate program, I encourage you to attend one of EES information sessions for prospective students to learn more about our program https://as.vanderbilt.edu/earth-environmental-sciences/prospective-students/.

These are exciting opportunities to be a part of a fast-evolving and active research field, with significant potential for high-impact publication and visibility of your research. The Meng Lab is committed to strong post-doctoral and student mentoring, career and professional development, and recruitment of diverse candidates, especially from underrepresented groups.

Institution Information
Vanderbilt University is an R1 Carnegie classification research institution and is ranked among the top universities in the United States, providing comprehensive, high-quality undergraduate and graduate programs. Founded in 1873, Vanderbilt enrolls approximately 13,800 students from the US and over 100 foreign countries. Vanderbilt University is located in Nashville, Tennessee, a thriving state-capital city that enjoys a moderate climate, excellent parks and natural areas, a strong and varied economy, and diverse food, music, and cultural opportunities. Vanderbilt University and the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences have a strong institutional commitment to recruiting and retaining an academically and culturally diverse community of faculty, staff, and students. Members of traditionally underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. Vanderbilt is an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action employer.

Contact: Dr. Lin Meng, lin.meng at vanderbilt.edu<mailto:lin.meng at vanderbilt.edu>

Please share this announcement with potential applicants, and feel free to reach out to me directly with any questions.

Thanks and best wishes,
Lin

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Lin Meng, Ph.D.
(She/Her/Hers)
Assistant Professor
Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences
Vanderbilt University
2301 Vanderbilt PL, PMB 351805
Nashville, TN 37235-1805
https://my.vanderbilt.edu/lin-meng/
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