[ES_JOBS_NET] Researcher (post-doc) and Analyst positions – Wildland Fire & Fuels Treatment Outcomes, University of Idaho

[Miesel, Jessica]

Two positions available in Fire Ecology / Fire Science: Research Scientist I (postdoc) and Research Associate I (data analyst)

About the positions: Two positions are available as part of a collaboration between the University of Idaho and the USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station on a National research effort to evaluate the effectiveness of fuel reduction treatments including mechanical thinning and prescribed fire, through case studies of wildfires interacting with those treatments. The objectives of the research are to (1): advance knowledge about the conditions under which wildfire fuel treatments produce desirable outcomes, including reduction in fire severity, successful containment of fire spread by suppression operations, and reduction of wildfire impacts to homes and other infrastructure; (2) apply that knowledge to inform future adaptive management in a changing climate; and (3) evaluate differences across geographic regions using analyses of case studies. Both positions will work closely with scientists at multiple USDA Forest Service research stations and University partners. Each position will take on different roles (flexible and to be determined, based on strengths and interests) in accomplishing the project objectives. Funding for each position is available for 2.7 years and possibly longer based on satisfactory performance and availability of additional funding. Both full-time, exempt positions will be based in the Department of Forest, Rangeland, and Fire Sciences at the University of Idaho (Moscow, ID) but remote options may be considered. Most of the work effort will be office-based although opportunities to assist in field-based research may be available depending on interest. Occasional travel to attend project meetings and/or conferences to present results is expected.

Required qualifications:

  *   Research Scientist I (postdoc): An earned PhD in quantitative sciences, quantitative ecology, resource management, forestry, remote sensing, geographic information systems, or data science, with a focus on geospatial analysis and forest ecology and management is required. A master’s degree plus an additional two years of research experience (5 years total) may be substituted for a Ph.D. The Research Scientist I position requires a demonstrated record of published peer-reviewed publications and will assist in overseeing relevant research work of graduate and undergraduate students.
  *   Research Associate I (data analyst): MSc (strongly preferred), or at minimum BSc plus two years of additional experience, in quantitative sciences, quantitative ecology, resource management, forestry, remote sensing, geographic information systems, or data science, with a focus on geospatial analysis and forest ecology and management is required.
  *   Both positions: Advanced geospatial analysis skills; documented academic and/or research experience in statistical modeling and big data analytics; demonstrated oral and written communication skills; ability to work independently and collaboratively on scientific manuscripts; demonstrated ability to work independently and within a group; and ability to pass a criminal background check.

Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate: experience processing and analyzing large remote sensing datasets (e.g., Landsat, Sentinel-2, MODIS) and geospatial datasets (e.g., FACTs, FTEM, field data) both locally with R/Python and via Google Earth Engine for wildfire and fuel treatment outcome research; proficiency with running machine learning algorithms (e.g., Random Forest, CART) and regression models (e.g., SAR, LME) to derive ecological insights from big data sets; experience developing reproducible and scalable methodologies using common software and programming languages that can be used by land managers for multi-scale and/or multi-resource decision-making support for planning, assessments, and monitoring; a background in natural resource management applications and wildland fire sciences; experience presenting research results to scientific and/or management audiences; and ability to work in an interdisciplinary team of scientists and managers.

Responsibilities:
The positions involve research and outreach responsibilities, including:

  *   Obtaining, compiling, and analyzing geospatial and related datasets
  *   Collaborative analysis of case studies across the US
  *   Examining wildfire-treatment outcomes to infrastructure and the built environment
  *   Writing project reports and leading and/or contributing to peer-reviewed publications
  *   Disseminating research results through peer reviewed publications and presentations
  *   Participating in local, regional, and national team meetings through all stages of the research
  *   Participating in outreach events with project stakeholders
  *   Presenting results at regional and national professional conferences


About the University of Idaho: The University of Idaho College of Natural Resources is committed to disciplinary and interdisciplinary programs that integrate ecological, social and natural resource science and management systems. Our research, education and outreach sustains people and the land through innovative science, technology and leadership. More information about the University, employee benefits, and resources for applicants is available at https://uidaho.peopleadmin.com/. The University is located in Moscow, ID which has a population of 25,336 and is the county seat of Latah County. Moscow is consistently rated as one of the best places to live in Idaho, offering ease of walking/biking, many community events, and easy access to a multitude of outdoor recreation opportunities.

How to apply:
Apply for these positions at https://uidaho.peopleadmin.com/ by searching for the following position posting numbers:

  *   Research Scientist I (postdoc): posting # SP004120P (https://uidaho.peopleadmin.com/postings/42123)

  *   Research Associate I (data analyst): posting # SP004119P (https://uidaho.peopleadmin.com/postings/42119)

Required application documents:

  1.  Detailed academic CV;
  2.  Cover letter / application statement that includes a description of your qualifications for the position and how the positions fit into your longer-term career goals;
  3.  List of three professional references including complete contact information.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the positions will be available until filled. For full consideration, apply by October 12, 2023. The positions will start as soon as possible.

For more information:
Contact Drs. Jessica Miesel (jmiesel at uidaho.edu<mailto:jmiesel at uidaho.edu>) and Matt Dickinson (matthew.b.dickinson at usda.gov<mailto:matthew.b.dickinson at usda.gov>) for questions about the positions.


The University of Idaho (U of I) is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. In compliance with applicable laws and in furtherance of its commitment to fostering an environment that welcomes and embraces diversity, U of I does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, genetic information or status as any protected veteran or military status in its programs or activities, including employment, admissions and educational programs.


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Jessica Miesel, PhD
Associate Professor, Fire and Ecosystem Ecology
Michigan State University
Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences

Mobile: 802.558.0592
Email: mieselje at msu.edu<mailto:mieselje at msu.edu>
Web: https://www.mieselecologylab.org/


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