[ES_JOBS_NET] Postdoctoral Research Scientist in Applied Forest Landscape and Disturbance Modeling

[Johnston, Miriam]

We seek a Postdoctoral Research Scientist interested in the application of
forest landscape modeling to management and conservation issues in the
Central Appalachians of the United States. This project will involve: (1)
calibration of iLand <https://iland-model.org/startpage>, the
individual-based forest landscape and disturbance model, for tree species
of the Central Appalachians, and (2) application of iLand in the region
according to the postdoc’s interests. If desired, the postdoc could also be
involved in (3) network-building and co-development of iLand projects with
land managers and conservation experts. This is a highly flexible position,
funded by independent investors, which provides an excellent opportunity to
follow the postdoc’s research interests, to develop a tool which will
afford extensive prospects for ongoing collaboration, and to engage with
the management and conservation communities.



Research Group: The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science
<https://www.umces.edu/> (UMCES) is a globally eminent research institution
comprising a network of laboratories located across the state with a shared
mission to advance scientific knowledge of the environment. The Appalachian
Laboratory <https://www.umces.edu/al> (AL) is in Frostburg, Maryland, in
the western part of the state. The AL has a highly collaborative and
interdisciplinary environment unique to smaller, research-intensive
institutions. We prioritize an inclusive and collegial lab culture and look
forward to welcoming new colleagues. The postdoc will be mentored by Miriam
Johnston <https://www.umces.edu/miriam-johnston>, new faculty at the AL,
who studies how disturbance and climatic stress affect plant demography and
terrestrial ecosystem fluxes of carbon, water, and energy. The postdoc will
contribute to a growing lab group and will be welcomed into a vibrant and
well-connected network of iLand users in North America and beyond.


Location: Frostburg is a small college town
<https://www.downtownfrostburg.com/> in the scenic Appalachian Mountains
with a low cost of living, little traffic, small K-12 schools, and abundant
outdoor recreational and cultural opportunities. Nearby amenities include
numerous state parks and forests, whitewater areas, bike trails including
the Great Allegheny Passage <https://gaptrail.org/>, and Frostburg State
<https://www.frostburg.edu/>University <https://www.frostburg.edu/>.
<https://www.frostburg.edu/> In-person work at the Appalachian Lab is
strongly preferred, but hybrid work from Maryland or the surrounding states
(DC, PA, WV, VA, DE) will be considered.



Qualifications: Applicant must have: (1) a PhD in ecology, forestry, data
science, or a related field by the start date of this position, (2)
experience with a forest landscape or terrestrial ecosystem model (i.e.
iLand, LANDIS-II, ED2, or similar), and (3) high motivation and effective
communication skills.



Position: Starting salary will be in the range between $57K - $59K per
year, depending on experience, with excellent state employee benefits. The
preferred start date is January 2026 but is flexible. Funding is available
for a minimum of two years and up to three years, renewable on an annual
basis, contingent upon the postdoc’s performance.



How to Apply: Please submit the following documents to the UMCES employment
website
[https://umd.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/UMCES/details/Assistant-Research-Scientist-Applied-Forest-Landscape-and-Disturbance-Modeling_JR102864
<https://umd.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/UMCES/details/Assistant-Research-Scientist-Applied-Forest-Landscape-and-Disturbance-Modeling_JR102864>]:


(1) a cover letter describing relevant research experience, interests, and
goals,

(2) a current CV,

(3) a writing sample (preferably a published/submitted journal article),
and

(4) contact information (names, affiliations, phone numbers, and e-mail
addresses) for three professional references.

Note that official application materials are submitted to the UMCES
employment portal, but email inquiries are also welcome to
miriam.johnston at umces.edu prior to application. Applications received on or
before December 5, 2025 will receive priority consideration, but the
position will remain open until filled.

The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science is an equal
opportunity employer. The Center’s policies, programs, and activities are
in conformance with pertinent Federal and State laws and regulations on
nondiscrimination regarding race, color, religion, age, national origin,
sex, and disability. Inquiries regarding compliance with Title VI of the
Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Educational
Amendments; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; and the
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; or related legal requirements
should be directed to the Director of Human Relations, Center
Administration, P.O. Box 775, Cambridge, MD 21613.

_____________________

Miriam Johnston

Assistant Professor

Appalachian Lab

University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science

scholar profile
<https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=mMFkLQkAAAAJ&view_op=list_works&sortby=pubdate>
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