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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif">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<span lang="EN"> <a href="https://iland-model.org/startpage" style="color:rgb(70,120,134);text-decoration:underline"><span style="color:rgb(70,120,134)">iLand</span></a>,
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.<span></span></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif"><span lang="EN"><span> </span></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif"><span lang="EN">Research Group:</span><span lang="EN">
The <a href="https://www.umces.edu/" style="color:rgb(70,120,134);text-decoration:underline"><span style="color:rgb(70,120,134)">University of
Maryland Center for Environmental Science</span></a> (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 <a href="https://www.umces.edu/al" style="color:rgb(70,120,134);text-decoration:underline"><span style="color:rgb(70,120,134)">Appalachian
Laboratory</span></a> (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 <a href="https://www.umces.edu/miriam-johnston" style="color:rgb(70,120,134);text-decoration:underline"><span style="color:rgb(70,120,134)">Miriam Johnston</span></a>, 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.<span>  </span><span></span></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif"><span lang="EN"><br>
Location: Frostburg is a <a href="https://www.downtownfrostburg.com/" style="color:rgb(70,120,134);text-decoration:underline"><span style="color:rgb(70,120,134)">small college town</span></a> 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 <a href="https://gaptrail.org/" style="color:rgb(70,120,134);text-decoration:underline"><span style="color:rgb(70,120,134)">Great Allegheny
Passage</span></a>, and <a href="https://www.frostburg.edu/" style="color:rgb(70,120,134);text-decoration:underline"><span style="color:rgb(70,120,134)">Frostburg State </span></a><a href="https://www.frostburg.edu/" style="color:rgb(70,120,134);text-decoration:underline"><span style="color:rgb(70,120,134)">University</span></a><a href="https://www.frostburg.edu/" style="color:rgb(70,120,134);text-decoration:underline"><span style="color:rgb(70,120,134)">.</span></a><span style="color:rgb(70,120,134)"> </span></span><span lang="EN">In-person </span><span lang="EN">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.</span></p>

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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif"><span lang="EN">Qualifications:</span><span lang="EN">
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.<span></span></span></p>

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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif"><span lang="EN">Position:</span><span lang="EN"> 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. </span><span lang="EN"> <span></span></span>

</p></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif"><span lang="EN"><span> </span></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif"><span lang="EN">How to Apply:</span><span lang="EN">
Please submit the following documents to the UMCES employment website <a href="https://umd.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/UMCES/details/Assistant-Research-Scientist-Applied-Forest-Landscape-and-Disturbance-Modeling_JR102864" style="color:rgb(70,120,134);text-decoration:underline">[https://umd.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/UMCES/details/Assistant-Research-Scientist-Applied-Forest-Landscape-and-Disturbance-Modeling_JR102864</a>]:
<span></span></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif"><span lang="EN">(1) a cover letter describing relevant
research experience, interests, and goals, <span></span></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif"><span lang="EN">(2) a current CV, <span></span></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif"><span lang="EN">(3) a writing sample (preferably a
published/submitted journal article), and <span></span></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif"><span lang="EN">(4) contact information (names, affiliations,
phone numbers, and e-mail addresses) for three professional references. <span></span></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif"><span lang="EN">Note that official application materials are
submitted to the UMCES employment portal, but email inquiries are also welcome
to <a href="mailto:miriam.johnston@umces.edu">miriam.johnston@umces.edu</a> prior to application. Applications received on or
before December 5, 2025 will receive priority consideration, but the position
will remain open until filled.<br>
<br>
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.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif"><span lang="EN">_____________________</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif"><span lang="EN">Miriam Johnston</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif"><span lang="EN">Assistant Professor</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif"><span lang="EN">Appalachian Lab</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif"><span lang="EN">University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif"><span lang="EN"><a href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=mMFkLQkAAAAJ&view_op=list_works&sortby=pubdate">scholar profile</a><span></span></span></p>




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