Position Summary
Position description: The Department of Forestry at Michigan State University is seeking a highly motivated Research Associate (Postdoctoral Researcher) for large-scale biodiversity modeling and data science. The researcher will work on multiple biodiversity and spatial modeling research projects at Michigan State University under the supervision of Dr. Phoebe Zarnetske ( www.msu.edu/~plz ; Forestry/Fisheries & Wildlife), in collaboration with Dr. Kyla Dahlin ( www.msu.edu/~kdahlin ; Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences), and Dr. Andrew Finley ( blue.for.msu.edu ; Forestry/Statistics). The research projects address: spatial scaling relationships among NASA remotely-sensed geodiversity and point-level biodiversity; and ecological linkages between biodiversity and productivity across terrestrial and aquatic realms. Both projects are motivated by improving the ability to forecast future changes in biodiversity. Taxonomic groups include (but are not limited to): birds, trees, aquatic insects, and fish. These projects are collaborative and are connected with two larger working groups. The researcher will perform analysis and management of remotely sensed and point-level data including high performance computing (with the MSU HPCC), write collaborative refereed papers, contribute to grant writing, and other duties as appropriate. It is expected for the researcher to help mentor graduate and undergraduate students in the lab. The position will begin as a one-year appointment with extension available depending on satisfactory performance and continued funding.

Location: The position will be based at Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI, USA.

Required Degree
Doctorate -Ecology, statistics, data science, or re

Minimum Requirements
The successful candidate will have earned a PhD in ecology, statistics, data science, or related field by the position start date.

Desired Qualifications
Preferred qualifications include:

• Strong background in ecological theory, climate change ecology, and spatial modeling (including Bayesian);
• Expertise in R, analyzing large remotely-sensed and point-level data, big data management, high performance computing;
• Previous project management experience;
• Exceptional work ethic, professionalism, and collaborative skills.

Required Application Materials
Upload the following required documents:

1) a letter of interest detailing qualifications for the position,

2) curriculum vitae,

3) a list of three professional references with contact information (institution, email address, phone number).

Special Instructions
Application review will begin January 31, 2018, and the position will remain open until filled. Desired start date is May 2018, but earlier or later start dates may be possible if identified in the application cover letter. Questions about the position should be directed to Dr. Zarnetske: plz@msu.edu . Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Advertised: Dec 21, 2017 Eastern Standard Time
Applications close:


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