Post-doctoral Opportunity-
Land Change Modeling and Coupled Natural-Human Systems -
Purdue University

The Human-Environment Modeling and Analysis Laboratory (www.human-environment.org) in the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources at Purdue University invites applications for an exciting post-doctoral position in land change modeling and coupled natural-human systems. The incumbent will conduct research on several high profile NSF, USGS, NOAA, USDA and EPA funded projects that require the integration of land use land cover change (LUCC) modeling and the impacts of LUCC to ecosystems (biodiversity, water quality, and potential for invasive species to persistent). The lab environment is highly interdisciplinary (ecologists, social scientists and engineers) and is supported by some of the most advanced cyberinfrastructure available on any university campus. This highly productive lab (> 30 journal articles in the last three years) is well known for work in land change science, integrated modeling, research in coupled natural-human systems and the use of advanced techniques to analyze “big data” in ecology.

Relevant Information:

Review Date: Review of application materials will begin on May 8, 2013 and will continue until the position is filled.

Date of Appointment: Available immediately

Duration of Appointment: 24 months (with a 6-month and 12-month performance review)

Description of Responsibilities: The postdoctoral scientist will collaborate with other researchers in the area of landscape to regional level modeling of land use cover change. Use of GIS (ArcGIS preferred), data mining tools such as artificial neural networks and cellular automata, and multivariate statistics (e.g., CCA, MDS, CART) will be required. Postdoc will mentor graduate and undergraduate students, and work with researchers in diverse fields, such as ecology, economics, human cognition, civil engineering and K-12 STEM education.

Salary: Purdue University will provide a $40,000 annual salary plus health care benefits.

Required Qualifications: A PhD in geography, ecology, forestry, or civil engineering is required with expertise in data mining, spatial modeling, and/or multivariate statistical analysis. Experience with R programming, ArcGIS, python, javascript, PhP, and other analytical tools are highly desirable. Ability to work with researchers across a variety of disciplines (social sciences, engineering and natural sciences) is required. Strong communication skills are necessary. Ability to lead and mentor small groups of graduate and undergraduate students is also essential.

Application: To apply, please send statement of interest, curriculum vitae, date earliest available, and the names and contact information of at least three references to:

Bryan C. Pijanowski,
Professor and University Faculty Scholar
Department of Forestry and Natural Resources,
Purdue University
195 Marsteller Street, IN 47907-2033
Email: bpijanow@purdue.edu

Office phone: 765-496-2215

*Purdue University is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce