Job DescriptionA new position for a postdoctoral research associate is available within the Virginia Tech Center for Ecosystem Forecasting (www.ecoforecastprojectvt.org). The Center is a vibrant, highly collaborative, interdisciplinary research center developing real-time ecological forecasting models, software, and computing infrastructure to inform day-to-day environmental resource management.This position will have the opportunity to lead publications emerging from many ongoing forecasting projects, including water quality forecasting (flare-forecast.org), the National Ecological Observatory Network Ecological Forecasting Challenge (www.neon4cast.org), and forest productivity forecasting. We envision the postdoc will leverage these efforts to creatively advance the field of ecological forecasting in aquatic and/or terrestrial ecosystems.Research activities will include: generating aquatic and/or terrestrial forecasts with National Ecological Observatory Network, Forest Inventory and Analysis, and National Park Service data; developing cyberinfrastructure to support forecasting and automated analyses; leading communicating forecasts and research findings via peer-reviewed publications; and engaging forecast users, including the National Parks Service. The position is in-person, based on-campus at Virginia Tech (Blacksburg, VA, USA). The position start date will be flexible, aiming for Spring 2024. Funding is available for two years, contingent upon successful annual reviews.Required Qualifications-A Ph.D. in ecology, environmental science, or a related field-Experience in publishing peer-reviewed journal articles-Significant quantitative research experience in ecological forecasting, statistics, or data science.-Experience working in the R programming language-Experience with collaborative coding projects and using versioning control tools (e.g., Git)PhD awarded no more than four years prior to the effective date of appointment with a minimum of one year eligibility remaining.Preferred Qualifications- Substantial experience in publishing peer-reviewed journal articles- Experience in likelihood or Bayesian statistical analyses- Experience with machine learning models- Substantial experience in R or equivalent programming languages (e.g., Python)- Experience in analyzing long-term and high-frequency sensor environmental data- Experience with open-science workflows (e.g., Docker Containers, R package development, Linux command-line environments)- Demonstrated ability to work in interdisciplinary, collaborative teamsAppointment TypeRestrictedSalary InformationCommensurate with experience, but within budget maximumReview DateFebruary 15, 2024Additional InformationCandidates should submit: 1) a cover letter explaining their research experience and how it fits the required and preferred qualifications of the postdoctoral position, as well as how they envision the position to align with their future goals; 2) a CV; and 3) names and contact information for three references to the jobs.vt.edu website. Apply to Job #528281. Applicant screening will continue until the position is filled. Virginia Tech is committed to building a culturally-diverse faculty and strongly encourages applications from women and minorities.The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.About Virginia TechDedicated to its motto,Ut Prosim(That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive communitydedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicinecollege, Graduate School , andHonors College . The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including theInnovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerousExtension offices andresearch centers . A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contactDreama ****** regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
