Postdoctoral Fellow: Structurally Guided Sampling using LIDAR data in a Cloud Computing Environment

Background

Structurally guided sampling (SGS) is a data-driven approach to help guide where, and how many, forest plots should be established or remeasured to sample the entire range of structural attributes across the landscape. Currently methodogies exist to undertake SGS based analysis on airborne laser scanning data, however its broad scale application over large areas is more limited due to lack of computing power and storage. This project will support a PDF to further develop SGS based approaches in a cloud based computing solution to allow large scale application of the approach to provincial datasets. The PDF will lead the re-programming of the approach to ensure it is optimised for a cloud computing environment, apply the technique over a number of broad scale forest management areas and then undertake a series of focus studies examining how the approach can be effectively supplied to guide field plot placement.

The PDF will lead the project, optimise existing code and test and validate the approach on a cloud computing environment. The PDF will then undertake analysis of the SGS outputs, with specific focus on optimising existing forest plot networks. The PDF will also be expected to produce publications, and presentations in national and international workshops/conferences.

Successful applicants should:

• Hold a Relevant PhD (e.g., remote sensing, forest inventory, forest biometrics, data science, or forestry with a strong technical and statistical background).
• Strong programming skills in Python
• Experience in cloud computing and working in that advanced computing environment
• Documented track-record in publishing high-quality scientific papers within the field of the position.
• Have excellent oral and written communication skills with a strong publication record.

Salary

The expected pay range for this position is $70,000 - $75,000 per year. 

Details

The candidate will be based at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Vancouver, Canada under the supervision of Professor Nicholas Coops. Applicants should send a letter explaining their motivation and relevant skill set, a CV and the names of three references to [email protected]

The deadline for sending in applications is February 15th 2024 but we will consider applications until the position is filled. The expected start date would be in April 1st 2024. The position is for a fixed length of 24 months.

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.