Postdoctoral Fellow in Ecological Outcome Assessment in Complex Social-Ecological Systems

University of Notre Dame, United States

Updated: 3 months ago
Location: Notre Dame, INDIANA
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: 31 Jan 2024

Position Information


Job Title Postdoctoral Fellow in Ecological Outcome Assessment in Complex Social-Ecological Systems
Job Description
The Pulte Institute for Global Development, an integral part of the Keough School of Global Affairs at the University of Notre Dame, combines the existing world-class teaching and research faculty of Notre Dame with a dedicated staff of experienced international development professionals, administrators, and researchers in order to address global poverty and inequality through policy, practice, and partnership.
The Pulte Institute is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow to contribute to a new research project focused on the ecological dimensions of rural development in forested regions of countries in the Global South. This is a full-time position available with an initial appointment of one-year, with a possible extension for up to three years on the basis of satisfactory performance and availability of funding. The position will be supervised by Professors Daniel Miller and Krister Andersson. Review of applications will start on January 15, 2024, and will continue until the position is filled. Expected start date during the spring semester of 2024.
The fellow will work as part of an interdisciplinary team of faculty, staff, other postdoctoral fellows, and students in the Pulte Institute for Global Development in the Keough School for Global Affairs. The team works on a new research project supported by the Notre Dame Poverty Initiative. This position is part of a planned cohort of at least three postdoctoral fellows working on environment-poverty-related issues and will be a part of the larger FLARE (Forests and Livelihoods: Assessment, Research and Engagement) Network based at Notre Dame.
The fellow will engage in research that involves the utilization of remote sensing products, geospatial analysis, and fieldwork to measure and monitor various biophysical indicators across large areas over time. The research aims to advance understanding of the effectiveness of policy interventions to promote sustainable development in forested landscapes in the Global South. This research is situated at the intersection of complex social-ecological systems and rural development interventions and outcomes. The successful candidate is expected to contribute to peer-reviewed research publications both individually and as a co-author.
Responsibilities will include:
  • Research:
    • Conduct research on the ecological outcomes of rural development in forested areas.
    • Utilize remote sensing products, geospatial analysis, and fieldwork to measure and monitor biophysical indicators, such as forest cover, land use changes, and others.
    • Implement models and simulations in R, Google Earth Engine and/or other software to analyze collected data.
    • Disseminate findings via peer reviewed manuscripts and conference presentations in collaboration with supervisor/research teams

  • Fieldwork Coordination:
    • Coordinate data collection campaigns in selected field sites across Latin America, Africa, and Asia.
    • Train and supervise field assistants in data collection protocols.
    • Apply forest mensuration techniques as needed for comprehensive data gathering.
  • Administrative Duties:
    • Organize research meetings to facilitate collaboration among team members.
    • Draft new funding proposals to support ongoing and future research endeavors.
    • Perform any other research-related duties as required for the successful execution of the project.

Interested applicants should submit the following to María Chacón at [email protected] :
  • A 1-2 page cover letter that explains the applicant’s interest in the position and outlines their relevant skills and experience
  • Resume / Curriculum Vitae
  • A recent publication or dissertation chapter.
    		•
    Minimum Qualifications
    • PhD (in hand by the starting date) in geography, ecology, forestry, or a related field. Applicants with an interdisciplinary degree are welcome.
    • Strong background in GIS, geospatial and statistical analysis.
    • Proficiency in implementing models and simulations in R and/or other software.
    • Strong interpersonal and intercultural skills with an ability to adapt quickly to new cultural settings.
    Preferred Qualifications
    ● Proficiency in Spanish, Swahili, and/or Hindi.
    ● Field research experience in the Global South.
    ● Proficiency in the application of forest mensuration techniques.
    ● Familiarity with the field identification of tropical and Neotropical tree species.
    Special Instructions to Applicants
    Interested applicants should submit the following to María Chacón at [email protected] :
  • A 1-2 page cover letter that explains the applicant’s interest in the position and outlines their relevant skills and experience
  • Resume / Curriculum Vitae
  • A recent publication or dissertation chapter.
    		•
    Department Pulte Institute for Global Development (43322)
    Department Website pulte.nd.edu
    Family / Sub-Family Research / Research - Social/Behavioral
    Career Stream/Level Other
    Department Hiring Pay Range
    Pay ID Semi-Monthly
    FLSA Status P1 - Postdoc
    Job Category Other
    Job Type Full-time
    Schedule: Days of Week & Hours
    Schedule: Hours/Week
    Schedule: # of months


    Posting Detail Information


    Job Posting Date (Campus) 12/19/2023
    Job Posting Date (Public) 12/19/2023
    Job Closing Date 01/31/2024
    Posting Type Open To All Applicants
    Posting Number S24521
    Quick Link for Internal Postings https://jobs.nd.edu/postings/33063