Postdoctoral Researcher

Job Summary

As a Postdoctoral Researcher, you use machine learning to tackle environmental challenges linked to harmful algal blooms, specifically addressing factors like hydrology and water quality. You will contribute to the development of the Red Tide Water Quality Management Application (REMApp). Red tide is a harmful algal bloom causing water discoloration and toxin release. Join this multidisciplinary project and collaborate with a dynamic team of researchers to advance our understanding of red tide dynamics in the Gulf of Mexico and make a real impact on water quality.
Project Overview:
As a Postdoc on this project, you will work with a team of researchers to develop a machine learning-based tool, REMApp, that predicts red tide occurrences in the upper estuary in the Gulf of Mexico along the West Florida Shelf. Your contributions will play a pivotal role in assessing the influence of various factors, such as river discharge, nutrient loading, and environmental drivers on red tide occurrence.

Job Description

Typical duties include but not limited to:

• Work with the project team to guide the technical development of REMApp
• Use Python and other computational tools to analyze diverse datasets including Karenia brevis cell count, sea-surface height, river discharge, nutrient loading, meteorological variables, and more
• Apply standard and innovative machine learning techniques such as decision trees, and Long Short-Term Memory network to develop predictive models for red tide occurrences
• Lead data processing, ensuring data quality and consistency
• Evaluate model performance and refine metrics for accurate predictions
• Explain the output of Machine Learning models using various methods such as Feature Importance (Global), Partial Dependence Plots (PDP) and SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) 
• Conduct sensitivity and uncertainty analyses to enhance prediction accuracy
• Develop in-silico experiments to explore the impact of nutrient loading on red tide probabilities
• Disseminate the research findings by publishing them in peer-reviewed journals and by delivering presentations at scientific meetings

Additional Job Description

Minimum Qualifications:

• PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering, Oceanography, Hydrology, Scientific Computing, Computer Science, Data Science, Environmental Science, or a related field

Preferred Experience:

• Strong background in machine learning, data analysis, and environmental modeling
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R
• Experience with handling large and diverse datasets
• Good communication skills for collaboration within an interdisciplinary team
• Track record of publication and research presentations

Benefits:

• Competitive postdoctoral salary with benefits
• Access to state-of-the-art computational resources 
• Contribute to impactful applied research that directly benefits the community 

This position is for one year with the possibility of extension for another year depending on funding and performance. The review process will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Please attache your cover letter, CV and contact information of two references to be considered.

FGCU is a member of the State University System of Florida and an Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity and Access Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, disability, sex, pregnancy, national origin, marital status, genetic predisposition, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender expression, veteran status, and any other protected class(es), as required by applicable state and federal law, as well as University regulations and policies.