Postdoctoral Research Position in Remote Sensing and Machine Learning Analytics

Recruitment Period

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Post-doctoral research position: Remote Sensing and Machine Learning Analytics

Two post-doctoral positions are available at the Remote Sensing and Ecosystem Change Lab, the University of California Davis. We are seeking scholars who are experienced in remote sensing and are passionate about AI/Machine learning, sustainable agriculture, wildland-urban interface, and/or ecosystem dynamics. We are interested in working with a motivated scholar who can think creatively and practically about solution-based remote sensing and “big data” applications in natural ecosystems and/or agriculture. Strong quantitative background is preferred.

This position is based at the Department of Land, Air, and Water Resources, University of California, Davis. The selected candidates will also have the opportunity to collaborate statewide with scholars from multiple UC Campuses, as part of a NASA LCLUC project, and two multi-institution projects funded by the California Strategic Growth Council and NSF. This position’s direct supervisor will be Dr. Yufang Jin (yujin@ucdavis.edu). Within overarching project goals, the candidates will have intellectual freedom to develop and pursue the research directions they find most interesting. Mentorship will focus on helping the candidates to meet their professional development goals, whether in academia or elsewhere.

RESPONSIBILITIES

90%: Conduct applied research on

• Develop and validate algorithms to map vegetation properties and/or building footprints from multi-source imagery
• Build statistical models to predict key ecosystem services and functions, e.g., wildfire risk, water stress, and agriculture production across scales
• Develop automatic workflow for decision support
• Prepare manuscripts for publication
• Develop and pursue new research directions related to integrated RS and AI approaches in natural and/or agricultural landscapes
• Coordinate project group meetings with stakeholders from government, academic, extension, agricultural, tech, and private sectors
• Present results at conferences and publish results in peer-reviewed journals

10%: Extension, Mentorship, and Outreach

QUALIFICATIONS:

Degree Requirement
Ph.D. in Ecology, Geography, Forestry, Plant Science, Environmental Science, Hydrology, or other related natural science field by start date

Additional (These qualifications must be met by the start date of the position)

• Experience in remote sensing image processing, such as Landsat, Sentinel, MODIS, VIIRS, Planet, hyperspectral, LiDAR, Radar, and/or UAV/drone technique
• Strong quantitative expertise, such as in applied statistics and machine learning.
• Solid programming skills such as Python, R, or Matlab
• Demonstrated ability to apply remote sensing imagery to large scale monitoring and/or modeling in natural ecosystems, agriculture, and/or wildland and urban interface
• Demonstrated excellent research capabilities required to carry out innovative and insightful research
• Strong scientific communication skills as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications, and conference presentations
• Willingness to collaborate and demonstrated ability to communicate effectively across disciplines

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS (not required):

• Familiarity with ENVI and GIS
• Familiarity with mediterranean ecosystems

SALARY

Commensurate with qualifications and experience. Benefits include university staff privileges; group medical, dental, vision, AD&D, and life insurance options.

TERM OF APPOINTMENT

The position is 100% for 12 months initially, may be renewed based on funding and contingent on satisfactory progress.

Review of applications will begin January 15th, 2021. The position will remain open until filled, with a preferred start date of March 1st, 2021 (with option to start remotely and move to CA as soon as possible).

APPLICATION / HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please go to the following link: [https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF03940].
Applicants should submit the following:

• Cover letter (one page)
• Contributions to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion statement (one page, guidelines at https://academicaffairs.ucdavis.edu/guidelines-writing-diversity-statement)
• CV
• Names and contact information for 3 references familiar with your work
• Graduate school transcripts (unofficial copies acceptable).

CONTACT

For further information about the position, contact Dr. Yufang Jin (yujin@ucdavis.edu) with ‘Post-doctoral research position: Remote Sensing & Machine Learning’

The University of California, Davis, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, and medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth), physical or mental disability, age, medical condition (cancer related or genetic characteristics), ancestry, marital status, citizenship, sexual orientation, or service in the uniformed services (includes membership, application for membership, performance of service, application for service, or obligation for service in the uniformed services) status as a Vietnam-era veteran or special disabled veteran, in accordance with all applicable state and federal laws, and with university policy. As required by Title IX, the University of California, Davis, does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational programs, admissions, employment or other activities. [https://www.ucdavis.edu/statement-nondiscrimination/]

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter - (one page)
• Graduate school transcripts - (unofficial copies acceptable)
• Statement of Contributions to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - Contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion documented in the application file will be used to evaluate applicants. Visit https://academicaffairs.ucdavis.edu/faculty-equity-and-inclusion for guidelines about writing a statement and why one is requested.

• 3 required (contact information only)