Job location: Winston Salem, NC

Employment Type: Full-time
Posted data: 2021-02-09
Req: R0003055
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Job Description Summary

Under minimal supervision, the Postdoctoral Research Scholar will play a key role on a multi-
disciplinary team comprised of researchers from Wake Forest University (WFU) and NASA Goddard
Institute for Space Studies on a project that aims to quantify coastal wetland changes and assess
implications for global ocean-climate modeling.

Job Description:

Essential Functions:

• Apply multi-temporal and geospatial statistical analyses to a large database of satellite imagery using programming and cloud-based computing, in collaboration with Dr. Di Vittorio (WFU).

• Identify, download, and pre-process relevant data to develop empirical models that relate drivers of coastal marsh change to areal satellite-based observations, in collaboration with Dr. Christian Braneon (NASA GISS)

• Relate areal marsh changes to coastal carbon fluxes, in collaboration with Dr. Dorothy Peteet (NASA GISS)

• Assess the significance of coastal carbon fluxes and identify priorities for future modeling research, in collaboration with Dr. Anastasia Romanou (NASA GISS).

• Maintain accurate and complete records of research and effectively communicate results to the team.

• Develop collaborative relationships with other agencies (USGS and NOAA) to ensure synergy with related projects.

• Attend annual research meetings.

• Present results at scientific conferences.

• Write research results for publication in scientific journals.

• Assist with the preparation of proposals to secure additional funding for continuation of research.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Ph.D. in Civil/Environmental Engineering, Coastal Engineering, Earth Systems Science, Geography, or a related field from an accredited university.

• Experience working with large geospatial datasets.

• Strong background in multi-variate and multi-temporal statistics.

• Ability to develop and test hypothesis using statistical experiments.

• Experience in developing and implementing classification algorithms.

• Experience in computer programming and cloud computing, ideally using Python and Google Earth Engine.

• Experience in wetland land cover and inundation classification (preferred but not required).

• Experience in coupled land, coastal, ocean and climate modeling (preferred but not required).

• Demonstration of knowledge on physical coastal processes and coastal wetland ecosystem processes (preferred but not required).

• Strong communication (verbal and written) skills.

• Ability to work effectively independently as well as in a group as part of a team.

Accountabilities:

• Meet with PI Di Vittorio on a weekly basis to discuss research progress.

• Assist with preparation of reports required for continuation of research grant.

Note:

This position profile identifies the key responsibilities and expectations for performance. It cannot encompass all specific job tasks that an employee may be required to perform. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and perform job-related duties as may be reasonably assigned by his/her supervisor.

Additional Job Description

In order to provide a safe and productive learning and living community, Wake Forest University conducts background investigations and drug screens for all final staff candidates being considered for employment.

Wake Forest seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce, and encourages qualified candidates across all group demographics to apply.

The appointment is intended to begin June 2021 and will be for two years, subject to performance. The appointment could be extended if additional funding is secured, or if the researcher is interested in teaching within the WFU Engineering Department and contributing to a new and innovative engineering curriculum that is grounded in the liberal arts.

Interested applicants are required to submit 1) a cover letter that includes your motivation for applying for the position and a description of how you could contribute to the project, 2) a curriculum vitae, and 3) names of at least three professional/academic references with contact information including a phone number and email address.

Time Type Requirement

Full time

In order to provide a safe and productive learning and living community, Wake Forest University conducts background investigations for all final faculty candidates being considered for employment.

Wake Forest seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce while promoting an inclusive work environment committed to excellence in the spirit of Pro Humanitate. In adherence with applicable laws and as provided by University policies, the University prohibits discrimination in its employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, disability and veteran status and encourages qualified candidates across all group demographics to apply.