We seek a motivated Postdoctoral Research Scientist interested in developing and applying interpretive machine learning methods to understand how forest management practices can enhance habitat suitability for migratory bird species in the Appalachian Mountains. The postdoc will join a collaborative team of researchers using remote sensing, meteorological surveillance radar, and machine learning to characterize how forest and landscape structure contribute to habitat use by birds during the migratory and breeding phases of their annual cycle. In addition to scientists at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Appalachian Laboratory, the project team will include the Appalachian Mountains Joint Venture partnership. Research findings will be applied to forest management planning through a collaborative process that balances the habitat needs of birds with the objectives of local human communities to ultimately transform our ability to sustain healthy bird populations throughout the Appalachian region. This project is supported by the National Science Foundation Partnership to Advance Conservation Science and Practice program (Award # 2430252 <https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2430252&HistoricalAwards=false> ).
All members of the team will be actively involved in the co-development of the research and its implementation. The postdoc will take a leading role in the computational components of the project and the writing of manuscripts on forest management for migratory bird conservation. The computational components of the project include (1) using developed workflows to derive migratory bird stopover habitat use from meteorological surveillance radar data and measures of vegetation and landscape structure from airborne LiDAR and other remote sensing products and (2) the development, testing, and application of emerging interpretive machine learning methods to inform forest management scenarios and conservation planning. In addition to building interdisciplinary training in multiple computational methods, the postdoc will acquire leadership skills in engaged scholarship for science-informed management through active participation in meetings with all project partners, including local landowners and land managers. *Research Group:* The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science <https://www.umces.edu/> (UMCES) is a globally eminent research institution comprising a network of laboratories located across the state and with a shared mission to advance scientific knowledge of the environment. The Appalachian Laboratory <https://www.umces.edu/al> (AL) is located in Frostburg, Maryland in the western part of the state. With a primary goal of preparing future scientists to meet the world’s most pressing environmental challenges, the Appalachian Laboratory is a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary environment unique to smaller, research-intensive institutions. We prioritize an inclusive and collegial lab culture and look forward to welcoming new colleagues. The postdoc will be co-mentored by Emily Cohen <https://research.al.umces.edu/emily-cohen/> (Animal Migration Research Group) and Matt Fitzpatrick <https://mfitzpatrick.al.umces.edu/Site/Welcome.html> (Global Change & Biodiversity Lab). The postdoc will additionally benefit from collaboration with AL faculty member Cat Davis <https://www.umces.edu/cat-davis> (Public Engagement with Science) and Appalachian Mountain Joint Venture <https://amjv.org/> staff on the participatory process and decision-making framework with project partners. *Location:* Frostburg is a small college town <https://www.downtownfrostburg.com/> in the scenic Appalachian Mountains with a low cost of living, little traffic, small K-12 schools, and abundant outdoor recreational and cultural opportunities. Nearby amenities include numerous state parks and forests, whitewater areas, bike trails including the Great Allegheny Passage <https://gaptrail.org/>, and Frostburg State University. <https://www.frostburg.edu/> *Qualifications:* Applicant must have (1) a PhD in ecology, remote sensing, data science, or a related field (or expected within the next 6 months), (2) demonstrated expertise in statistical modeling and spatial analysis of large datasets, and (3) good communication skills and an interest in engagement with diverse partners. Knowledge of migratory bird biology and their conservation as well as proficiency in R and/or Python programming, including demonstrated ability to produce readable, reusable, and reproducible code, are desirable for this position. A promising record of research productivity is highly valued and the successful applicant will be an independent, motivated problem solver who communicates well and enjoys working in a collaborative setting. Experience with radar aeroecology and remote sensing will be beneficial, but not required. *Position: *Starting salary will be in the mid $50K range per year, depending on experience, with excellent state employee benefits including medical, dental, and life insurance. This position is available starting as early as July 2025 and ideally no later than November 2025. We anticipate this position to be funded for a minimum of two years and up to three years, renewable on an annual basis, dependent upon the candidate’s performance. The postdoctoral researcher will be based at the Appalachian Lab and remote employment is not a possibility for this position. *How to Apply: *Please submit the following documents to the UMCES employment website [https://umd.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UMCES]: (1) a cover letter describing relevant research experience, interests and goals, (2) a current CV, (3) a writing sample (preferably a published/submitted journal article) and (4) contact information (names, affiliations, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses) for three professional references. Note that the official application materials are submitted to the UMCES employment portal but email inquiries are also welcome to emily.co...@umces.edu or matt.fitzpatr...@umces.edu prior to application. Applications received before February 3, 2025 will receive priority consideration, but the position will remain open until filled. The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science is an equal opportunity employer. The Center’s policies, programs, and activities are in conformance with pertinent Federal and State laws and regulations on nondiscrimination regarding race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, and disability. Inquiries regarding compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Educational Amendments; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; or related legal requirements should be directed to the Director of Human Relations, Center Administration, P.O. Box 775, Cambridge, MD 21613. Matt Fitzpatrick Professor & Associate Director for Research Host Director of the CHWA CESU Research Network Appalachian Lab University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science website <https://www.umces.edu/matt-fitzpatrick> scholar profile <https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=phpD_UgAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao> To unsubscribe from this list please go to https://community.esa.org/confirm/?u=RhPWqPxFwODKvbkiT32nkIqRrsiSgulp
