Delaware State University Vacancy Announcement: Post-Doctoral Associate, Geospatial Analyst College of Agriculture and Related Sciences
Apply on-line @ www.desu.edu<http://www.desu.edu/> Position open until filled ** This is a two-year grant-funded position ** General Description of the Job Delaware State University’s College of Agriculture and Related Sciences Dover, Delaware, seeks a self-motivated Post Doctoral Associate skilled in geospatial programming and analysis, with experience implementing field research projects (e.g., environmental monitoring, wildlife ecology). The Post Doctoral Associate will assist the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources in the expansion and daily operation of a NOAA-EPP funded Environmental Cooperative Science Center (ECSC). The primary goal of the ECSC is to educate, train, and fully prepare students for careers in the environmental sciences while focusing on marine and estuarine environments. Thus, we are seeking a self-motivated individual that has proven skills and experience in both complex geospatial analysis and the implementation of field projects to share a leadership role in the ongoing development and maintenance of DSU’s ECSC program. This position will provide the incumbent with an excellent opportuni! ty to engage in collaboration and networking with numerous faculty, staff, and students at multiple institutions, as well as peers and mentors at various state and federal agencies, particularly NOAA. Specifically, the Post Doctoral Associate will be expected to apply geospatial techniques to analyze and model the Delaware Estuary’s natural resources and associated anthropogenic stressors to satisfy NOAA priorities (e.g., modeling the long-term effects of sea-level rise, modeling/analysis of temporal and spatial non-point source contaminants or other anthropogenic stressors, modeling the effect of anthropogenic-induced habitat change on wildlife resources). The incumbent will be expected to perform independent and publishable research in spatial modeling that will contribute to the overall goals and objectives of the NOAA-ECSC program. The incumbent will also be required to assist students and faculty in the design and implementation of field projects that complement a spatial analysis of target sites. Thus, student and faculty projects will be expected to contribute to the overall geospatial modeling efforts managed by the incumbent. In addition, the incumbent will wo! rk with partner academic institutions and NOAA programs including some in Florida and Texas. These efforts may include direct involvement in spatial modeling efforts in coastal regions of those states. Periodic tasks associated with outreach efforts for the ECSC program will also be required (e.g., production of outreach material, public seminars). In addition, the Post Doctoral Associate will be expected to work cooperatively and continually with other environmental and conservation oriented government and non-government organizations in Delaware and New Jersey. This position is funded for a minimum of 2 years and the second year of funding is contingent upon a satisfactory job performance in the first year. Essential Functions The following are the functions essential to the satisfactory performance of this job: 1. Obtain and integrate digital data (e.g., remote sensing data) essential to the successful operation of a geospatial laboratory for the ECSC program, into complex geospatial modeling efforts. 2. Assist students and faculty in the implementation of field projects (e.g., operation of small watercraft at field sites, use of GPS for backcountry navigation, assist with trapping and handling wildlife). 3. Integrate potentially complex spatial data (e.g., GPS points, contaminant data, vegetation data, wildlife territories) from the field work of students and faculty into spatial model(s) of the target site(s). 4. Initiation and completion of an independent publishable geospatial research project that complements the overall mission of the DSU ECSC program. 5. Advise and assist students and faculty with spatial analysis and modeling of various estuarine and marine resources. 6. Assist with overall student research, training, and education as needed. Assist with outreach as needed (e.g, conducting seminars, producing brochures or pamphlets). 7. Work with partner conservation programs in Delaware and in the region to integrate multiple existing climate-change models (or equivalent) and obtain and integrate related data from those efforts for DSU’s program as needed. In particular, work closely with state and federal funded staff at the two Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserves. Required Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 1. Ph.D. from an accredited institution in environmental science, natural resource management, landscape analysis, conservation biology, or a related field. 2. Knowledge of remote sensing and digital data needed and available for successful geospatial modeling and the ability to acquire those data from various sources (public and private) for DSU students and faculty. 3. Excellent knowledge of, and experience using, ArcGIS software and additional GIS programs. Experience using remote sensing software such as ERDAS Imagine. Programming experience required. Programming experience in R, Matlab, or Python desirable. 4. Demonstrated professional quality skills in GIS mapping. Experience with database development and management, GPS technology, and experience integrating field data into geospatial modeling efforts. 5. Knowledge of, and experience with, basic quantitative analyses of complex datasets and the ability to integrate the results from quantitative analyses of either field or digital data into geospatial models. 6. Experience interpreting and integrating LIDAR imaging data into spatial models, desirable. 7. Proven ability to work successfully with diverse students and faculty. 8. Must have excellent networking, oral communication, and writing skills. 9. Ability to work cooperatively with faculty and staff from diverse institutions (e.g., academia, government, NGO environmental and conservation groups). 10. Proven field skills including work in adverse weather conditions and the ability to operate small watercraft. Experience working in tidal wetlands desirable but not required. Must be tolerant of adverse field conditions in all seasons: heat, humidity, biting insects, cold, wind, and muddy conditions. 11. Self-motivated and a proven ability to work both independently and as a member of an integrated team. Performance Standards The criteria for evaluation include, but are not limited to, the following: 1. Successful completion of the tasks listed as essential functions. Applications To apply, send the required material that is listed on the Delaware State University website (www.desu.edu<http://www.desu.edu/>) under Human Resources/Job Openings. In addition, submit a single PDF-format file that includes a cover letter, resume, statement of research experience, statement of research interests, transcripts, and contact information for three references to Ms. Lisa Hopkins at [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> and send a copy to [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>. Electronic material demonstrating applicant’s skill in producing GIS products and accomplishing geospatial modeling may be requested separately at the time of the interview. Christopher M. Heckscher, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Environmental Science & Ecology Institutional Project Director, NOAA Environmental Cooperative Science Center Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources Delaware State University 1200 N. DuPont Highway Dover, DE 19901
