Postdoctoral Associate

Hiring Organization: Department of Forest Resources, University of Minnesota
Employment type: Full-Time
Job Location: Twin Cities, MN
Application Due Date: October 15, 2023

Position Summary

The University of Minnesota (UMN), in collaboration with USDA Forest Service (USFS), is seeking a postdoctoral scholar to work on a project that examines how a state forest property tax program enrollment contributes to long-term carbon sequestration and storage. In addition, the project will offer insight into how other types of landowner incentive programs are/can be developed, implemented, and marketed to entice landowner enrollment and the production of co-benefits, such as carbon storage, associated with forest land conservation.

The successful candidate will be instrumental in advancing scientific understanding of the link between land-use policy and management and the provision of forest carbon storage and sequestration. Leveraging an innovative forest conservation program, Minnesota’s Sustainable Forest Incentives Act (SFIA) (https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/foreststewardship/sfia/index.html), the post-doc and project collaborators will develop empirical models that estimate the probability forest land conversion among lands enrolled in the SFIA program and the program’s contribution to long-term carbon sequestration and storage. A successful candidate will have the knowledge,
skills, and ability to construct and evaluate metrics to identify urban land development pressure on forest conservation, and work with the project team in developing and evaluating empirical models.

The individual will be mentored by scientists in the Department of Forest Resources at UMN, as well as the USFS Southern Research Station (SRS) and Northern Research Station (NRS). The location of this position will be either the University of Minnesota (St. Paul, Minnesota) or the USFS SRS Forestry Sciences Laboratory (Research Triangle Park, North Carolina). The decision on where the position will be located will be made at the time an employment offer is extended. The position has considerable flexibility in the extent of work that can be performed remotely.

Responsibilities

Lead development of geospatial data using advanced analytical and statistical techniques with a focus on land-use policy. (30%)
* Generate spatially explicit variables as proxies for urban development pressure on forest land using advanced geospatial techniques. (20%)
* Collect, process, and analyze parcel level data from various sources including remote sensing, surveys, and public records. (20%)
* Work collaboratively with other researchers on the project team. (15%)
* Prepare reports, manuscripts, and presentations of research findings for publication and conference presentation. (10%)
* Professional and Career Development. (5%)

Required Qualifications

* A Ph.D. in forestry, environmental science, or natural resources with disciplinary expertise in geospatial sciences, applied economics, computer science, or advanced statistics, or a related discipline.
* Experience with remote sensing, GIS, and spatial statistics.
* Expertise in geospatial analysis and modeling.
* Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, and/or MATLAB.

Preferred Qualifications

* Experience with geospatial software such as ArcGIS and/or QGIS.
* Experience with statistical software tools such as R, SAS, STATA.
* Excellent communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with others.
* Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply
button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online
application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications"
page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

Application Process

* Go to the U of Minnesota Human Resources employment website at:
http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/employment/index.html
* Please search and apply for Requisition # XXXX
* Attach cover letter, CV/resume, graduate transcripts, and list with the contact information for three
references.
* Only complete applications will be considered and reviewed.
For any questions or inquiries contact: Dr. Michael Kilgore (mkilgore@umn.edu), Professor,
Department of Forest Resources, University of Minnesota.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or
call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).

Diversity
The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the
employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University
is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities,
and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital
status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or
gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.
Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do
not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research
universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude
of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant,
diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit
from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations,
government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Applications must include the following: 1) detailed CV/resume that details how the applicant meets each of the required and preferred qualifications of the position; 2) cover letter; 3) graduate transcripts; and 4) names and contact information for three professional references.

This position will remain open until filled.

Interested applicants are encouraged to contact Dr. Michael Kilgore (mkilgore@umn.edu), Professor, Department of Forest Resources, University of Minnesota.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).

Apply