Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Computational Models of Coupled Natural and Human Systems

About the role

We are seeking a highly qualified and motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Computational Models of Coupled Natural and Human Systems, with a strong interest in combining forest ecology and environmental policy. This is a full-time, in-person research-focused position with no teaching responsibilities. The initial appointment is for 12 months, with the possibility of renewal for an additional 6-12 months.

The successful candidate will work collaboratively with investigators from the Keough School of Global Affairs, Department of Biological Sciences, and the Just Transformations to Sustainability (JTS) Initiative to conduct research on local communities’ forest conservation efforts. The fellow will join a dynamic, interdisciplinary team working at the intersection of data innovation and sustainability science, aligned with the values and principles of integral ecology.

The Postdoctoral Fellow will join a cohort of postdoctoral scholars supported by the Just Transformations to Sustainability Initiative, Notre Dame's University-wide effort to build a sustainable future where people and nature flourish together. The cohort works on sustainability research that engages ecological, social, economic, and ethical dimensions together rather than in isolation.

Responsibilities

• Carry out spatial analysis of Peru forest cover change using remote sensing products.
• Use an existing computational model of forest dynamics to evaluate ecological consequences of local conservation efforts.
• Carry out fieldwork in Peru, as a member of an interdisciplinary research team, to evaluate and improve computational models.
• Work with partners to communicate research results in order to make the conservation efforts of local communities more visible to policymakers.
• Present research findings at scientific conferences and contribute to academic journal publications.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. (in hand by the starting date) in Forest Ecology, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Conservation Biology, or a related field with a strong quantitative focus.
• Strong computational skills, with expertise in data analysis, machine learning, modeling, and programming languages such as Python, R, MATLAB, or similar.
• Ability to spend several weeks in Peru carrying out fieldwork with local partners.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex research concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with the use of spatial analysis of remote sensing data for environmental conservation, ecosystem monitoring, and climate change research.
• Experience working in multidisciplinary teams with researchers from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to communicate in Spanish is a plus, as is previous field research experience in the Global South.