The research group of Dr. Sydne Record (https://umaine.edu/wle/faculty-staff-directory/sydne-
record/) seeks applicants for one postdoctoral position at the University of Maine in Orono in the
Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Conservation Biology starting in February 2023. Our
research group focuses on population and community ecology from a biogeographical
perspective. We apply computational methods to data from various environmental observatory
networks to explore ecological dynamics across space and time. Funding for this position comes
from a National Aeronautics and Space Administration grant. The postdoctoral researcher will
conduct research to incorporate disturbance through time and remote sensing into a scaling
framework of forest structure and functional diversity using in-situ and remotely sensed data.
The preferred start date for this position is early spring 2023. This position is fully funded for up
to 36-months pending satisfactory performance. Our research group is committed to anti-racism
and values diverse perspectives. Applicants from historically excluded groups are encouraged to
apply.
Qualifications
A Ph.D. in ecology, geography, environmental data science, statistics, or other
relevant discipline at time of hire. Experience with management of big data sets (e.g., USFS
Forest Inventory and Analysis, remotely sensed data, such as LiDAR), analyses in R, Python,
and STAN (e.g., deep learning, Bayesian regression models, spatial analyses), and running
analyses on a high-performance computing cluster. The ideal applicant will also have a strong
background in ecology and environmental science, creativity, a strong publication record, and an
excellent history in seeing projects through from start to finish. Successful applicants will work
well both independently and collaboratively, mentor undergraduate and graduate students, and
publish and present research results. This is project involves computational work and no field
work. Good oral and written communication skills and flexibility given the unexpected nature of
research are highly valued. Hiring of the selected candidate will be conditional on a background
check performed by the UMaine Office of Human Resources.
Location
The University of Maine Orono campus is a community of ~12,000 undergraduate
and graduate students. UMaine is in beautiful central Maine with an excellent quality of life
(little traffic, reasonable cost of living, safe neighborhoods). Outdoor recreational activities
abound with Mount Katahdin (Baxter State Park) and Acadia National Park within one hour
drive and fifteen miles of running, biking, and cross-country skiing trails on campus.
Closing date
Review of applications will begin 11/18/22, open until filled.
Contact
Please apply at https://umaine.hiretouch.com/job-details?jobid=78851
Email sydne.record@maine.edu with the subject line “NASA Postdoc” if you have questions.
The University of Maine Orono is an EEO/AA employer, and does not discriminate on the
grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, including transgender status and
gender expression, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information or
veteran’s status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities.
