Postdoctoral Scholars -TWO positions in Indonesian Peatlands Research - Remote Sensing and Hydrology

1. Postdoctoral Scholar in Remote Sensing of Indonesian Peatlands 
   
   Position Details: A two-year postdoctoral position is available in Mark Cochrane’s global ecology lab (https://www.umces.edu/mark-cochrane) at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science – Appalachian Lab (AL). The postdoc will lead the development of remote sensing and modeling methods to understand and predict changes in the distribution and structure of oil palm plantations in Indonesia, with a focus on understanding the spatial landscape dynamics of land-cover change in peatlands. The position is ideally suited to researchers with interest in combining optical remote sensing with discrete and waveform LiDAR remote sensing to inform spatial modeling of land-use transitions. More details about the project can be found here: https://www.umces.edu/cochrane-indonesia-research ; https://lcluc.umd.edu/projects/land-use-transitions-indonesian-peatlands

The postdoctoral researcher will be based at AL, but will join a network of collaborators at AL (Drs. Xin Zhang and Andrew Elmore), Nanyang Technological University (NTU) (Dr. Janice Lee), and a network of Indonesian researchers coordinated through IPB University (Institut Pertanian Bogor) (Dr. Bambang Saharjo). AL is located in Frostburg, Maryland, a small college town in the central Appalachian Mountains that provides a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary environment unique to smaller, research-intensive institutions. The postdoc will be provided the opportunity to lead the research project and coordinate collaborations. 

Qualifications: Applicants must have completed a Ph.D. in ecology, geography, or a related field. Ideal candidate will have demonstrated expertise in remote sensing and spatial analysis. Candidates with interest or expertise in diverse types of remote sensing data are highly encouraged to apply. Past experience working in Indonesia and/or with land cover change, especially as related to oil palm will be viewed favorably, but is not required. A promising record of research productivity is highly valued and the successful applicant will be an independent, motivated scientist who communicates well and thrives in a collaborative setting.

The position is available starting as early as May 2020 and ideally no later than August 2020. The initial appointment is for 1 year, renewable for a second year.

How to Apply: Applications may be submitted until the position is filled; those received by April 1, 2020 are guaranteed consideration. To submit, go to: http://umces.peopleadmin.com/postings/1383

2  .Postdoctoral Scholar in Hydrology of Indonesian Peatlands 

Position Details: A three-year postdoctoral position is available in Mark Cochrane’s global ecology lab (https://www.umces.edu/mark-cochrane) at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science – Appalachian Lab (AL). The postdoc will lead the development and testing of a model(s) for understanding and predicting the hydrologic response of Indonesian peatlands to natural climatic variations, as well as a variety of management practices including peat drainage, burning, and hydrologic restoration efforts.  While a final model structure/dimensionality has not been determined, the project goal will be to produce a tool that is capable of simulating variations in soil moisture and water table elevations across Indonesian peatlands; time series of piezometric data from transect surveys are available for model calibration. The position would be well-suited to a researcher interested in peatland hydrology, hydrologic modeling, and land use change impacts. More details about the project can be found at: https://www.umces.edu/cochrane-indonesia-research

The postdoctoral researcher will be based at AL, but will collaborate with researchers at both AL (e.g., Dr. Keith Eshleman) and in Indonesia (e.g., Dr. Bambang Saharjo at Institut Pertanian Bogor).  AL is located in Frostburg, Maryland, a small college town in the central Appalachian Mountains that provides a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary environment unique to smaller, research-intensive institutions. The postdoc will be provided the opportunity to lead this component of the larger research project and coordinate collaborations. 

Qualifications:  Applicants must have completed a Ph.D. in hydrology, water resources, civil/environmental engineering, or a closely-related field. Ideal candidates will have demonstrated expertise in spatial data analysis, hydro-climatological analysis and modeling, and programming. Applicants with previous experience working in Indonesia and/or in peatland hydrology will be viewed more favorably. A promising record of research productivity is highly valued and the successful applicant will be an independent, motivated scientist who communicates well and thrives in a collaborative setting. The proposed start date for the position is May 2020, but the start date is negotiable. The initial appointment is for one year (potentially renewable annually for two years).

How to Apply: Applications may be submitted until the position is filled; those received by April 1, 2020 are guaranteed consideration. To submit, go to: https://umces.peopleadmin.com/postings/1382      

For questions about either position, contact Mark Cochrane via email at: mark.cochrane@umces.edu