Postdoctoral Research Associate

Job Description

We are looking for two highly motivated postdoctoral researchers in the group of Professor Yanghui Kang at Virginia Tech, Department of Biological Systems Engineering. These positions offer an exciting opportunity to lead cutting-edge research in quantifying and understanding ecosystem dynamics under climate change, directly informing climate mitigation strategies. Our work develops innovative and quantitative solutions to these challenges, by integrating satellite remote sensing, ground-based measurements, machine learning, and process-based modeling approaches. Specific areas of interest include:
• Comprehensive monitoring of nature-based climate solutions
• Multi-source satellite image fusion via deep learning
• Agroecosystem monitoring and modeling
• Vegetation-climate interactions
The successful candidates will collaborate with researchers across multiple institutions and engage with industrial partners. Our group is dedicated to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment that supports career growth and professional development at all levels. Minimum appointment term of one year and can be renewed contingent on satisfactory performance and funding availability.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in ecology, geography, remote sensing, environmental science, biological systems engineering, forestry, or a closely related area. PhD awarded no more than four years prior to the effective date of appointment with a minimum of one year eligibility remaining.
• Proficiency in programming (Python, R, Julia, MATLAB, etc.)
• Ability to conduct research independently and collaborate within a team

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in satellite remote sensing data and techniques
• Experiences with managing large datasets or performance computing systems
• Experiences with machine learning models, particularly deep learning

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

53,550 - 65,029

Review Date

10/18/2024

Additional Information

Please submit a CV, a cover letter outlining research experience and interests, and the contact information for three references

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance.  These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Dr. Yanghui Kang at yanghuikang@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.