Grassland Ecosystem Ecologist - Predictive Modeling
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL) develops and infuses innovative technologies to provide excellent facilities and realistic training lands for the Department of Defense, the U.S. Army and many other customers while also supporting ERDC’s research and development mission in geospatial research and engineering, military engineering, and civil works.
What will I be doing?
Under the guidance of mentors, your research will be focused on building a predictive model of rangeland plant attributes from remotely sensed data sources using image classification and machine learning techniques. Data will include multiple data sources of varying resolutions and spectra. To include: analyzing remote sensed data, developing algorithms to predict vegetation attributes for rangelands at the global level, and finally validating and refining algorithms based on data infusions.
Focus areas will include:
- Acquisition, analysis, and interpretation of diverse remotely sensed environmental data
- Analysis of rangeland systems for patterns, both natural and anthropogenic
- Experience data mining of plant functional traits from literature and databases
- Development of rangeland process models
- Analysis of scaling effects and uncertainty
- Validation of developed models
- Conducting research independently as well as in a team setting
- Preparation of technical proposals and reports and peer-reviewed scientific journal articles
Why should I apply?
This fellowship provides the opportunity to independently utilize your skills and engage with experts in innovative ideas to move the proposed research forward. There are multiple opportunities available to engage in your applied research and evaluation interests.
Where will I be located?
Champaign, Illinois
What is the anticipated start date?
ERDC-CERL is ready to make an appointment immediately. Exact start date will be determined at the time of selection and in coordination with the selected candidate.
What is the length of the appointment?
This ORISE appointment is a six-month, full-time appointment. Appointments may be extended depending on funding availability, project assignment, program rules, and availability of the participant.
What are the benefits?
You will receive a stipend to be determined by ERDC-CERL. Stipends are typically based on the participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location. Other benefits may include the following:
- Health Insurance Supplement. Participants are eligible to purchase health insurance through ORISE.
- Relocation Allowance
- Training and Travel Allowance
Qualifications
M.S. required, Ph.D. preferred in Agronomy, Ecology, Environmental Science, Geography, or related field.
U.S. citizenship is required.
You should have strong skills in the following:
- Grassland/rangeland function and biogeography
- Excellent quantitative and data analysis skills, including proficiency in primary COTS and open-source GIS and remote sensing software as well as data analyses using Python and/or R
- Open-source geospatial libraries and geospatial analysis of data
- Developing multivariate and machine learning models
- Object-oriented image classification techniques
- Handling large data streams
- Excellent oral and written communication skills