(Hybrid) Postdoctoral Research Associate - Department of Geology and Geography - West Virginia University Research Corporation

The Department of Geology and Geography in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher.

About the Opportunity

The West Virginia University Department of Geology and Geography in collaboration with the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service Northern Research Station is seeking a post-doctoral researcher to contribute to a research project focused on the use of terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) data for mapping and monitoring forest fire fuels and prescribed fire efficacy in the eastern United States. The researcher will work within the remote sensing lab and under the supervision of a faculty member and Forest Service researchers on a project focused on developing techniques to extract fuel-related information from TLS data to support fire management.

We are seeking a candidate with expertise and interest in working with remotely sensed and spatiotemporal data, including TLS data, in the context of forestry and environmental management. The candidate should have a background in applied computer science and mathematics with experience training, refining, and validating machine learning and deep learning models. They should have experience applying linear algebra, differential equations, dimensional reduction, machine/deep learning methods, and data mining and visualization to applied problems and geospatial data; be able to code in the Python or R language; and be capable of developing documentation and manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed academic outlets.

At WVU Research Corporation, we strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU Research Corporation offers a comprehensive benefits package with a variety of options to suit your needs:

• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
• Paid Time off (PTO)
• 403(b) retirement savings with a fully vested 3% employee contribution match, (Employees have the option of contributing an additional 1-3% of their earnings to the plan, which is also matched by the WVURC)
• A range of health insurance and other benefits
• Dependent Education Scholarship
• WVU Perks

What You'll Do

• Terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) and geospatial data processing and analysis
  
• Code development and documentation
  
• Academic manuscript preparation, writing, review, and submission
  
• Attending meeting and coordinating with other researchers
  
• Field work/travel to field sites/travel to meet with collaborators
  
• Project reporting
  

• PhD in Applied Mathematics, Data Science, Spatial Analysis, or a related field awarded by August 2024
• A minimum of six (6) months of experience in the following:
  • Coding in the Python or R language
  • Development, refinement, and validation of machine and deep learning models
  • Development of code documentation to support reproducible science
  • Applied mathematic modeling
• Background in applied computer science and mathematics with experience training, refining, and validating machine learning and deep learning models.
• Expertise in linear algebra, differential equations, dimensional reduction, machine/deep learning methods, and data mining and visualization
• Understanding of research workflows/best practices and the peer review publication process
• Understanding of forest fire mapping and modeling methods
• Knowledge of geospatial and terrestrial laser scanning data
• Experience applying linear algebra, differential equations, dimensional reduction, machine/deep learning methods, and data mining and visualization to applied problems and geospatial data
• Able to code in the Python or R languages (intermediate to advanced level)
• Ability to implement linear algebra, differential equations, dimensional reduction, machine/deep learning methods, and data mining and visualization to applied problems and geospatial data
• Capable of developing documentation and manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed academic outlet

The WVURC was created as a not-for-profit corporation in 1985 to support research (R1) at West Virginia University.  We provide evaluation, development, patenting, management, and marketing services for inventions of the faculty, staff and students of the University.

The WVURC receives and administers funds awarded by external agencies for research and other activities and is responsible for helping protect intellectual property through patents, copyrights and licensing agreements for start-up companies based on University research.

West Virginia University Research Corporation is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. We value diversity among its employees and invites applications from all qualified applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, nationality, genetics, disability, or Veteran status.

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