Postdoctoral Position in Microclimate Mapping using Sensor Networks and UAV-LiDAR Data at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts

Job Description:

Harvard University


Title: Postdoctoral Position in Microclimate Mapping using Sensor Networks and UAV-LiDAR Data

School: Faculty of Arts and Sciences

Department_Area: Organismic and Evolutionary Biology

Position Description: We are seeking a postdoctoral fellow to work with Professor Andrew Davies at Harvard University on microclimate mapping to understand species coexistence in the Cederberg Wilderness Area of South Africa. The research will combine high-resolution Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) with on-the-ground sensor networks consisting of fine-wire thermocouple and combined temperature-humidity sensors to model fine-scale microclimate. Working closely with other project collaborators, the research will further combine these data with physiological and behavioral field and laboratory measurements from ~40 ant species to uncover patterns and mechanisms of how microclimate variation drives species coexistence. The postdoctoral researcher will play a leading role in this research, working closely with Dr Davies and other project PIs based at Durham University (Dr Rebecca Senior) and Cardiff University (Dr Tom Bishop) in the UK and the University of Cape Town (Dr Charlene Janion-Scheepers) in South Africa. The successful candidate will be expected to spend time at the field site and at the partner institutions.

The start date is expected to be January 2025, with some flexibility. The appointment is for one year with a possibility of up to three years based on performance.

The Davies Lab draws on the fields of community and ecosystem ecology, animal behavior, and remote sensing to explore multiple facets of animal-ecosystem interactions. We are part of Harvard's Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, which is a vibrant community of cross-disciplinary biological scientists at Harvard University.

Basic Qualifications: • A PhD in ecology, environmental science, remote sensing, or a related field by the time of appointment.

• Demonstrated experience in applying high-resolution remote sensing to animal, plant, and/or ecosystem ecology, fluency in either R or Python, experience with geospatial software such as QGIS , ArcGIS, ENVI and/or Google Earth Engine.

• A strong track record of scientific publications and conference presentations in related disciples.


Special Instructions: Application review will begin on June 17th, 2024, and will continue until the position is filled.

Please upload the following materials.

1. Curriculum Vitae.
2. A 2-3-page cover letter outlining research interests and experience.
3. Names and contact information of at least three references.

Contact Information: Professor Andrew Davies

Contact Email: andrew_davies@g.harvard.edu

Equal Opportunity Employer: We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions or any other characteristic protected by law.

Minimum Number of References Required: 3

Maximum Number of References Allowed: 5


Supplemental Questions: Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

PI241258753

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