Postdoctoral Research Scientist in data science migratory bird conservation

The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science is hiring a Postdoctoral Research Scientist focused on data science for migratory bird conservation. The role involves applying machine learning methods to enhance habitat suitability for birds in the Appalachian Mountains. The postdoc will work collaboratively with researchers and engage in computational tasks, manuscript writing, and forest management planning. The position is based in Frostburg, MD, with a deadline to apply by 02/03/2025.
Position: Postdoctoral Research Scientist in data science for migratory bird conservation

Welcome to the Ornithology Exchange Job Board! Help us maintain this great free resource for the ornithology community by following the guidelines below -

1. If possible, log in as a OE member before posting - this allows you to come back later to edit or remove the post.

2. Jobs must have a connection to ornithology.

3. Chose the correct category for your job. There’s a brief description of each category on that category’s page.

4. Post the text of the announcement in the box, not a PDF. This enables better searching and makes your job more visible to searchers.

5. Internships or volunteers opportunities that charge a fee for participation should be posted in the workshops and short courses section under Forums.
Postdoctoral Research Scientist in data science for migratory bird conservation

Employer:

University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES)

Location:

Frostburg, MD

Country:
United States

Last Date to Apply: 02/03/2025

Position

Description:

We seek a motivated Postdoctoral Research Scientist interested in developing and applying interpretive machine learning methods to understand how forest management practices can enhance habitat suitability for migratory bird species in the Appalachian Mountains. The postdoc will join a collaborative team of researchers using remote sensing, meteorological surveillance radar, and machine learning to characterize how forest and landscape structure contribute to habitat use by birds during the migratory and breeding phases of their annual cycle.

In addition to scientists at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Appalachian Laboratory, the project team will include the Appalachian Mountains Joint Venture partnership. Research findings will be applied to forest management planning through a collaborative process that balances the habitat needs of birds with the objectives of local human communities to ultimately transform our ability to sustain healthy bird populations throughout the Appalachian region.

This project is supported by the National Science Foundation Partnership to Advance Conservation Science and Practice program (Award # 2430252 ).

All members of the team will be actively involved in the co-development of the research and its implementation. The postdoc will take a leading role in the computational components of the project and the writing of manuscripts on forest management for migratory bird conservation. The computational components of the project include (1) using developed workflows to derive migratory bird stopover habitat use from meteorological surveillance radar data and measures of vegetation and landscape structure from airborne LiDAR and other remote sensing products and (2) the development, testing, and application of emerging interpretive machine learning methods to inform forest management scenarios and conservation planning.

In addition to building interdisciplinary training in multiple computational methods, the postdoc will acquire leadership skills in engaged scholarship for science-informed management through active participation in meetings with all project partners, including local landowners and land managers.

Location:

Frostburg is a small college town in the scenic Appalachian Mountains with a low cost of living, little traffic, small K-12 schools, and abundant outdoor recreational and cultural opportunities. Nearby amenities include numerous state parks and forests, whitewater areas, bike trails including the Great Allegheny Passage , and Frostburg State University .

Qualifications:

Applicant must have (1) a PhD in ecology, remote sensing, data science, or a related field (or expected within the next 6 months), (2) demonstrated expertise in statistical modeling and spatial analysis of large datasets, and (3) good communication skills and an interest in engagement with diverse partners. Knowledge of migratory bird biology and their conservation as well as proficiency in R and/or Python programming, including demonstrated ability to produce readable, reusable, and reproducible code, are desirable for this position.

A promising record of research productivity is highly valued and the successful applicant will be an independent, motivated problem solver who communicates well and enjoys working in a collaborative setting. Experience with radar aeroecology and remote sensing will be beneficial, but not required.

Position:
Starting salary will be in the mid $50K range per year, depending on experience, with excellent state employee benefits including medical, dental, and life insurance. This position is available starting as early as July 2025 and ideally no later than November 2025. We anticipate this position to be funded for a minimum of two years and up to three years, renewable on an annual basis, dependent upon the candidate’s performance.

The postdoctoral researcher will be based at the Appalachian Lab and remote employment is not a possibility for this position.

How to Apply:

Please submit the following…