Postdoctoral Research Position in Coastal Change Modeling is available January 2017 onwards at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, Ocean Springs, Mississippi, U.S.A. A Postdoctoral Researcher Position for a project on understanding the trajectory of coastal salt marsh structure, function, and processes in the face of sea level rise funded through the National Academies of Science Data Synthesis Program for the Gulf of Mexico (http://www.nas.edu/gulf/grants/grantees/index.htm). We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher for an interdisciplinary field and GIS study of a synthesis of information from historical imagery, biophysical processes, and hierarchical modeling looking at coastal wetlands. Applicants for the current opportunity must have a PhD in an appropriate biological or environmental science (e.g., botany, environmental sciences, geography and/or geology), and strong spoken and written English language skills. As well, they must meet requirements for employment as a postdoctoral researcher at The University of Southern Mississippi. Preference will be given to candidates with field and/or GIS experience in botany, including habitat change mapping, fragmentation analysis, and strong analytical and geospatial modeling skills. Experiences in Bayesian hierarchical modeling is a plus. The successful candidate will work with Drs. Patrick Biber and Wei Wu, have access to state of the art School of Ocean Science and Technology, Division of Coastal Sciences facilities as well as the Gulf Coast Geospatial Center (http://www.gcgcusm.org/). The successful candidate will be expected to present their work at regional and national conferences and publish results in appropriate journals. A competitive renumeration package will be provided for up to 18 months, with additional support from grants as they become available. The Gulf Coast Research Laboratory of the University of Southern Mississippi is located in Ocean Springs, MS close to many coastal ecosystems, including the barrier islands of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, and associated recreational opportunities. The Division of Coastal Sciences (COA) is a research and graduate education department offering programs leading to the Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Science degrees. As a research-intensive unit, COA's research program offers excellent opportunities for postdocs to immerse themselves in applied as well as basic research. Currently, nearly 50 resident graduate students are working toward graduate degrees under the direction of the 14 COA faculty. Active faculty research programs provide students and postdocs with opportunities to interact in multi-disciplinary research, travel to scientific meetings, and conduct original studies providing a competitive edge in the job market. Please refer to the COA webpage (http://gcrl.usm.edu/coastal_sciences/index.php /) for details of research interests and information about the Mississippi Gulf Coast and surroundings. For additional information regarding this position, please contact patrick.bi...@usm.edu with ‘postdoc’ in the subject line. Interested applicants should e-mail a statement of research interests, a full resume, unofficial transcripts, and the contact information for 3 references to patrick.bi...@usm.edu, with formal application through the University online employment system at https://www.usm.edu/employment-hr. The position will remain open until filled and is anticipated to begin January 2017 onwards.
