Position Overview:
We are seeking two post-docs to work on conservation biology research in China with Dr. Binbin Li at Duke Kunshan University. Current research focuses on protected area planning and management, endangered species conservation research specifically on giant pandas, connectivity analysis, and developing monitoring techniques such as footprint identification technique and drones (libinbin.org for details).
One position will be engaged with the interdisciplinary research on the impacts of livestock grazing on giant panda habitat and social-economic drivers for effective solutions. The candidate will work a team of ecologists, environmental economists and social scientists tackling the issue in the newly established giant panda national park. The candidate should have prior research experience in China or strong Chinese language skills.
The other position will be engaged with the project looking at the impacts of roads and railways on biodiversity and connectivity in China, as well as Belt and Road Initiative regions. The candidate should have strong landscape ecology background and spatial analysis skills.
The candidates selected for this position must meet eligibility requirements to work in the China through the period of employment. Position is available for immediate filling.
The Environmental Research Center at Duke Kunshan University is a research institution that integrates research and educational programs in environmental science and policy. The research center provides a hub for faculty to engage in interdisciplinary and policy-relevant research in China and beyond; it facilitates collaborations with faculty and researchers at Chinese universities, businesses operating in China, policymakers, and non-governmental organizations. The research center also serves as a hub for innovative student research projects that are collaborative, vertically integrated, problem-focused, and multidisciplinary.
For more information, please visit: https://dukekunshan.edu.cn/en/environment/about-research
Essential Duties:
The candidate will help to develop the research projects and initiate new projects. Responsibilities include research project management, preparing funding application, data collection, data analysis, drafting manuscript for peer-reviewed journals and report writing. The candidate will help to manage the fieldwork team and work with nature reserves, local governments, NGOs and research institutes. This job requires strong capability in independent research and project management.
The post-doctoral fellow will be given freedom to develop new projects that could expand the current research direction.
Required Qualifications:
1. PhD in ecology, conservation biology, environmental sciences, or related fields
2. Strong quantitate skills in ArcGIS, python, R and remote sensing
3. Experience in fieldwork and management of survey team
4. Strong writing and communication skills, fluent in both English and preferably in Chinese
5. Experience in proposal writing and funding application
6. At least one publication in peer-reviewed journals
Salary:
$30,000 per year salary plus benefits, Initial appointment is for 1 year with possibility of extensions for subsequent years on an annual basis.
Please send your 1) CV 2) cover letter with research interests and goals 3) previous publication to Dr. Binbin Li: bl...@duke.edu
Binbin Li
Assistant Professor of Environmental Science, Duke Kunshan University
PhD, Duke University, Nicholas School of the Environment
M.S. University of Michigan, School of Natural Resources & Environment
B.S. Peking University, School of Life Sciences
Phone: +86 13810251904
Office: CC 1084, Duke Kunshan University
