Details

Title Postdoctoral Fellow in Animal-Landscape Interactions using UAV-LiDAR Data

School Faculty of Arts and Sciences

Department/Area Organismic and Evolutionary Biology

Position Description

We are seeking a postdoctoral research associate to work with Professor Andrew Davies at Harvard University on animal-landscape interactions in African savannas and tropical forests. The research will combine high-resolution Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) with animal and plant field data of various kinds (e.g., from field surveys, camera traps, GPS telemetry, herbivore exclosure experiments) to uncover patterns and mechanisms of animal influences on ecosystem properties and functioning. The Davies Lab have used unoccupied aerial vehicles to collect a large amount of LiDAR data spanning natural and experimental gradients of climate, wildlife abundance, fire frequency, and other factors at multiple sites across Africa, which will be available for use by the postdoctoral researcher to answer questions related to animal and landscape ecology. The postdoctoral researcher will play a leading role in this research, working closely with Professor Davies and other lab members, and be expected to originate project ideas and use existing data to perform a wide variety of studies. The successful candidate will also have opportunities to mentor graduate and undergraduate students.

The starting date for this one year appointment is flexible but expected to be between September 2024 and January 2025. The appointment may be extended, contingent on demonstrated success and continued availability of funding.

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.

● Hands-on-experience in using LiDAR data in animal, plant, and/or ecosystem ecology studies.

● 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.

● Fluency in English written and oral communication.

Additional Qualifications

Special Instructions

Application review will begin on June 7, 2024 and will continue until the position is filled. Please upload the following materials.

• A two (2) page statement, outlining research interests, experience and vision for the kinds of projects you would be excited to lead in this role.

• A brief cover letter that includes the 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

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