The DeFries lab at Columbia University is searching for an exceptional Postdoctoral Research Scientist to carry out remote sensing analysis of forest degradation in South Asia. The researcher will be responsible for the remote sensing aspects of a NASA-funded, interdisciplinary project on monitoring forest
degradation and assessing impacts of migration and off-farm employment on forest resource use in the study region.
The candidate will join a thriving lab with interdisciplinary collaborations on land use change, food security and conservation and development in the Global South. We focus on research that informs policies and decisions towards sustainable resource use.
Key responsibilities for the position include developing, testing, and implementing methods to map and monitor forest degradation using publicly-available data from a range of sensors. The successful candidate will be part of an interdisciplinary team including political scientists, geographers and ecologists.
Ideal qualifications include:
- Exceptional technical capabilities with remote sensing of tropical forests
- Experience with Google Earth Engine
- Facility with Sentinel, very high resolution sensors and other remote sensing data sources
- Strong organizational and project management skills
- Desire and ability to work in an interdisciplinary team
- PhD in Geographical Sciences, Ecology or related field (M.S. with extensive research experience will also be considered)
The position is for one year with potential renewal for two additional years. Salary to be commensurate with experience. The position is located at Columbia University in New York City.
To apply, please submit a cover letter with qualifications and interests, CV, and contact information for three references to Ruth DeFries ([email protected]). Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. The position will remain open until filled.
