The University of Notre Dame's Just Transformations to Sustainability (JTS) Initiative is seeking to conduct research on local communities' forest conservation efforts, combining forest ecology and environmental policy, and the successful candidate will work collaboratively with investigators to address this problem.
Requirements
- Strong computational skills, with expertise in data analysis, machine learning, modeling, and programming languages such as Python, R, MATLAB, or similar
- Familiarity with the use of spatial analysis of remote sensing data for environmental conservation, ecosystem monitoring, and climate change research
- Experience working in multidisciplinary teams with researchers from diverse backgrounds
- Ability to communicate in Spanish is a plus as is previous field research experience in the Global South
Responsibilities
- Carry out spatial analysis of Peru forest cover change using remote sensing products
- Use an existing computational model of forest dynamics to evaluate ecological consequences of local conservation efforts
- Carry out field work in Peru, as a member of an interdisciplinary research team, to evaluate and improve computational models
- Work with partners to communicate research results in order to make the conservation efforts of local communities more visible to policymakers
- Present research findings at scientific conferences and contribute to academic journal publications
Other
- Ability to spend several weeks in Peru carrying out fieldwork with local partners
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex research concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences
- Graduate students who, at a minimum, have completed their comprehensive exams in forest ecology, environmental policy, or related fields
- Ability to work collaboratively with investigators from the Keough School of Global Affairs, Department of Biological Sciences, and the JTS Initiative
