Position

  • Researcherin Remote Sensing & Ecosystem Modeling

Special Information

  • This position has identified funding for two years. Continued employment after that time period would depend on funding, satisfactory performance and departmental need.
  • Not subject to layoff or recall status.
  • Post-Doctoral Scholars are hired on a contract basis according to the terms of ABOR Policy 6-310, Conditions of Post-Doctoral Service', which may be found at: Manual/6-310-Conditions of Postdoctoral Scholar Service.pdf
  • This is a full-time position located at the NAU campus in Flagstaff, AZ
  • A curriculum vitae, cover letter and contact information for three references is required. References will be contacted only with prior permission of the applicant.

Job Description

Two postdoctoral researchers are sought to participate in research projects focused on mapping and monitoring ecosystem productivity and change, primarily in North America, incorporating climate, land use and disturbance dynamics. The successful candidates will work closely with the principle investigator and collaborators, incorporating satellite observations in ecosystem models to analyze the influence of environmental change on forest dynamics.

The successful candidate will be responsible for contributing to NAU’s satellite remote sensing activities.

The position will involve:

  • Processing multi-sensor imagery, primarily satellite-based but possibly airborne remote sensing, to derive geospatial products characterizing ecosystem properties (e.g. canopy structure, biomass, disturbance severity, regrowth dynamics).
  • Advancing analyses of ecosystem disturbance and the drivers of forest composition and change through time.
  • Exploration of state-of-the-art techniques to derive geophysical properties in permafrost environments, including arctic and boreal ecosystems.

Minimum Qualifications

PhD in Environmental Science, Remote Sensing, Computer Science and/or a related discipline conferred by start date.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience using earth observation imagery and a demonstrated ability to write scripts, conduct spatial analysis and manage databases.
  • Applicants should be confident in using a variety of software/geospatial tools and possess the ability to continuously learn new technical skills as needed.
  • The position requires advanced remote sensing experience, including the ability to manipulate large data sets using personally developed scripts.
  • Ability to synthesize complex information and develop structured analyses in written and visual form.
  • Ability to perform complex geoprocessing, frequently beyond a 'push-button' approach.
  • Familiarity with the principles of conservation biology, ecosystem vulnerability / resiliency, and climate-ecosystem feedbacks.
  • Knowledge of ecosystem process models, ideally in arctic, boreal and/or western US ecosystems.
  • Familiarity with lidar data processing and analysis.
  • Strong publication record.
  • Experience and/or commitment to work effectively with NAU’s diverse faculty, staff, and student populations.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

  • Fluency in performing geospatial tasks in a multi-operating system environment (Windows/Linux/Mac/Solaris).
  • Programming / script writing (Python, R, gdal. C/C#, SQL, Perl, Java, and/or IDL).
  • Familiarity with digital image processing software packages including open source options as appropriate.
  • Creative, and independent.
  • Ability to work effectively in diverse, interdisciplinary research environment.

Background Information

Northern Arizona University requires satisfactory results for the following: a criminal background investigation, an employment history verification and a degree verification (in some cases) prior to employment. You may also be required to complete a fingerprint background check.

Additionally, as an employer in the state of Arizona, NAU is required to participate in the federal E-Verify program that assists employers with verifying new employees' right to work in the United States.

Finally, each year the Northern Arizona University Police Department releases an annual security report. The report is a result of the federal law known as the Clery Act and contains policy statements that address the school’s policies, procedures and programs concerning safety and security including policies for responding to emergency situations and sexual offenses. The report contains three years of data for Clery reportable crime statistics for the campus along with the most current year’s Fire Safety Report, which includes policy statements and fire statistics for Flagstaff on-campus student housing.

The report may be viewed at nau.edu/clery or by visiting the NAUPD website at: A printed copy of the report is available upon request by contacting the NAU Police Department, Records Department at (928)523-8884 or by visiting the department at Building 98A on the NAU Mountain Campus.

Salary

Commensurate with experience.

**The starting salary will be determined by the qualifications of the selected applicant balanced with departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information.

FLSA Status

This position is exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and therefore will not earn overtime or compensatory time for additional time worked.

Benefits

Post-Doctoral Scholars are hired on a contract basis, renewable each fiscal year for a maximum of 4 renewals (5 years) according to terms of the Conditions of Post-Doctoral Service, which may be found on the Internet at Manual/6-310-Conditions of Postdoctoral Scholar Service.pdf

NAU offers an excellent benefit package to Post-Doctoral Scholars including generous health, dental and vision insurance; 10 days of vacation and 10 holidays per year; and tuition reduction for employees and qualified family members. New employees are eligible for benefits on the first day of the pay period following their enrollment, after their employment date. Employees will have 31 days from their start date to enroll in benefits. Participation in NAU retirement plans is not available to Post-Doctoral Scholars. More information on benefits at NAU is available at

Learning and Development

Your career at Northern Arizona University includes the opportunity for professional development. New employee on-boarding training includes courses to be completed within the first 30 days ( If your position includes the supervision of a benefit-eligible employee, we offer the NAU Supervisors Academy for you to complete within your first 2 years. In addition to the development classes offered in-person, every NAU employee receives a free subscription to Lynda.com. From this site you can access more than 1,400 training videos on a broad range of subjects, including business skills, photography, music and video, home computing, and web design and development.

Application Deadline

Open until further notice.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, go to search “Postdoctoral Scholar(s) – 602740” and click on the "Apply" button on the page.

You must submit your application by clicking on the "Submit" button by midnight of the application deadline. If you need assistance completing your application there are instructions available on line at or in person in the Human Resources Department located in Building 91 on the NAU Campus - on the corner of Beaver and DuPont Streets.

If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to participate in the hiring process please contact the Office of Equity and Access at: 928-523-3312/TDD - 928-523-1006 or PO Box 4083, Flagstaff AZ 86011.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Northern Arizona University is a committed Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution. Women, minorities, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. NAU is responsive to the needs of dual career couples.

EEO is the Law Poster and Supplements

NAU is an Employer of National Service. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other National Service alumni are encouraged to apply.