Application Deadline: June 5, 2025
The Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sci – Resource Economics & Environmental Sociology, University of Alberta is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow. The successful candidate will work closely with Drs. Feng Qiu and Vic Adamowicz as well as an interdisciplinary team of experts on a land use project. The primary focus is on land use change modeling, emphasizing peatland dynamics in Canada, using geospatial data analysis and machine learning techniques.
The role is crucial to the “Modelling Peatland Disturbance/Conversion in Alberta” project funded by Environment and Climate Change Canada. This project examines baseline trajectories for peatlands under alternative possible policy and economic futures with the intent of using this baseline as the benchmark for the evaluation of climate change policy measures.
Roles/Responsibilities
- Collecting and analyzing peatland land cover, disturbance, and other relevant data.
- Constructing land use change models that identify driving factors and project future peatland disturbances.
- Preparing presentations, drafting reports, and composing academic publications.
Eligibility
- Educational background: PhD in economics, renewable resources, environmental management, computer science, statistics, or a related discipline.
- Econometrics/statistics: demonstrated advanced skills in statistical and econometric analysis using recognized statistical software (e.g., R, Stata).
- Machine learning: familiarity with a range of machine learning methods and models (e.g., decision trees, random forests, neural networks, convolutional neural networks), with preference given to candidates who have applied machine learning in research or dissertation work.
- GIS software: strong proficiency in GIS software, particularly ArcGIS or QGIS, with proven ability to independently carry out complex spatial analyses.
- Communication: strong written and verbal communication skills and proven ability to collaborate effectively within diverse, interdisciplinary teams.
Requirements
- Land use modeling: prior experience in land use modeling and change forecasting.
- Scientific writing: demonstrated proficiency in producing high-quality scientific writing.
- Geospatial data science: good knowledge of geospatial data science.
Application Details
- Resume
- Cover letter
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. If suitable Canadian citizens or permanent residents cannot be found, other individuals will be considered. Only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.
