Postdoctoral Fellow - Modelling Land Use Change

Competition 2097

This position is part of the Post Doctoral Fellows Association and has an initial appointment of 12 months from the date of hire.

This position has a comprehensive benefits package.

Location -  Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton.

Working at the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people — from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

Working for the Faculty of Agricultural, Life, and Environmental Sciences (ALES)- Department of Resource Economics and Environmental Sociology (REES) 

This position is within the Department of Resource Economics and Environmental Sociology (REES), part of the Faculty of Agricultural, Life, and Environmental Sciences (ALES) at the University of Alberta. This position will be co-supervised by Drs. Feng Qiu and Vic Adamowicz.

Position Summary

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.

Duties 

• 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.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

While the application deadline is June 5, we will review applications on a rolling basis and may interview and hire a candidate as soon as we find a strong fit. We encourage interested applicants to apply early.