Job Description

Description

JOB DESCRIPTION: Helps design and conduct research within a specified field while receiving advanced training from a designated Principal Investigator to enhance professional skills and research independence needed for pursuit of a career. The specific area of research in which the trainee is mentored is determined by the department and laboratory of the Postdoc. Designs and evaluates experiments. Develops new ideas that promote current research. Prepares and publishes scientific manuscripts under the direction of the Principal Investigator. May be responsible for operation of specific equipment. May teach techniques to others, train, and supervise research staff. Positions are temporary appointments as a research trainee. The initial appointment is for one year, renewal expected if progress is satisfactory and funds are available. Appointments cannot exceed five years.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: A doctoral degree or equivalent (Ph.D., M.D., ScD., D.V.M., DDS etc) in an appropriate field. Excellent scientific writing ability and strong oral communication skills. The ability to work effectively and collegially with colleagues. Additional qualifications as specified by the Principal Investigator.

About the Project:

This research project aims to integrate diverse data sources to assess and enhance agricultural resilience against climate change. By joining our team, the postdoctoral researcher will contribute to creating a pioneering model that supports the transition to resilient, climate-forward agricultural systems.

Additional Information about the Job:

We are seeking a motivated and talented Postdoctoral Researcher to join an interdisciplinary team focused on developing integrated models for assessing agricultural resilience in response to climate change. This position will play a key role in advancing research that combines social, environmental, and climate data to create comprehensive, data-driven insights into how agricultural systems can adapt and thrive under climate pressures. The postdoc will work on a funded project aimed at building an integrated assessment model to inform climate-forward agricultural policy and strengthen regional resilience. Collaborators include the Environmental Defense Fund, University of Georgia and Michigan State University, and the position will be co-supervised by Dr. Eric Lonsdorf and Dr. Emily Burchfield

The successful candidate will contribute to several key project goals, including the following responsibilities:

Assisting in the development of an integrated assessment model to evaluate agricultural resilience under various climate scenarios.
Gathering, cleaning, and organizing large datasets for use within an integrated modeling framework, with particular focus on creating high-quality metadata and ensuring interoperability across data sources.
Collaborating with team members who specialize in different aspects of the model to integrate social and environmental data effectively.
Conducting spatial analyses, predictive modeling, and statistical assessments to support the development of a counter-factual assessment of agricultural vulnerability and an agricultural possibilities frontier.
Be a co-PI on a grant building from the integrative model.
Essential Skills:

Ph.D. in Environmental Science, Data Science, Agricultural Science, or a related field by the start date.
Strong skills in spatial analysis and data integration, with proficiency in coding using R, Python, or MATLAB.
Demonstrated experience working with large, complex datasets, ideally within social and environmental contexts.
Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with climate data analysis.
Familiarity with USDA datasets or previous experience working with U.S. agricultural systems.
Position Details:

Start Date : Flexible but ideally around March 1st, 2024
Location: Environmental Sciences Department, Emory University, Atlanta GA
Term: Initial 15-month appointment with opportunities for additional funding

Interested applicants should submit the following materials:
1. Cover letter outlining relevant skills and experience related to

(1) data integration,
(2) spatial analysis and coding,

(3) climate and agricultural data, and
(4) experience working with interdisciplinary teams.
2. Curriculum vitae (CV).
3. A writing sample (preferably a journal publication related to data integration or climate resilience in agriculture).
4. Contact information for three references (to be contacted for finalists)



Emory Supports a Diverse and Inclusive Culture

Emory University is dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, genetic information, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and veteran's status. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment on the basis of any factor stated above or prohibited under applicable law. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in University programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Executive Order 11246, as amended, Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act, and applicable executive orders, federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action. Emory University is committed to achieving a diverse workforce through application of its affirmative action, equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policy in all aspects of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Inclusion, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322.

Emory University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to request a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Department of Accessibility Services at 404-727-9877 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD). Please note that one week advance notice is preferred.

AA/EOE