Postdoc Nibbelink

The University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to coordinate and execute a project with USACE to develop geospatial tools for prioritizing landscape elements and natural infrastructure solutions in aquatic systems.

You will collaborate with faculty, students, USACE partners, and international collaborators, perform literature reviews, build conceptual models, and communicate results through reports and publications.

Qualifications

• Doctorate in natural resources, environmental engineering, hydrology, or related field.
• Experience in geospatial analysis and spatial data management.
• Ability to synthesize knowledge across ecology, engineering, policy.

Responsibilities

• Literature reviews and coordinate with partners to define data sources and criteria.
• Build a spatially explicit prioritization tool for natural infrastructure in aquatic systems.
• Write and disseminate results via reports, seminars and journals.
• Coordinate international partners and opportunities for shared methods and internships.

Skills

Geospatial analysis

Data management

Scientific writing

Coordination

Education

PhD or Doctorate

Tools

R

Python

Julia

GIS software

Job description

Position Summary

This postdoc will coordinate and execute work with the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to develop a framework and geospatial tool(s) for prioritizing landscape elements. The goal is to identify natural infrastructure solutions for flood risk reduction, water quality, habitat, and other social benefits within civil works projects. The role involves coordinating with faculty, students, USACE partners, and international partners, reviewing literature, building conceptual models, managing spatial data, conducting analyses, creating an initial prioritization tool, and communicating results through reports and publications.

Responsibilities

• 30%: Research & literature review, project coordination with faculty, students, USACE partners, and international partners to determine data sources and criteria for project objectives.
• 30%: Data analysis, build a conceptual model, collect and manage spatial data, and construct an initial spatially‑explicit prioritization tool for natural infrastructure solutions in aquatic systems.
• 25%: Writing and dissemination, identify opportunities to publish and share work through articles, technical notes, seminars, webinars, professional meetings, and peer‑reviewed journals.
• 15%: International partnership coordination, maintain communication with WWF partners and others, evaluate collaborative opportunities, shared methods, seminars/webinars, internships, and related elements as determined by project leaders.

Qualifications

Doctorate in a relevant discipline (e.g., natural resource management, environmental engineering, hydrology, fisheries/wildlife) with expertise in geospatial analysis supporting conservation decision‑making.

Experience in geospatial analysis, spatial data management, and coding geospatial operations in R, Python, Julia, or similar. Strong writing skills and the ability to synthesize knowledge across ecology, engineering, social science, and policy.

Physical Demands & Driving

Lift 50 lbs; occasional field work potentially involving strenuous hikes; stationary work in front of a computer for several hours with breaks as needed. Driving required.

Security & Financial Responsibilities

Not a position of trust; no access or control of financial resources; no requirement for a P‑Card.

Background Investigation

Offers of employment contingent upon completion of a criminal background check, confirmation of credentials and employment history, satisfactory credit check if applicable, and possible pre‑employment drug test for positions with high‑risk responsibilities. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, veteran status, or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations are encouraged to contact Central HR.