Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Environment and Sustainability Studies

Wake Forest University; United States; On-site; USD 54,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Wake Forest University invites applications for a postdoctoral research fellowship focused on remote sensing, tropical forest carbon, and AI. Collaborate with Dr. Ovidiu Csillik and team, leveraging GEDI and field data to map forest degradation and carbon dynamics in tropical ecosystems.

Candidates should excel in geospatial analysis, ML, and large-scale data processing, and contribute to publications. The position is a one-year contract with potential extension based on performance and funding.

Qualifications

• PhD or ABD in Environmental Science, Forestry, Geography, Earth System Science, Computer Science, or related field.
• Strong publication record in remote sensing, forest ecology, carbon modeling or ML.
• Experience with field data collection using drones and portable lidar systems.

Responsibilities

• Develops statistics, AI, and ML to process large remote sensing datasets (GEDI, airborne lidar).
• Integrates field inventory with remote sensing to model tropical forest carbon stocks.
• Plans field campaigns using UAVs and terrestrial lidar; writes reports and papers.
• Mentors undergraduate researchers and supports grant proposals.

Skills

Geospatial analysis

Python

R

Google Earth Engine

Education

PhD or ABD in Environmental Science/Forestry/Geography/CS

Tools

GEDI lidar

Drone data collection

Job description

Job Description Summary

Wake Forest University invites applications for a postdoctoral research fellowship. The appointed candidate will collaborate closely with Dr. Ovidiu Csillik and collaborators to conduct cutting‑edge research at the intersection of remote sensing, tropical forest carbon, and artificial intelligence (AI). The lab focuses on leveraging airborne and spaceborne lidar (such as GEDI), alongside field inventory measurements, to map and monitor forest degradation and carbon dynamics in tropical ecosystems. We particularly welcome applicants possessing a strong foundation in geospatial analysis, applied machine learning/deep learning, forest ecology, and large‑scale remote sensing data processing. The successful candidates will participate in preparing presentations and scholarly articles for publication in high‑tier journals. Additionally, the candidates will assist in mentoring research assistants and supporting the preparation of technical proposals. This position is available on a one‑year contractual basis, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability.

Employment Terms

The position is for 1 year. This position is not eligible for sponsorship of non‑immigrant or immigrant visa status through Wake Forest University. All eligible applicants are encouraged to apply.

Job Description

Essential Functions

• Develops and implements advanced statistics, AI, and machine learning algorithms to process and analyze large‑scale remote sensing datasets, specifically airborne lidar and spaceborne lidar (GEDI).
• Integrates field inventory measurements with remote sensing data to model tropical forest carbon stocks and monitor forest degradation.
• Plans and conducts field campaigns to collect high‑resolution structural and ecological data using drones (UAVs) and terrestrial lidar systems.
• Write project reports, journal articles, conference papers, and presentations to disseminate research findings.
• Supports technical proposal preparation for developing new projects and securing grant funding.
• Contributes to the training and mentoring of undergraduate research students in the lab.

Required Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• PhD or All but Dissertation (ABD) in Environmental Science, Forestry, Geography, Earth System Science, Computer Science, or other closely related disciplines.
• Strong publication record in the areas of remote sensing, forest ecology, carbon modeling, or applied machine learning.
• Demonstrated experience in planning and executing field data collection using drones and/or terrestrial lidar.
• Demonstrated skill in developing code for geospatial data analysis and machine learning using Python, R, and Google Earth Engine.
• Profound knowledge and hands‑on experience in processing airborne lidar and spaceborne lidar (GEDI) datasets.
• Experience with field inventory data and statistical approaches for scaling plot‑level measurements to regional or global scales.
• Outstanding skills in interpersonal communication, scientific writing, and effective time management.
• Capability to work independently and collaboratively in a cooperative team setting.

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Specific research experience working with tropical forest ecosystems and mapping forest degradation.
• Proficiency with advanced computer vision and deep learning techniques applied to satellite imagery and 3D point cloud data.
• Experience with high‑performance computing (HPC) or cloud computing environments for handling massive geospatial datasets.
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate for commercial drone operations.

Accountabilities

Responsible for own work.

Physical Requirements

Moderate physical activity: Mainly working on computer algorithms and large‑scale data analysis. Conducting fieldwork may require hiking, carry equipment (such as drones), and navigate forested environments.

Environmental Conditions

No environmental conditions.

Additional Job Description Time Type Requirement

Full time

Note to Applicant

This position profile identifies the key responsibilities and expectations for performance. It cannot encompass all specific job tasks that an employee may be required to perform. Employees are required to follow any other job‑related instructions and perform job‑related duties as may be reasonably assigned by his/her supervisor.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified candidates to apply without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, disability and military or veteran status.

Accommodations for Applicants

If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact [e-mail] or [phone].

About WFU

Wake Forest University, formed in 1834, has experienced decades of growth and innovation. WFU is a distinctive university that combines a liberal arts core with graduate and professional schools and innovative research programs. The University embraces the teacher‑scholar ideal, which prizes the personal interaction between students and faculty. It is a place where exceptional teaching, fundamental research and discovery, and the engagement of faculty and students in the classroom and the laboratory are paramount. Wake Forest University is a community that seeks the enlightenment and freedom which come through diligent study and learning. Its higher goal, however, is togive life to the University motto "Pro Humanitate," as members translate a passion for knowledge into compassionate service. The community shares a tradition that embraces freedom and integrity and acknowledges the worth of the individual. The heritage, established by the school's founders and nurtured by succeeding generations, promotes a democratic spirit arising from open‑mindedness and discourse. Wake Forest fosters compassion and caring for others. Its collective strength and character are derived from the values and distinctive experiences of each individual; therefore, it affirms the richness of human intellect and culture and its contribution to knowledge, faith, reason, and dialogue. Furthermore, it strives toward a society in which good will, respect, and equality prevail. To that end, Wake Forest University rejects hatred and bigotry in any form and promotes justice, honor, and mutual trust. The University is comprised of: the undergraduate college, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, School of Business, School of Divinity, School of Law, and School of Medicine (located on the Bowman Gray campus with Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center) and today enrolls about4,846 undergraduates and 2,823 students in graduate programs at its principal location, the Reynolda campus. Students at Wake Forest University enjoy a great deal of access to and interaction with world‑class faculty both in and out of the classroom setting with a student‑faculty ratio of 11:1. Wake Forest employs approximately2,772 full and part‑time faculty and staff. Wake Forest is a collegiate university offering a vibrant, intellectual community with a rich cultural life, an impressive array of facilities, and a strong athletics program competing in the fifteen‑team Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Since its founding, the university has adopted the motto “pro humanitate,” which is exemplified by a deep institutional commitment to public service and engagement with the world. Wake Forest has a strong commitment to holistic, eight‑dimensional well‑being for students, faculty and staff as evidenced in the Thrive initiative.

Winston‑Salem, North Carolina

Wake Forest is located in Winston‑Salem, North Carolina, a beautiful, mid‑sized city centrally located in the Piedmont‑Triad region of North Carolina. Winston‑Salem is a family‑friendly city with high quality schools, numerous outdoor recreational activities and events, and is known for its vibrant and thriving arts scene. Winston‑Salem residents enjoy close proximity to the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains (1.5 hours) and Atlantic beaches (4 hours), a moderate climate with four distinct seasons, a very reasonable cost of living, and an eclectic variety of restaurants, wine bars, and breweries for dining with friends and family. Winston‑Salem offers many of the amenities of a large city but with the sense of community and quality of life of a smaller town.