Postdoctoral Researcher: Land Use & Spatial Analytics

West Virginia University; Morgantown (WV); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

West Virginia University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate within the School of Natural Resources and the Environment, housed by the Land Use, Sustainability, and Spatial Analysis group.

The role focuses on land-use science, land economics, and geospatial analysis to support projects addressing land-use change, sustainable agriculture, and rural development in Appalachia and beyond.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a relevant field is required.
• Demonstrated research experience in land-use and related areas.
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills.
• Experience with GIS and spatial analysis software (ArcGIS Pro, QGIS, R, Python).
• Record of peer-reviewed publications.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and in interdisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Conduct interdisciplinary research on land-use change, agricultural sustainability, natural resource management, and regional development.
• Apply GIS, spatial analysis, and statistical methods to drivers of landscape change.
• Assist in developing externally funded research proposals to federal agencies, foundations, and other funders.
• Publish findings in high-impact peer-reviewed journals.
• Collaborate with NRAC faculty and external partners on applied natural resource projects.
• Develop and manage large spatial, environmental, and socioeconomic datasets.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students engaged in research.

Skills

Quantitative skills

Written & verbal communication

Independent & collaborative work

Education

Ph.D. in Land Management / NRM / Geography / Agricultural Economics / Environmental Science / Regional Planning / Sustainability Science

Tools

ArcGIS Pro

QGIS

R

Python

Job description

West Virginia University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate within the School of Natural Resources and the Environment, housed by the Land Use, Sustainability, and Spatial Analysis group.

The role focuses on land-use science, land economics, and geospatial analysis to support projects addressing land-use change, sustainable agriculture, and rural development in Appalachia and beyond.