We’re Hiring an Interdisciplinary Post-Doc in Drones, GIS, and Remote Sensing

Interdisciplinary Postdoctoral Opportunity in Drones, GIS, and Remote Sensing at University of Central FloridaPriority Application Deadline: August 1, 2018Start Date: Around September 1, 2018Mentor: Dr. Timothy L. Hawthorne, timothy.hawthorne@ucf.edu or 407.823.1030The Citizen Science GIS research group in the University of Central Florida Department of Sociology and the UCF College of Sciences Geospatial Technologies Cluster anticipates hiring an Interdisciplinary Postdoctoral Scholar. The position will start on or about September 1, 2018 and supports a new federal grant with several collaborative universities, including UCF, led by the MarineGeo Program at the Smithsonian Institute. Applicants must have a Ph.D. from an accredited institution by the time of hire in Geography, Geographic Information Systems, Remote Sensing, Biology, Environmental Studies, or a related field.Applicants for the position should have an interdisciplinary research record that demonstrates expertise in the use of geospatial technologies, GIS, remote sensing, and drones. Experience with drone technology including flight planning, field operations, and image processing is required. Experience with community GIS, citizen science, or participatory action research is desired, though not required. Applicants must have strong technical, interpersonal and communication skills. While at UCF, the postdoctoral scholar will have opportunities to co-develop drone mapping strategies for mapping coastal sea grass beds ad reef sites with Citizen Science GIS at UCF, the Smithsonian’s MarineGeo program, and their community partners. The scholar will be part of a broad, interdisciplinary team across multiple organizations/agencies. Scholar responsibilities will also include co-mentoring and co-managing of undergraduate students; engaging in intensive fieldwork and community building throughout MarineGeo sites along the west coast of North America (this will include fieldwork and travel); leading, developing, and collaborating on co-authored manuscripts and conference presentations; creating and implementing an online geospatial platform using ArcGIS Online to share drone imagery and related digital GIS data; analyzing quantitative and qualitative datasets; and co-leading of community engagement and outreach events. The position offers an excellent opportunity for the ideal candidate to participate in transformative, interdisciplinary work with a strong community outreach and engagement component.The University of Central Florida is a thriving pre-eminent research university located in metropolitan Orlando. The university benefits from a diverse faculty and staff who create a welcoming environment, a high quality of life, and opportunities to grow, learn and succeed. With a diverse student body of more than 66,000 students, UCF is the largest university by enrollment in Florida and one of the largest universities in the country. The university offers 93 bachelor’s, 86 master’s, 27 research doctorates, 3 professional doctorates, and 3 specialist degree programs. UCF is committed to innovative community partnerships, world-class research with regional impact, and the integration of technology and learning.Term of appointment will be for two years, contingent on continued grant support and above satisfactory performance and productivity metrics evaluated by the mentor and project team. Stipend will be commensurate with experience and based on available and continued funding. Selection will be based on the candidate’s record, scholarly potential, compatibility with the interests of the faculty mentor, and desire to be part of an interdisciplinary research team. Screening of applications will continue until the position is filled, but the strongest consideration will be given to candidates that submit all application materials by 5 pm EST on August 1, 2018. To apply, please send: 1) a cover letter, 2) a curriculum vitae, 3) a two page statement of research interests connecting your existing work and future research plans to the goals of Citizen Science GIS drone mapping aspects of this collaborative grant, and 4) contact information for three references. Please email to timothy.hawthorne@ucf.edu. All documents should be in one complete PDF and contain the applicant's last name in the file name. UCF is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply, including minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities.Questions about this postdoctoral position can be directed to the mentor: Dr. Timothy L. Hawthorne, timothy.hawthorne@ucf.edu or 407.823.1030.