Research Associate In Environmental Sciences

The Department of Environmental Sciences at the University of Virginia invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work in the lab of Professor Xi Yang.

The successful candidate will lead original research in the Plant Ecology and Remote Sensing Lab, focusing on leveraging a new technology to map canopy structural details in 3D in forests in the eastern United States. The mapping effort will provide the position and orientation (angle relative to the horizontal plane) of every leaf in a canopy. The work will reveal how plant traits influence tree growth and resource use, deepening our understanding of how forest trees compete for water and light. The postdoc researcher is expected to lead fieldwork efforts to collect 3D Terrestrial Laser Scanning data across NEON forested sites.

The overarching question this project seeks to answer is: To what extent do canopy structural traits and leaf traits converge at the ecosystem scale? With new technology and algorithm development, this project will bring novel insight into the role of canopy structure metrics in the functional trait spectrum. These metrics include the statistical distribution of leaf angles, leaf area, and leaf clumping. We will focus on eight forest NEON sites in the eastern United States. They will investigate the relationship between canopy structural metrics and leaf traits estimated by the trait maps generated from imaging spectroscopy data. We will map canopy structural traits (leaf angle and clumping) using algorithms calibrated by co-located NEON Airborne Observation Platform canopy reflectance and Terrestrial Lidar Scanning data. The second part of this project focuses on three sites to assess the extent to which canopy structural traits optimize canopy photosynthesis. Testing the extent of optimization of canopy structural traits along the vertical gradient will shed light on how plants optimize (or not) photosynthesis, given the constraint of water and competition for light. A description of the project can be found here: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2405619.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: A Ph.D. in plant physiology, ecology, earth system science, remote sensing, or a related field is required by the appointment start date. Extensive experience in one or more advanced computer programming languages is required, including Matlab, Python, or R. Knowledge of LiDAR data processing and ecophysiology of canopy structure and function is preferred. The successful candidate should be enthusiastic, creative, and highly motivated. Strong skills in verbal and written communication of scientific results, the ability to work both independently and collaboratively as a member of interdisciplinary teams, and the ability to organize, prioritize, and coordinate multiple tasks are required.

TO APPLY: Apply online at https://uva.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UVAJobs by attaching the following: (1) a cover letter that describes scientific training, experience working collaboratively, and commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive scholarly environment; (2) a curriculum vitae; (3) a brief research statement on past and future research work, and (4) contact information for three references.

Please note that multiple documents can be uploaded in the box.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Review of applications will begin September 10, 2024 and continue until the position is filled, with an anticipated start date in Fall 2024 or Spring 2025. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.

This is a one-year appointment, with the potential for renewal for one additional year, given satisfactory performance and available funding.

Please direct questions regarding this position to Xi Yang, Associate Professor, at xiyang@virginia.edu.

For questions about the application process, please contact Rich Haverstrom, Academic Recruiter, at rkh6j@virginia.edu.

This position is eligible for health insurance through the UVA Health Plan. For more information on the benefits, see the websites for the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs ( postdoc.virginia.edu ) and University Human Resources ( hr.virginia.edu/benefits ).

The successful candidate will be eligible for consultations with the UVA Dual Career Program ( dualcareer.virginia.edu ), which provides consultations for individuals relocating with spouses and partners.

The University of Virginia, i ncluding the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician's Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences. We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, and family medical or genetic information.