Postdoctoral Researcher: Rangeland Ecology and Remote Sensing

Position Summary 

The USDA ARS Jornada Experimental Range in Las Cruces, NM seeks a highly motivated postdoctoral scientist to improve the Rangeland Analysis Platform (RAP) net primary production (NPP) model and support applications of the model with stakeholders. This project will be co-developed under the supervision of Dr. Sarah McCord with our partners at the USDA Climate Hubs, Farm Services Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, US Forest Service, and Bureau of Land Management. In addition to published papers, project outcomes include providing products to land managers and producers to assist with prioritization of grazing management and conservation practices.

The Opportunity

The postdoctoral researcher will play a critical role in advancing the use of net primary productivity information in rangeland and pasture management. The successful candidate will:

• Evaluate and expand the accuracy and capabilities of the current RAP NPP model and the RAP Production Explorer.
• Engage with agricultural stakeholders to support and improve decision-making workflows that rely on the RAP NPP model.
• Assist in improving communication regarding the use of the RAP NPP model.
• Publish outcomes of model evaluation and application in peer-reviewed literature.

Qualifications 

We are seeking applicants with a PhD in ecology, environmental sciences, natural resources, geography, or related fields who have experience in remote sensing, soil-vegetation relationships, the carbon cycle, and how they vary across space and through time. Qualified candidates will also have experience coding and/or modeling (R, Python). Experience working on rangelands and with Google Earth Engine is preferred. This position is open to U.S. citizens only.

Appointment 

The anticipated start date summer 2024. The appointment is for 2 years, with renewal based upon performance and funding. This is a full-time appointment based at the Jornada Experimental Range in Las Cruces, New Mexico, USA. The Jornada Experimental Range is a USDA-ARS laboratory located on the New Mexico State University campus. The incumbent would therefore be expected to work closely with both USDA and University employees. 

Salary and Benefits 

 The position will be hired as a Research Associate at the GS 11 level.