Postdoctoral Scholar

East Carolina University is a public research university in North Carolina. Existing faculty in the Department of Coastal Studies have expertise in Geography, Ecology, Coastal Engineering, Geology, Physical Oceanography, Anthropology, and Fisheries Ecology. The Coastal Studies Institute is a growing inter-institutional research and education enterprise. CSI has active collaborations with North Carolina Aquariums, the National Park Service, UNC Sea Grant College Program, and several institutions across the University of North Carolina system. These relationships provide opportunities to leverage established nearshore data resources, a real-time coastal processes numerical modeling framework, and data management and dissemination infrastructure.

The postdoctoral scholar is responsible for independent and collaborative development, implementation, and analysis of impactful research and engagement projects in the discipline of marine/coastal science, geography, environmental science, or a related field. Their responsibilities include conducting data analyses of existing research projects, communicating research in written and oral forms, generating novel ideas for new, interdisciplinary research, working with large, multi- layered spatial data sets (e.g. Remote Sensing and GIS), and contributing to the growth of the interdisciplinary Integrated Coastal Studies Program, which focuses on issues related to the continental margin resources, natural hazards, and coastal and marine health.

Specific duties include: developing and contributing to ongoing NASA funded research projects at ECU and the Coasts and Oceans Observing Laboratory, assisting with intramural and extramural papers, proposals and progress reports, and coordinating and convening meetings with research members. In addition, the scholar will need to conduct biogeochemical and geomorphological research, including field data collection and analysis using remotely sensed imagery and geospatial data. The scholar will conduct scientific literature reviews of ecological, coastal, and geological research as well as perform analyses with Remote Sensing (optical and lidar), Geographic Information Systems ( GIS), Python, R, and/or other programming languages or image processing software. The scholar will also lead and/or assist with fieldwork and data collection in muddy, humid, and hot conditions; laboratory analyses, and co-manage field and lab/data analysis operations.

Scholars are expected to demonstrate compliance with established guidelines and regulatory standards for research including biosafety, responsible conduct of research and human subjects training.

Approximately 80% of the postdoctoral scholar's time will be devoted to scientific research, data analyses, laboratory analyses, data management, data synthesis, publishing scientific manuscripts, and assisting with grant proposals.

Approximately 20% of the postdoctoral scholar's time will be devoted to assisting undergraduate and graduate research students with data analyses and data management.

The location of the position is flexible, and the successful candidate may be based either at ECU's Coastal campus in the Coastal Studies Institute, on Roanoke Island, North Carolina, or at ECU's Greenville Campus.

A PhD in natural resource economics, mathematics, geography, environmental studies, natural resource management, or similar disciplines
Experience and/or training with rules-based models such as, but not limited to, agent-based models
Experience with Remote Sensing (optical and lidar), Geographic Information Systems ( GIS), Python, R, and/or other programming languages or other image processing software
Ability to work as an independent researcher and as part of an international, multidisciplinary research team
English Proficiency
Excellent written and oral communication skills

n/a

Candidate should have research experience in the social, natural, or multidisciplinary sciences, with familiarity with theories and methods that address contemporary social and environmental problems affecting coastal and marine environments and water resources. Candidate should have a record of accomplishment for applying and securing external funding and publishing scientific papers. Familiarity with coastal processes and field data collection at beaches, marshes, and mangroves are preferred. Candidate should be able to work in harsh, wet conditions while carrying equipment and instruments.

To be considered for this position, all applicants must apply through PeopleAdmin and attach, 1) their CV or resume, 2) cover letter, 3) 1 - 2 sample research papers and 4) names and contact information of 3 references. Appointments are typically for a one-year period. Five years (typically five appointments of one year) is typically the maximum total period that any individual may serve as a Scholar. The University, in its sole discretion has the option to renew or extend any appointment, subject to the availability of funds, past performance evaluations and/or any other lawful reasons. For other information on the ECU Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, please visit our website at: https://rede.ecu.edu/postdoctoral/

East Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action University and accommodates individuals with disabilities. Proper documentation of identity and employability is required at the time of employment.

East Carolina University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer who is committed to workforce success and cultivating a culture of care, belonging and opportunity for our faculty, staff and learners and all stakeholders. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race/ethnicity, color, genetic information, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, political affiliation, or veteran status.

Individuals requesting accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act ( ADAAA) should contact the ADA Coordinator at (252) 737-1018 (Voice/ TTY) or ADA-Coordinator@ecu.edu.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. ECU participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. If highest degree earned is from an institution outside of the U.S. and its territories, final candidates are required to have their degree validated as equivalent to the degree conferred by a regionally accredited college or university in the U.S.

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Department for People Operations, Success, and Opportunity at (252) 328-9847 or toll free at 1-866-489-1740 or send an email to employment@ecu.edu. Our office is available to provide assistance Monday-Friday from 8:00-5:00 EST.