Postdoctoral researcher at UCLA (USA): Use of remote sensing to understand the drivers of giant kelp dynamics at global scales
We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher interested in the use of remote sensing to understand the drivers of giant kelp dynamics at global scales. The Floating Forests project (http://floatingforests.org) is a NASA funded citizen science effort to map changes in kelp abundance using Landsat satellite imagery. The Floating Forests platform has been active since December 2017, and has produced data from southern California, Tasmania, and the Falklands Islands. The successful candidate will analyze this data to examine patterns and drivers of change in the abundance of giant kelp on regional to global scales. They will have the opportunity to determine the regions for the next Floating Forests campaigns based on their own interests (e.g. South America, South Africa, New Zealand, sub-Antarctic Islands).
Depending on the candidate’s interests, they will also have the opportunity to explore automated classification of kelp canopy using Floating Forests as training data. We are especially interested in the use of convolutional neural networks or other deep learning approaches.
The candidate should have strong quantitative skills. Candidates with backgrounds in marine science, ecology, geography, computer science, or related fields are strongly encouraged to apply.
We also strongly encourage candidates with an interest in science communication, as the postdoc will interact with citizen scientists as part of the project and be tasked with creating new outreach content. We welcome expanded ideas on ways Floating Forests can make broader impacts with the public.
The position is for 1 year, with potential for renewal for a second year dependent on performance. Preference will be given to applications received by 8/15/2019.
Applicants should send a C.V., cover letter, and contact information for 3 references via email to Dr. Kyle Cavanaugh (email: kcavanaugh@geog.ucla.edu).