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The Eisen Lab at the University of California Berkeley and collaborators are initiating a long-term, large-scale field research project to study and understand the best ways to transform land currently used in animal agriculture back into native forests and grasslands for the purpose of climate change mitigation and habitat restoration. For some background motivation for the project see this article. For more information about the lab visit Eisenlab.com

We are seeking to hire postdoctoral associates with a curiosity in developing methods to analyze data associated with the project. This can include, but is not limited to:

• Analyzing satellite and drone imagery to analyze forest biomass and tree growth and develop predictive models of tree growth potential with high spatial precision both at our field sites and globally.

• Working with audio, video and DNA sequence data to develop spatial and temporal maps of species diversity at our growing collection of field sites, and understand the relationship between changes in species diversity and different regrowth strategies.

• Develop both global and site-specific models of the greenhouse gas and climate impacts of different strategies to transform existing animal agriculture operations back into native vegetation.

• Carry out long-term economic modeling of the impact of different future carbon pricing scenarios on land use conversions both at the level of individual operations, and at the regional and national levels.

This is a new research direction for a lab that has worked for 20+ years at the intersection of experimental and computational biology. Previous work in the lab has focused on the integration of genomics, imaging, genome engineering and extensive computational modeling to study problems in developmental biology, animal behavior and ecology.

Work on this project will emphasize and innovate open science principles at every level, including data and code release and communication of results.

What we provide:

• Training in the conceptualization of execution of large-scale research projects to address important issues in climate change mitigation of habitat restoration.

• Training in the design of computational experiments and analyses to rigorously answer a wide variety of research questions.

• Training in research software development.

• Training in science writing and communication.

• 1:1 mentorship while also working collaboratively as part of a team.

• Opportunities for professional and educational development and growth.

• Opportunities for innovation in open science.

• A competitive compensation package, with comprehensive health and welfare benefits.

What you bring:

• A PhD in any area of science.

• Experience with modern data science methods, ideally Python.

• Ability to work both independently and in a collaborative group environment.

• Effective communication skills, self-motivated, and a strong work ethic.

Application Instructions
 

Please include the following items as part of your application (preferably as one PDF):  

1. A cover letter detailing your interest in this role, what you bring to the project and how we can help you achieve your research goals.

2. A curriculum vitae emphasizing your education, your research or other career experiences and your accomplishments. We are not interested in where you have published papers.

3. A list of up to three professional references with up-to-date contact information.

Physical Requirements

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet).

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Please Note:

This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however.  Unless they begin with the word “may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Compensation and Benefits

Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our Benefits at HHMI site to learn more. 

Compensation Range

Pay Type:

HHMI’s salary structure is developed based on relevant job market data. HHMI considers a candidate's education, previous experiences, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity when making job offers. Typically, a new hire for this position in this location is compensated between the minimum and the midpoint of the salary range.

HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer