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Opportunities at GIScCE

8 positions in support of NASA funded projects

The South Dakota State University Geographic Information Science Center of Excellence (GIScCE) is accepting applications for positions in support of the following NASA funded grants:

1 Senior Programmer

1 Junior Programmer

6 post-doctoral researchers

The GIScCE is a dynamic new research center set up in collaboration with the US Center for Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS). The GIScCE is located in a small and friendly university town, with very low cost of living and an interesting climate.

US citizenship is not required. The university is an AA/EEO employer and encourages applications from women and minorities.

To apply for any of these 6 positions, please send a curriculum vitae, brief statement of research experiences and goals, and contact information for three references to Dr. David Roy, Geographic Information Science Center of Excellence, South Dakota State University, Wecota Hall, Box 506B, Brookings, SD 57007-3510, USA (or via email to: david.roy@sdstate.edu).


2 part-time student postitions available
GIS Technician and Communications Specialist

Description: We are recruiting part-time undergraduate or graduate student hourly workers to assist SDSU researchers at the Geographic Information Science Center of Excellence (GIScCE) with data acquisition and GIS analysis tasks related to the Fuel Treatment Effectiveness in the United States study. The objective of this study is to quantify the effectiveness of fuel treatments across the nation in terms of their measurable effects on wildfire severity and spread. Research methods involve the analysis of fire severity maps derived from satellite imagery and the application of spatial simulation models to simulated fire behavior.

Responsibilities will include calling federal and state land managers across the U.S. and requesting spatial and non-spatial data related to recent wildfires, downloading data from internet data repositories, projecting and clipping both vector and raster data, and running the FARSITE model of fire spread and fire behavior.

Required Qualifications:

  1. Familiarity with Microsoft Windows XP, ArcGIS 9.1 and the geoprocessing toolbox.
  2. Willingness to learn new concepts related to natural resource management and fire science (e.g., silvicultural treatments, fire behavior).
  3. Willingness to learn new analytical methods and software packages (e.g., the FARSITE fire behavior simulator).
  4. Good interpersonal skills for establishing good rapport with and acquiring accurate data from land managers.

Desired Qualifications: Knowledge of forestry-related concepts including silviculture and fire management is desirable. Experience with the processing and management of large spatial datasets is also desired.

Pay Rate: $8.00-$10.00 per hour (dependent on experience)

Work hours: 10-20 hours per week; flexible schedule allowed

To apply, please email Adam Baer adam.baer@sdstate.edu a resume that includes coursework and work experience related to this position, and names and email addresses of two references. Application review process begins January 18th, 2008 but applications may be received after this date.


Postdoctoral Position in Spatial Epidemiology

We are inviting applications for a postdoctoral researcher with expertise in spatial epidemiology to work on a project examining the influences of physical and social landscapes on obesity in rural communities. This research is supported by the USDA National Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program, and the position is funded for three years. The position will be located in the Geographic Information Science Center of Excellence at South Dakota State University, and will also involve collaboration with the E.A. Martin Program in Human Nutrition. The postdoctoral researcher will be responsible for developing a national database of rural environments, analyzing environmental influences on obesity, and disseminating results via conference presentations and published articles.

Required Qualifications: A Ph.D. in epidemiology, geography, biostatistics, or a related field is required. Candidates must be able to take a lead role in conducting statistical analyses of geospatial datasets. Experience using GIS software to manage and process large geographic databases is also essential.

Desired Qualifications: Preference will be given to applicants who have experience in the application of spatial statistics to analyze public health data, knowledge of multivariate statistical techniques, and a strong interest in applying geospatial analysis methods to study interactions between humans and their environment.

To apply for this position, send the following information in electronic form to michael.wimberly@sdstate.edu: cover letter, curriculum vitae, names and contact information for three references, and unofficial copies of transcripts. Review of applications will begin on March 1st and continue until the position has been filled. Start date is flexible, but preference will be given to applicants who can start by June 30th.

For more information contact:

Michael C. Wimberly
Associate Professor and Senior Scientist
GISc Center of Excellence
Wecota Hall 506B
South Dakota State University
Brookings, SD 57007-3510
(605) 688-5350

GIScCE Website: http://globalmonitoring.sdstate.edu/
E.A. Martin Program Website: http://www3.sdstate.edu/Academics/EthelAustinMartinProgram/