University of Florida · 3 months ago
Postdoctoral Research Associate: GeoAI and Remote Sensing for Invasive Species Ecology
United States
Full-time
Remote
Senior LevelThe University of Florida is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the GeoAI Lab for a project focused on invasive species ecology. The role involves developing and implementing remote sensing and machine learning techniques to address questions related to invasive species surveillance and dynamics.
Higher Education
Responsibilities
Design and lead remote sensing data acquisition campaigns using multi-scale platforms, including ground-based spectrometers, UAVs (optical, Lidar), and satellite imagery (e.g., Planet, Sentinel, Landsat)
Develop and apply advanced machine learning and deep learning models (GeoAI) for fusing, analyzing, and interpreting multi-sensor data to track invasion species patterns
Create novel analytical workflows to build calibration equations for discriminating VEDU from other co-occurring grass species
Integrate remote sensing-derived products with in-situ ecological data (e.g., canopy cover, height, alpha diversity, chemistry, soil texture, disturbance intensity) to model invasion dynamics and resilience across landscapes
Collaborate closely with project partners to synthesize findings and build follow-on funding opportunities
Lead the preparation of high-impact, peer-reviewed publications
Present research findings at national and international scientific conferences
Mentor graduate and undergraduate student in the GeoDI (Geospatial Digital Informatics) Lab
Qualification
Required
A Ph.D. (by the start date) in Remote Sensing, Geography, Biology, Geospatial Science, Environmental Science, Ecology, or a closely related field
Demonstrated expertise in processing and analyzing remote sensing data (hyperspectral and/or Lidar is a strong plus)
Strong proficiency in programming, particularly in Python and GEE for geospatial analysis and data science
Experience with machine learning/deep learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow) applied to image or geospatial data
A track record of first-author publications in peer-reviewed journals
Excellent communication, collaboration, and writing skills
Preferred
Experience in plant ecology, invasion science, or agronomy
Specific expertise in reflectance spectroscopy and chemometrics for vegetation analysis or high-throughput phenotyping
A strong background in GeoAI, computer vision, and data fusion techniques
Experience designing UAV-based remote sensing campaigns
Experience leading ground-based vegetation surveys
Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a collaborative, interdisciplinary research team
Benefits
Full benefits package
Company
University of Florida
University of Florida is a public land-grant research university in Gainesville, Florida.
Founded in 1853
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
University of Florida has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
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Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$6.83MKey Investors
Align TechnologyUS Department of EnergyNFWF
2025-06-02Grant
2024-09-17Grant· $2M
2024-09-10Grant· $0.18M
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Sri Kalyanaraman
Co-founder, VR for the Social Good Initiative
Chris Cowen
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
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