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GRI Post-Doctoral Fellowship - Geospatial Impact Evaluation
William & Mary’s AidData research lab, part of the Global Research Institute (GRI), seeks a Postdoctoral Fellow specializing in Earth Observation (EO) for research around climate-sensitive agricultural development projects. The Fellow will play a key role in the GeoField initiative, which aims to integrate EO data into impact evaluations across the globe. In collaboration with international organizations, particularly the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Fellow will contribute significantly to advancing geospatial impact evaluation methodologies in global food and agriculture initiatives. The Fellow will be developing and validating multiple EO applications and developing research publications and public use materials. The Fellow will also collaborate with other research staff at AidData and GRI more broadly.
Additionally, the Fellow will be expected to teach a course, mentor undergraduate students, participate in grant writing efforts, and receive professional development support.
The Fellow will receive an annual salary of $58,000, and benefits including comprehensive health insurance. The Fellow will also receive $15,000 in research support funding during the first year of the fellowship, of which $10,000 can be spent on student research assistants, and $5,000 can be spent on other research expenses (conference travel, research trips, etc.). Contingent upon performance and need, the Fellow may be provided with additional research funding of up to $33,000 for the second year of the fellowship.
The Fellow is expected to collaborate actively with AidData researchers, including regular in-person collaboration. As such, the Fellow is expected to relocate to the Williamsburg, VA area at the start of the fellowship. Reasonable relocation expenses may be available for a well-qualified applicant.
The two-year fellowship appointment can begin as early as May 1, 2024 and no later than August 10, 2024. If the post-doctoral candidate is successful in securing external funding, the position may be extended beyond the two-year period. This is a restricted position, and continued employment is subject to availability of funding.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and contribute to geospatial impact evaluations, specifically within the domain of food and agriculture, in collaboration with FAO and other international partners.
- Apply advanced spatial analysis techniques and remote sensing methodologies to analyze and interpret geospatial data related to agricultural development programs.
- Engage in knowledge exchange and capacity-building activities, including workshops and training sessions, with international partners.
- Publish research findings in high-impact journals and present at international conferences.
Required Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in a relevant field (e.g., Geography, Geospatial Science, Environmental Science, Agricultural Economics, Development Economics). Candidates with previous postdoctoral fellow experience are also welcome.
- Proficient programming skills in Google Earth Engine, Python, and/or R languages.
- Strong expertise in geospatial analysis, including proficiency in GIS software, remote sensing, and spatial statistics.
- Proven ability to work collaboratively in international, interdisciplinary research settings.
- Track record of scholarly publications in peer-reviewed journals.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Demonstrated experience in applying geospatial methodologies to impact evaluation, particularly in the context of food and agriculture.
- Experience teaching geospatial science or related coursework in undergraduate settings.
- Experience mentoring undergraduate students in either formal or informal settings.
Application Instructions
For more details and to apply, please visit the position listing at the William & Mary Employment Opportunities portal. There, click Apply for this Job to apply with the required application materials: (1) a resume/curriculum vitae, (2) a cover letter, and (3) a writing sample.
The position will remain open until filled, with a review of applicants beginning on February 11, 2024.
Inquiries should be directed to Dr. Kunwar Singh (ksingh@aiddata.wm.edu).
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
William & Mary values diversity and invites applications from underrepresented groups who will enrich the research, teaching, and service missions of the university. William & Mary is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and encourages applications from women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.