Postdoctoral Research: Applying AI in Environment and Sustainability

How to Apply

Please include the materials listed below in a single pdf with your application:

* Detailed CV* Statement describing the candidate's qualifications and interest in the position. In particular the candidate's interest in applying their computational training and skills to problems and issues in the environment and sustainability domain (3 pages)* Brief statement describing interest in, experience with, and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusiveness (one-half page)* Undergraduate and graduate transcripts* Names and contact information for three (3) references

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Questions about the position can be addressed to Prof. Bill Currie ([email protected]). If you are having issues uploading your PDF, please contact Joshua Wright([email protected], SEAS HR Business Partner).

Summary

The School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) at the University of Michigan seeks applications for a postdoctoral position to apply artificial intelligence (AI) approaches to problems and issues in the domain of Environment and Sustainability. The candidate will be advised and mentored by Bill Currie, a Professor in SEAS. Currie uses computer modeling to understand the functioning of ecosystems & landscapes and the impacts of human activities on the environment. He is an elected fellow of American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) for his work on modeling the biogeochemistry and ecology of forests, watersheds, and wetlands. From a perspective of understanding human-environment systems, he collaborates with others across a range of fields from wildlife conservation to economics, civil engineering, and urban planning. Currie also currently serves in administrative roles as Associate Dean for Research and Engagement in SEAS and Co-Director of the Schmidt AI in Science Postdoctoral Fellowship Program in MIDAS (Michigan Institute for Data Science).

Research topics will be developed collaboratively between the candidate and Dr. Currie. These could include grounding (strengthening the ability of AI systems to understand the concepts they reason and operate within the environmental domain), alignment (researching how well AI systems represent objective truths or societal expectations in the environmental domain), knowledge modeling, automated research workflows, or other topics. The candidate will have opportunities for significant training and skills development through MIDAS (Michigan Institute for Data Science) programs including boot camps and symposiums and will be expected to engage in these activities. The candidate will be part of a vibrant postdoctoral community both in MIDAS and in SEAS, including the Institute for Global Change Biology, the Center for Sustainable Systems, the Sustainable Future Hub, and others.

This postdoctoral position will be initially hired for a 12-month period with the potential of renewal for an additional 12 months. Renewal will be based on demonstration of academic productivity and meeting other expectations of the position. Compensation includes the standard benefits package for postdoctoral researchers at U-M.

Mission Statement

The School for Environment and Sustainability (https://seas.umich.edu/
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