Postdoctoral Scientists - Ecology / Earth System / Conservation Science - Microsoft Research, Cambridge, UK
The Computational Ecology and Environmental Science (CEES) group at Microsoft Research seeks postdoctoral scientist applicants for two positions. The initial tenure is for two years, with the possibility of a third year extension.
Conservation Science: One position within the Conservation@Microsoft research unit. The goal of the research carried out within the group is to develop and accelerate better, predictive, actionable science in areas of societal (and by extension policy) importance. Areas of potential work may include (but are not limited to) conservation impact assessment, risk assessment, agricultural modelling, food security, early warning signals / leading indicators, ecosystem modelling, land-use change modelling, species discovery and extinction modelling.
Earth System Modelling: One position for an applicant able to make an important contribution to a pioneering new approach to earth system modelling. The CEES group is developing and refining approaches to producing more accurate, comparable and compatible earth system models and their components. We are seeking first-rate scientists with a passionate interest in, and scientific and technical ability to dramatically improve models of key earth system components such as marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Candidates must be interested in and be able and motivated to tackle significant methodological challenges (e.g., enabling detailed model intercomparisons, in accounting for, inferring, and propagating multiple sources of uncertainty and in enabling the identification of the optimal spatial, temporal and abstraction resolution). We are looking for exceptional candidates. You will be a highly motivated early-career scientist with strong quantitative modelling skills, computational proficiency, an understanding of and desire to do research at the science-policy interface, and proven track record of publications in leading peer-reviewed journals. You will be expected to produce leading scientific research in the chosen area of work, publish results in top scientific journals, and interact closely with other members of the group and group collaborators.
These positions offer the opportunity to join a unique scientific lab that affords the successful candidate the opportunity to undertake world-leading scientific research and develop a position of future leadership in a chosen field. The Computational Science Lab at Microsoft Research offers a stimulating and rewarding working environment. The positions come with a very attractive salary and comprehensive benefits.
Applicants for the Conservation Science position should send a CV, contact details of three referees, and a short statement of interest to Dr. Lucas Joppa: lujoppa@microsoft.com.
Applicants for the Earth System Modelling position should send the above materials to Dr. Matthew Smith: Matthew.Smith@microsoft.com.
All applications must be received by February 6th, 2012.