Job DescriptionA new position for a postdoctoral associate is available in the Virginia Tech Department of Statistics (www.stat.vt.edu), with Professor Robert B. Gramacy (bobby.gramacy.com) and with colleagues at the Virginia Tech Center for Ecosystem Forecasting (www.ecoforecastprojectvt.org). VT Stats is at the forefront of research and teaching in Uncertainty Quantification and applications of dynamic and stochastic modeling and data-centric inference in the physical and engineering sciences.The Center for Ecosystem Forecasting is a vibrant, highly collaborative, interdisciplinary research center developing real-time ecological forecasting models, software, and computing infrastructure to inform day-to-day environmental resource management. This NSF-funded position will provide the postdoctoral researcher the opportunity to lead publications on the frontier of methodology for surrogate modeling of high-powered computer models of complex natural and biological systems, their interface with environmental data products and forecasts, and their calibration to sensor measurements towards the development of a real-time platform for the management of natural resources (https://news.vt.edu/articles/2023/08/flsi-nsf-grant-cayelan-carey.html).Research activities will include: upgrading the surrogate modeling toolkit to accommodate massive stochastic simulation campaigns, input-dependent noise (heteroskedasticity), non-stationary dynamics, and the synthesis of simulation and field observations, all while interfacing with other team members who are developing the simulation models, managing the sensors and recording the field data, and developing a real-time monitoring/forecasting platform for managers.The position is in-person, based on-campus at Virginia Tech (Blacksburg, VA, USA). The position start date will be flexible, aiming for Summer 2024. Funding is available for up to two years, contingent upon successful annual reviews.Required Qualifications-A Ph.D. in statistics, machine learning, or a related field. PhD awarded no more than four years prior to the effective date of appointment with a minimum of one year eligibility remaining.-Experience in publishing peer-reviewed journal articles in statistics or machine learning-Experience working in the R programming language-Experience with collaborative coding projects and using version-control tools (e.g., Git)-Interest in working in interdisciplinary, collaborative teamsPreferred Qualifications- Significant research experience in surrogate modeling/emulation of computer simulation experiments or Gaussian Process regression.- Experience working in a Unix environment (e.g., bash shell and shell scripting)- Experience with compiled languages (i.e., C/C++) and their interface with high-levelLanguages (R or Python)- Experience with distributed computation (e.g., OpenMP, MPI, GNU Parallel)- Experience with public release of packaged open source software (e.g., on CRAN)- Demonstrated ability to work in interdisciplinary, collaborative teamsAppointment TypeRestrictedSalary InformationCommensurate with experience Review DateMarch 15, 2024Additional InformationThe successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.About Virginia TechDedicated to its motto,Ut Prosim(That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive communitydedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicinecollege, Graduate School , andHonors College . The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including theInnovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerousExtension offices andresearch centers . A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Michele Loy ****** regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
