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Undergrad Positions Available for Biological Invasions Research

Map - Undergrad Positions Available for Biological Invasions Research - Center for Geospatial Analytics at NC State University

Update 28 July 2021: Thank you to all who expressed interest in this position! Applications are no longer being accepted.

Are you an NC State University undergrad interested in applying the latest in machine learning and geospatial data science to help promote global food security and biodiversity conservation while getting paid research experience? The Landscape Dynamics group at the Center for Geospatial Analytics is recruiting two undergraduate students to contribute to biological invasion projects focused on mapping and forecasting the spread of pests and pathogens in the US and around the world, including applying machine learning techniques to generate the necessary data required to create robust forecasts. 

Position responsibilities may include: 

  • Attending meetings virtually and in person 
  • Conducting literature reviews 
  • Downloading, labelling and processing digital data (e.g., satellite imagery, species occurrence records) 
  • Assisting with the validation of remote sensing and image classification 
  • Writing process and data product documentation 

Training will be provided to accomplish assigned duties. The position requires an average availability of 8–10 hours a week, and interested students must be able to commit to a minimum of one semester. Work will begin the first day of fall classes (August 16, 2021) and last at least through the end of the semester (November 29, 2021).

Individuals interested in applying geospatial data science to investigate and map biological invasions, along with necessary data collection, in forested and agricultural ecosystems would be best suited to the position. Preference will be given to junior and senior-level students with experience in programming (e.g., Python, R) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). 

Interested students should email Dr. Chris Jones (cmjone25@ncsu.edu) and Dr. Chelsey Walden-Schreiner (cawalden@ncsu.edu) with their CV or resume by July 26, 2021.