The Johnston Lab seeks a Postdoctoral Research Scientist interested in the application of forest landscape modeling to management and conservation issues in the Central Appalachians of the United States. This project will involve: (1) calibration of iLand, the individual-based forest landscape and disturbance model, for tree species of the Central Appalachians, and (2) application of iLand in the region according to the postdoc’s interests. If desired, the postdoc could also be involved in (3) network-building and co-development of iLand projects with land managers and conservation experts. This is a highly flexible position, funded by independent investors, which provides an excellent opportunity to follow the postdoc’s research interests, to develop a tool which will afford extensive prospects for ongoing collaboration, and to engage with the management and conservation communities.

Research Group: The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) is a globally eminent research institution comprising a network of laboratories located across the state with a shared mission to advance scientific knowledge of the environment. The Appalachian Laboratory (AL) is in Frostburg, Maryland, in the western part of the state. The AL has a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary environment unique to smaller, research-intensive institutions. We prioritize an inclusive and collegial lab culture and look forward to welcoming new colleagues. The postdoc will be mentored by Miriam Johnston, new faculty at the AL, who studies how disturbance and climatic stress affect plant demography and terrestrial ecosystem fluxes of carbon, water, and energy. The postdoc will contribute to a growing lab group and will be welcomed into a vibrant and well-connected network of iLand users in North America and beyond.

Location: Frostburg is a small college town in the scenic Appalachian Mountains with a low cost of living, little traffic, small K-12 schools, and abundant outdoor recreational and cultural opportunities. Nearby amenities include numerous state parks and forests, whitewater areas, bike trails including the Great Allegheny Passage, and Frostburg State University.

Qualifications: Applicant must have: (1) a PhD in ecology, forestry, data science, or a related field by the start date of this position, (2) experience with a forest landscape or terrestrial ecosystem model (i.e. iLand, LANDIS-II, ED2, or similar), and (3) high motivation and effective communication skills.

The preferred start date is January 2026 but is flexible. Funding is available for a minimum of two years and up to three years, renewable on an annual basis, contingent upon the postdoc’s performance. In-person work at the Appalachian Lab is strongly preferred, but hybrid work from Maryland or the surrounding states (DC, PA, WV, VA, DE) will be considered.

Required Application Materials: (1) a cover letter describing relevant research experience, interests, and goals, (2) a current CV, (3) a writing sample (preferably a published/submitted journal article) and (4) contact information (names, affiliations, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses) for three professional references.

Best Consideration Date: 12/05/2025

Posting Close Date: n/a

Open Until Filled: yes