Research Specialist in Princeton, New Jersey at Princeton University

Prof. Simon Levin performs research on complex adaptive systems and the coupling of ecological and socioeconomic systems. As part of this program, he seeks to recruit an assistant, especially to help with computer simulations.

The research assistant will help develop a spatially explicit agent-based model to investigate how heterogeneous collections of farmers respond to environmental policy incentives and how these decentralized decisions shape long-run ecological and economic outcomes in agricultural landscapes. Preliminary work illustrates how coupling ecological feedback with heterogeneous behavioral responses can generate non-linear land-use dynamics and policy outcomes that cannot be captured by representative-agent optimization approaches. The model combines spatial heterogeneity in land quality, heterogeneous farm sizes, endogenous environmental feedbacks, and alternative farmer objective functions to examine the interaction between land-use decisions and environmental dynamics.

The work will include primarily model development and exploration, and the preparation of a manuscript.

This position is suitable for someone with knowledge of theoretical ecology methods and the ability to perform computational simulation, analysis and model testing.

• Aid in model development (35%)

• Perform agent-based and other simulations (30%)

• Aid in Manuscript development (35%)

Essential Qualifications:
• This position requires a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
• Strong quantitative and programming background (Python, QGIS)
• A willingness to learn GIS software and other programs or tools necessary for the project
• Strong orientation toward teamwork and collaborative research

Preferred Qualifications:
• Background in high-performance computing (C, C++, or a comparable language) a plus.
• Excellent writing and verbal presentation skills also highly desired

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.

If the salary range on the posted position shows an hourly rate, this is the baseline; the actual hourly rate may be higher, depending on the position and factors listed above.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.