Research Scientist in Computational Optimization
Tulane University’s ByWater Institute invites applications for a staff research scientist in the field of computational optimization (e.g., simulation optimization, engineering design optimization, or applications of machine learning to high-dimensional or computationally costly black-box optimization) to begin in 2024. The scholar will work with ByWater Institute Director Dr. John Sabo and interdisciplinary teams from across Tulane University in support of programs in Data-Driven and Computational Water Sustainability. This position supports and leads projects to develop data-driven decision support tools that assist our public and private sector partners in scoping, strategizing and designing corporate stewardship projects in large river basins across the world.
Essential duties
The successful candidate will develop efficient approaches for supporting the optimal siting and operation of green and gray water resources (e.g., wetlands, dams, and reservoirs) that best tradeoff among multiple design objectives engaging multiple stakeholders within large river basins. Ideally, green and gray water resources will be designed to simultaneously minimize risks for both droughts and floods while also meeting water demands under normal conditions, but water is a finite resource, and choices made in one part of a river basin are necessarily coupled to outcomes in regions far from that area. A practical matter complicating this multi-objective problem is that predicting these water flows is complex and can require different computational models for different aspects of the problem (e.g., predicting surface or ground water flows under different hypothetical driving functions), each of which may be very high dimensional due to the large area and the potentially very large number of options for how to intervene effectively. Furthermore, design choices should respect pragmatic sociopolitical constraints while also attempting to minimize the costs of implementation. Consequently, it is not possible to collapse all objectives into a single index as the relative weights of each objective may be unknowable, and so optimization approaches must use Pareto-optimal frameworks that result in sets of solutions for human decision makers to select from based on subjective criteria outside of the main optimization problem. The candidate will be able to formulate such multi-objective design problems and then use (and, as necessary, develop) simulation-based optimization methods that produce Pareto-efficient sets of watershed designs that inform and complement human decision making. Work will nominally involve: (a) automating the multi-objective evaluation of candidate watershed designs using of existing physics-based computational models for infiltration and flow, (b) developing methods for efficiently encoding the very high dimensional space of possible watershed designs to be amenable to computational optimization, (c) use and development of optimization metaheuristics and tools from simulation optimization to produce Pareto efficient watershed solutions, and (d) development and evaluation of surrogate models to massively decrease the time required for generating a candidate Pareto-efficient watershed design set.
Minimum qualifications
Applicants must have a Ph.D. in Computer Science/Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a related discipline and have a background in optimization
with strong, demonstrated interest in high-performance computing, computational simulation, and tools for simulation optimization such as optimization metaheuristics. Familiarity with computational methods for multi-objective optimization is highly preferred. One or two research papers on related topics, as well as experience of implementation and experimentation with automated experiments with complex simulation models, are also strongly preferred.
Desired qualifications
Experience with running large experiments in high-performance data clusters, and familiarity with good software engineering practices and advanced data management tools will be highly regarded by the screening committee. Hands-on experience with the development of web apps for visualization of complex solutions is also favorable.
Applicants must submit:
1. Cover letter explaining how prior experience and qualifications are appropriate to the job activities.
2. Statement of research accomplishments. Applicants should describe experience and goals related to the research, highlighting strengths of the applicant’s experience. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate their dedication to solving sustainability problems through research and scholarship, capacity to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams, and excellent communication skills. Special emphasis will be placed on candidates who explain how their research would both benefit from and advance ongoing activities around public–private partnerships to solve sustainability problems, who strongly integrate the pursuit of knowledge about earth science and modelling with end users outside of the ivory tower.
3. Curriculum Vitae or resume.
4. Letters of recommendation. Provide the name, phone number, address, and e-mail address of three references.
Only electronic applications will be accepted.
URL: https://jobs.tulane.edu/position/IRC30833
Research Scientist in Social Sciences
The Bywater Institute’s mission is to catalyze thriving climate and water futures through transdisciplinary and collaborative scholarship. Housed at Tulane University in New Orleans, LA, the ByWater Institute is committed to making an impact from local to global scales by developing solutions that prioritize equitable access to environmentally safe spaces, connecting communities with the resources they need to thrive in the face of adversity.
Our team is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Social Scientist who will support research on climate adaptation, community-based resilience planning, and socio-economic impacts of environmental changes along the U.S. Gulf Coast and other areas of the globe.
Ideal candidates will have a deep understanding of the interrelations between social and ecological systems and have interest in engaging and collaborating with scholars from a range of disciplinary backgrounds. Candidates should also have experience with qualitative data collection and analysis, as well as excellent leadership and organizational skills. Experience working with communities disproportionately impacted by climate change is a plus.
The incumbent will grow the research capacity of ByWater by designing and implementing innovative research projects. A large portion of the incumbent’s time will be spent supporting ByWater Research Faculty with a National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Gulf Research Program funded study examining drivers of climate and environmental migration and socio-economic resilience in the Lower Mississippi River Delta. Additionally, the incumbent will have opportunities to seek external funding and pursue their own research.
Essential functions of the position include: (1) conducting semi-structured interviews and field observations; (2) managing and analyzing qualitative data; (3) writing articles and grant reports; (4) presenting research results; (5) engaging in research proposal development.
A terminal Degree (Ph.D.) in a social science-related field, or interdisciplinary field with adequate focus on social dimensions of the environment, is required. Additional required and preferred qualifications can be found in the official job description, found here: https://jobs.tulane.edu/position/IRC30831
The following application materials are required:
• Cover letter (2 page maximum)
• CV
• Statement on research experience and interests (3 page maximum)
• 2 academic writing samples
• List of three professional references (letters of recommendation will be required for individuals making it to the interview stage)
For questions about your application please email ByWater@Tulane.edu
Scientific Research Analyst II
The Scientific Research Analyst II position will support the research of the Associate Research Professor of the Tulane ByWater Institute in the fields of socio-hydrology, climate change, and health. The incumbent will work in a multidisciplinary environment assisting advancement of multiple research projects in the fields of the nexus of water-food-energy, climate change and mental health, valuation of flooding and climate change adaptation.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Experience data management, data analysis/modeling and data visualization/reporting.
• Programming skills using any programing language or coding/developer platform.
• Ability to conduct literature review and to write technical notes/reports.
• Excellent time management, interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
Required Education and/or Experience
• Bachelor’s Degree
• At least 2 years of experience in quantitative analysis/modeling.
Preferred Qualifications
• Master’s Degree
• Familiarity with R or Python
• Experience with geospatial data
• Knowledge of statistics and probabilities
• Motivated to embark on multidisciplinary research topics
How to Apply: Please apply electronically at https://jobs.tulane.edu/position/IRC30832. For full consideration, please submit a resume and cover letter that details your research experience and interests.
Research Coordinator
The Research Coordinator will support research on coastal climate adaptation, community and economic resilience, and urban and rural water management at the Tulane ByWater Institute. The incumbent will work in a multidisciplinary environment supporting research staff and faculty in managing, coordinating, and executing research and other funded programming.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Experience working in scientific teams on research programming.
• Experience working for or collaborating with community organizations or other non-governmental organizations.
• Excellent time management, interpersonal, organizational, written, and communication skills.
• Ability to initiate and cultivate effective partnerships between the university and community organizations.
• Ability to travel locally and regionally.
• Ability to take leadership role in organizing diverse participants to effectively achieve programmatic goals.
Required Education and/or Experience
• Bachelor’s Degree in environmental science and/or environmental social science.
• Two years of experience contributing to externally funded research programs.
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience in multidisciplinary research teams.
• Experience with project management and meeting facilitation.
• Experience working with climate justice and/or Indigenous communities.
• Experience in environmental science field work, data collection, and data management/analysis.
How to Apply: Please apply electronically at https://jobs.tulane.edu/position/IRC30779. For full consideration, please submit a resume and cover letter that details your research experience and interests.
