University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa Dept. of Natural Resources and Environmental Management
A postdoctoral position is available for a highly qualified individual to join our research group in Hawai‘i studying the impacts of invasive species on ecosystem structure and function in tropical rainforests. The successful applicant will work on two complementary projects: (i) The first project, funded by the USDA CSREES Program, will quantify the impacts of nonnative, feral pigs (Sus scrofa) on vegetation dynamics (native and nonnative biodiversity) and ecosystem processes (carbon and nitrogen cycling). (ii) The second project, funded by the USDA Forest Service, Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry and the Carnegie Institution, will utilize cutting-edge remote sensing techniques (LIDAR and hyperspectral remote sensing) to develop tools for identifying and mapping strawberry guava (Psidium cattleianum) invasions. Both projects will include a significant field component and utilize existing, as well as create new, permanent plots in the Hawai‘i Experimental Tropical Forest of the USDA Forest Service. Funding is available for a research technician(s) to assist with the field and laboratory work. In addition to managing planned projects focusing on vegetation dynamics, ecosystem function, and remote sensing, the successful applicant will be encouraged to develop and seek funding for complimentary research topics. Applicants should possess: (i) strong quantitative skills; (ii) potential for publishing in high quality journals; (iii) experience in plant ecology (vegetation dynamics) and ecosystem science (field measurements of carbon and nitrogen pools and fluxes); and (iv) experience with remote sensing techniques for characterizing forest structure. Prior experience in Hawaiian or other tropical ecosystems is a plus but is not required. The successful candidate will collaborate with a diverse research group that includes Dr. Creighton M. Litton (Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa), Dr. Christian P. Giardina (USDA Forest Service, Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry), Dr. Greg Asner (Department of Global Ecology, Carnegie Institution), and a number of graduate students and technicians. The position will be filled as a University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa employee, and will be located primarily in Hilo, Hawai‘I in state-of-the-art facilities ~25 miles from research sites. Hilo is a scenic, affordable, and laid-back town with ready access to a variety of outdoor and cultural activities. The initial appointment is for 1 year with full benefits and a competitive salary. Funding is available for a second year given satisfactory performance. The desired start date is early Fall 2009. Please direct any questions regarding the position to Dr. Creighton M. Litton ([email protected]) with “Invasive species postdoc question” in the subject line. The position will be officially advertised through the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa in early September. We would like to begin reviewing interested applicants immediately, however, so send a cover letter outlining your educational and research background and interests, a curriculum vitae, and contact information for three professional references (names, email, phone number, and mailing address) as a single PDF document to [email protected] with “Invasive Species postdoc application” in the subject line by September 1, 2009. We will contact qualified applicants soon thereafter with the official job number and details for submitting an online application with the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. ____________________________________________ Creighton M. Litton, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Forest Ecology Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management University of Hawaii at Manoa Sherman Lab 240 1910 East-West Rd. Honolulu, HI 96822 email: [email protected] phone: 808-956-6004 fax: 808-956-6539 http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/LittonC/ ____________________________________________
