POST-DOCTORAL RESEARCHER IN TERRESTRIAL AND AQUATIC BIOGEOCHEMISTRY
The successful candidate's primary responsibility will be to investigate
and understand terrestrial to aquatic (i.e., anchialine ponds)
biogeochemical dynamics and linkages relating to the presence of the
non-native, N-fixing tree, Prosopis pallida (a.k.a. "Kiawe" in Hawaii)
in dry coastal and lowland ecosystems of leeward Hawaii. Specifically,
the researcher will investigate how Prosopis productivity is influenced
by contrasting water availability, and how it alters terrestrial C and N
accumulation and cycling as well as water quantity and quality of
anchialine ponds and groundwater. Measurements will include Prosopis
stand productivity and nutrient cycling, soil water availability and
salinity, isotope values of water, plant tissue, dissolved nutrients,
and soils, and a variety of climate parameters. The researcher will work
in close collaboration with terrestrial and aquatic ecologists as well
as geochemists, and will be expected to assist supervision of
undergraduate and graduate students. This work will be a key component
of an interdisciplinary research program seeking to understand the
sources, sinks and biogeochemical evolution of groundwater nutrient
pathways along the central Kona coast of Hawaii, with its main thrust
being the differentiation and interaction between pristine,
anthropogenic and invasive species nutrient flux/reservoir components.
This program further seeks to characterize the economic benefits and
costs of reducing nutrient loading through management of all identified
drivers. The postdoctoral researcher will focus on measurement of
Prosopis stand processes as they relate to terrestrial and aquatic
nutrient cycling and productivity, soil hydrologic processes, and
climate, as well as collaborating and coordinating with researchers at
UH, USDA-Forest Service, and state agencies that are developing a
cross-cutting initiative in water resources and ecohydrology in Hawaii.
PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS: EDUCATION: Ph.D from an accredited university in
biology, ecology, environmental science, botany, geography, or related
field. EXPERIENCE: Four to six (4-6) years in field and lab research
relating to biogeochemical measurements of plants, soils, and/or water.
ABIL/KNOW/SKILLS: Ability to work independently and collaboratively with
a diverse team of scientists, technicians, community members, and
students (graduate and undergraduate); ability to collect and analyze
biogeochemical data; strong interpersonal and organizational skills;
excellent writing and verbal skills; ability to work on rough terrain
and in otherwise physically demanding environments. Valid driver's
license. PHYSICAL/MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS: Physically fit to be able to
conduct outdoor work. SECONDARY QUALIFICATIONS: A demonstrated record of
research publication; experience with isotopes and watershed-scale
ecological processes. INQUIRIES: Dr. Rebecca Ostertag
(<mailto:[email protected]>[email protected]) or Dr. Flint Hughes
(<mailto:[email protected]>[email protected]). Please
see www.rcuh.com for more details about applying through the online
system (details on this specific position coming soon).
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