I am recruiting a postdoctoral fellow to join the Suding Lab at the University of California Berkeley to work on the project "Sustainable solutions to cross thresholds and build ecological resilience: Orange County Invasive Species Management." The project is in collaboration with Stephen Swallow (economist, University of Rhode Island), Kristine Preston (Science director, Nature Reserve of Orange County), Trish Smith (Ecologist, The Nature Conservancy), and Megan Lulow (Ecologist, Irvine Ranch Conservancy), and is funded by the Invasive Plant Program at USDA.
The purpose of this project is to develop an evidence-based framework that land managers and restoration practitioners can use to make decisions about invasive species management and restoration. This framework considers ecological and economic constraints to long term recovery of native habitats, with the goals to estimate ecological success of management alternatives to control invasive species, enhance ecosystem services, and increase resistance to further invasion. We are looking for someone with a PhD in ecology with experience in plant community theory, invasive species and/or restoration ecology. A demonstrated publication record, GIS and quantitative analytical skills, knowledge of California flora, and experience working with land managers or in an interdisciplinary setting are desired. The successful candidate will lead the ecological monitoring, experimentation and database components of the project, and help to coordinate the formulation of science-based decision-making tools. The position will be for 2+ years, based at UC Berkeley, with extended travel to Orange County. Start date is flexible, but early 2011 (to coincide with the winter/spring growing season) is preferable. To apply, please email Katharine Suding ([email protected]) your CV, names of three references, and statement of prior work. We will begin to consider applications immediately and continue until November 23rd or until a suitable candidate is found. Our research group works on questions relating to plant community dynamics, restoration, invasion, and environmental change. Please see www.nature.berkeley.edu/sudinglab/ for more information about our group, current projects, and collaborations.
