Postdoctoral position through Oregon State University
There is a full-time position available for a Postdoctoral Research
Associate, for the Department of Biological and Ecological
Engineering at Oregon State University (OSU).
Department of Biological and Ecological Engineering - Research
Associate (Postdoctoral)
Position: The Department of Biological and Ecological Engineering at
Oregon State University (OSU) announces the availability of a
full-time position for a Postdoctoral Research Associate, to work on
simulating the impacts of future climate at Wind Cave National Park
(WICA) using the dynamic global vegetation model MC1.
Background Information: This collaborative project between OSU and
the National Park Service (NPS) will use localized, quantitative
simulations of future climate at WICA to simulate the expected
ecosystem responses to potential future climate scenarios using a
dynamic global vegetation model customized for the park and its
vicinity. This is a key opportunity, as WICA begins revising its
General Management Plan, to include climate change forecasting as a
vital set of information for long-term park planning. Interpretive
programs will use the project products and convey the knowledge
gained about climate change impacts in the northern Great Plains to visitors.
The supervisor for this position is affiliated with the Department
but is also a full time employee for the Conservation Biology
Institute in Corvallis. The USGS lead PI for the overall project is
located at Wind Cave National Park (SD).
Appointment: Full-time, 1.0 FTE, 12-month fixed-term appointment,
with possibility of renewal for a total of 2 years subject to
performance and availability of funds. Salary is commensurate with
education and experience.
Responsibilities and Duties:
This collaborative project between OSU and NPS will use the following
approach:
* Calibrate and test a dynamic vegetation model (MC1) to simulate
as accurately as possible current conditions in and around WICA (~30%);
* Apply MC1 to simulate future vegetation productivity and
ecosystem processes composition in and near the park using climate
and hydrological model output provided by other cooperators (10-50
year time frame) given two to four climate/management scenarios (~30%).
* Train all project participants and interested WICA staff in the
fundamentals of MC1's assumptions and algorithms (~20%).
* Provide the project results in a report that includes an
executive summary/abstract, methods, results, discussion,
conclusions, and references section (~20%).
WICA natural resources staff will provide necessary information for
the ecosystem modeling, including soil and vegetation data, climate
and hydrological projections (provided by US Geological Survey (USGS)
cooperators), and potential management actions that would affect
vegetation. Park staff will provide local expertise on ecosystem
processes to better fit the model to this location, as well as
feedback on results to evaluate the model's output. Regular
discussions between WICA staff and OSU will ensure that the model's
structure and output are as accurate and useful to the park as possible.
The candidate is expected to work primarily in Corvallis, but there
will be extended visits to WICA to meet with NPS and USGS staff and
particularly Amy Symstad, lead PI of the overall project. Location of
residence could be discussed.
Qualifications: A PhD in ecology, environmental sciences,
ecoinformatics, computer science, environmental engineering, or
related field is required. Experience working with complex simulation
models, and good oral and written communication skills are
advantageous. Additional preference will be given to candidates with
a background in programming and in GIS as well as in ecosystem
modeling. It is preferred that the candidate is available to start
between November 1, 2010 and December 1, 2010. A demonstrable
commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity is also preferred.
University and Community: OSU is one of only two American
universities to hold the Land-, Sea-, Sun- and Space-Grant
designations and is the only Oregon institution recognized for its
"very high research activity" (RU/VH) by the Carnegie Foundation for
the Advancement of Teaching. OSU is comprised of 11 academic colleges
with strengths in natural resources, earth dynamics and
sustainability, life sciences, entrepreneurship and the arts and
sciences. OSU has facilities and/or programs in every county in the
state, including 12 regional experiment stations, 41 county extension
offices, a branch campus in Bend, and the Hatfield Marine Science
Center (HMSC) on the Oregon coast. HMSC has a 40 year history of
research, education, and outreach. It encompasses a large group of
partners on its 49 acre site on Yaquina Bay in Newport, Oregon.
Within OSU, HMSC includes researchers, students, or faculty from five
colleges and more than ten departments, and serves as home to several
University programs.
The university has an institution-wide commitment to diversity,
multiculturalism and community. We actively engage in recruiting and
retaining a diverse workforce and student body that include members
of historically underrepresented groups. We strive to build and
sustain a welcoming and supportive campus environment. OSU provides
outstanding leadership opportunities for people interested in
promoting and enhancing diversity, nurturing creativity and building
community.
Application Closing: For full consideration, applications must be
received by November 15, 2010.
To Apply: Applications for employment should consist of a letter
of scientific interest, a detailed curriculum vita that includes a
description of relevant skills and experiences, future research
interests, a list of publications, and the names and addresses
(including email addresses) of at least four references. Inquiries
about the position may be directed via email to Dr. Dominique
Bachelet (<mailto:[email protected]>[email protected]).
Oregon State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
