Position Announcement
Postdoctoral Position in Functional Ecology (Plant Functional Traits)
Developing Novel Ecosystems that Enhance Carbon Storage, Native
Biodiversity, and Human Mobility in Lowland Hawaiian Forests
A postdoctoral research position is available for an individual interested
in melding plant functional trait theory with restoration planning. The
objectives of the study are to determine appropriate candidate species for
tropical lowland wet forest restoration based on their functional traits.
Tropical lowland wet forests have been heavily used by humans for centuries
and in many places we no longer have undisturbed reference systems that can
serve as pristine controls. In Hawaii in particular, lowland wet forests
are heavily invaded by widespread non-native trees. Management efforts to
return to pre-historic states have not been effective and new methods are
required. We propose to develop and evaluate a set of what we call hybrid
ecosystems, in which a mix of native and non-native species maintains
valuable forest structure and ecosystem services. Utilizing functional trait
level information and ecological assembly rules, we propose to design
combinations of species that will serve as self-sustaining hybrid
ecosystems, balancing tradeoffs between supporting sustainable native
biodiversity and human needs for C storage.
The position will be based at the USDA Forest Service, Institute of Pacific
Islands Forestry office in Hilo, Hawaii. The successful candidate will work
closely with project investigators Dr. Rebecca Ostertag, University of
Hawaii at Hilo, Dr. Susan Cordell, USDAFS, PSW-Institute of Pacific Islands
Forestry, and Dr. Peter Vitousek, Stanford University. In addition the
candidate will supervise field technicians, graduate and undergraduate
research assistants. Responsibilities will include plant functional trait
analysis, and design, implementation and evaluation of field and greenhouse
studies related to the research objectives of the project. Development of
additional areas of interest that conform with the scope of the research
project will be encouraged.
A Ph.D. in Ecology, Plant Biology or equivalent is required. Technical
skills desired include: Strong quantitative skills and in particular
experience with multivariate statistical models and analysis including
indices related to functional diversity; expertise in data management and
databases; and an understanding of the theory and measurement of plant
functional traits. A publishing record in peer-reviewed journals is also
required. Good physical stamina for extended hours of field work under hot
and sunny (or cool and rainy) conditions is a must. This postdoc position
is part of a multi-year Department of Defense, Strategic Environmental
Research and Development Program-funded research grant.
This is a two-year appointment with competitive benefits. Applicants should
send a letter of interest, curriculum vitae and the names and full contact
information (email and phone numbers) of three potential references to Susan
Cordell (808-854-2628), scordel...@fs.fed.us no later than June 30, 2011.
Additional information will be forwarded upon request.
