We are seeking a highly motivated post-doctoral scientist to work on an interdisciplinary NSF Macrosystems Biology project developing a framework for building forest management into Earth system modeling. The post- doctorial researcher (PDR) will assist in the forest ecology and synthesis aspects of the project, and will be responsible for conducting work to test hypotheses of forest management impacts on productivity and heterogeneity across scales from the stand to region. The PDR will interact with an interdisciplinary team from University of Alabama, University of Florida, Boston University, University of Wisconsin, Montana State University, and in particular work closely with scientists at the University of Washington and Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center. The PDR will work closely and coordinate with two other PDRs focused on mapping and modeling. Applicants should possess a PhD in forest ecology or forest biometrics. The ideal candidate will have a strong quantitative background, as well as a working knowledge of forest management practices and experience in data management. Foundation for this study: Forest function and management are fundamentally connected at stand to continental scales. Although there has been much research at the stand level and substantial theory that explains how stands and ecosystems function, there is a lack of understanding of how these theories scale to larger areas subject to quantitatively and qualitatively different kinds of disturbances. Management of forest resources has been guided by ecological theories that simplify disturbance, management, and climate impacts on forests, but feedbacks from management are seldom considered to significantly influence function. This observation leads to one of the most important questions of Macrosystems Biology: How does what we know from studies of areas measured in meters to kilometers apply to much more heterogeneous areas measured in thousands of kilometers, within which human activities may become the most significant determinants of functional responses to disturbances? This proposed research aims to develop a framework for building forest management into Earth system modeling, and conduct analyses to test whether stand-level ecological theories hold in larger areas. The macrosystem scale at which these concepts break down will be investigated across different regions of the continental US. The over-arching objectives of our study are to A) determine how the variations in forest management, climate, and disturbance impact the structure and function of forest ecosystems, and B) quantify the relative importance of forest management, climate, and disturbance as drivers of ecosystem structure and function at stand to continental scales across North American forests. The position is funded for two years and includes, competitive salary, and health benefits. Applicants should submit via email 1) a current curriculum vita, 2) a statement of research interests; and 3) the names, phone numbers and email addresses of three references to Dr. Christina Staudhammer ([email protected] or 205-348-1538). For more information contact Dr. Staudhammer, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama. Initial review of applications will begin on February 22, 2013.
