Postdoctoral position in modelling ecosystem services for regional landscapes
An interdisciplinary team from Université Laval, Université de Sherbrooke, Université du Québec à Rimouski, Quebec Institute of Statistics and the Ministry of Natural Resources, in partnership with regional collaborators, is evaluating the esthetic value of landscapes in two important tourist regions of Quebec, Charlevoix and Gaspé regions. This assessment is the first step in a broader study to quantify ecosystem services and to develop a decision support tool that will integrate these services at the landscape scale. The first pilot studies will be carried out at the watershed scale. We are looking for an enthusiastic team person to accomplish two key tasks for our team: 1) determine with local committees the important biophysical attributes that will serve as a basis for evaluation of esthetic value of the landscape; 2) develop the framework for dynamic modelling of ecosystem services in relation to changes in land use. These are quite challenging tasks, requiring close collaboration both with regional partners and with the ten members of our team, including other graduate students. The postdoctoral position is offered for one year at $32000 Can, renewable for a second year after evaluation. The candidate will be member of a dynamic research centre, the Centre for Forest Research (le CEF: www.cef-cfr.ca) that represents 55 researchers from 11 universities in the domains of forest ecology and forest biology. The post is based in Quebec City, a 400 yr-old city which is a wonderful place to live and work, especially if you like outdoor activity and interesting culture (and food). The cost of living is very reasonable and the quality of life, high. Requirements - PhD for the end of September, able to start work with us in October - Experience with application of spatial models, such as LANDIS, user of GIS, programming ability - Background in ecology, natural resources management, geography or economics - Good writing skills and publication experience - Capacity to function in French is preferred, or interest to learn will be considered For more information and to apply, please send a motivation letter, detailing pertinent experiences, as well as a CV with contact information for references, to Alison Munson: [email protected] For my lab: http://www.cefcfr.ca/index.php?n=Membres.AlisonMunson?userlang=en
