A postdoctoral position on “Carbon Dynamics of Tropical Peatlands" research is available at the School of Life Sciences at the Arizona State University. A high number of tropical peatlands recently reported in the Western Amazon basin represent a major unknown in the make up of regional carbon (C) budgets, accounts of greenhouse gas fluxes and possible climate effects on C storage and decomposition in this key region of the world. As part of a collaborative research, this postdoctoral position will evaluate questions on dynamics of net primary productivity, hydrology, and greenhouse gas formation across several tropical peatland sites in the Western Amazon (primarily Peru). Postdoctoral associate will develop a research program within this context and interface with ecosystem modeling efforts at local and regional levels. Opportunities to interact with tests on microbial activity and molecular approaches will also be available. Field as well computational skills will be developed in this project and postdoc will participate in training workshops in the Amazon basin.
This position is under primary coordination of Prof. Hinsby Cadillo-Quiroz (C degradation in peatlands) and based at ASU (http://cadillo.lab.asu.edu). The selected candidate will join a collaborative project including faculty of University of Arizona (Prof. Joost van Haren, ecosystem biogeochemistry) and Purdue University (Prof. Qianlai Zhuang, Peatland Ecosystem modeling), besides ASU. Postdoctoral researcher will catalyze several inter-group projects and facilitate data synthesis/modeling. Applicants must have a PhD in relevant areas (Ecology, Environmental Sciences, Forestry, Geoscience, others). Candidates with expertise in monitoring of forest primary productivity or connections of NPP to greenhouse gas fluxes would be preferred. Fieldwork will be significant with months-long expeditions in the Peruvian Amazon; hence availability for and experience with international travel and working proficiency in Spanish will be favorably considered. Strong candidates will also possess: (i) significant publication record (papers published, in press, or submitted), (ii) creativity, independence, and the desire to learn, (iii) proficiency in both written and spoken English, as well as (iv) analytical, interpersonal, and presentation skills. Position is available for up to three years, renewable annually upon satisfactory performance. Competitive salary and benefits are available. Application should include: (i) a brief cover letter, (ii) Curriculum Vitae including three professional references, (iii) a brief description of past research accomplishments and future research goals. Send application to the following email: [email protected] The initial closing date for receipt of applications is May 15th; applications will be reviewed weekly thereafter until the search is closed. Starting date is flexible but mid June 2014 is recommended. A background check is required for employment. Arizona State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to excellence through diversity. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. For additional information on this position and the School of Life Sciences, please visit https://sols.asu.edu/resources/employment.
