We seek a postdoctoral researcher to join a multi-institutional project focused on forecasting the effect of climate change on the distribution and abundance of big sagebrush in order to inform sage grouse management across the Intermountain West. The novelty of the work will come from a synthesis of models based on spatial, temporal, and mechanistic relationships between climate and sagebrush cover. The successful candidates primary responsibility will be development of a sagebrush functional type in the LPJ-GUESS dynamic global vegetation model, along with implementation of a fire submodel. This work will be conducted with Dr. Ben Poulter at Montana State University, Bozeman. The candidate will also work closely with Dr. Peter Adler at Utah State University and Dr. Bethany Bradley at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst to integrate predictions from LPJ-GUESS with predictions from other models. Required qualifications: a PhD in ecology, applied math, or a related field; computer programming experience, or a demonstrated ability to quickly learn programming; strong writing and communication skills; ability to work in a collaborative environment. Desired qualifications: background in plant or ecosystem ecology; experience with ecological modeling. We are especially interested in applications from women and underrepresented groups. For application instructions, go to jobs.usu.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=61021. We will begin reviewing applications Jan. 19. Contact Peter Adler (peter.adler [at] usu.edu) or Ben Poulter (benjamin.poulter [at] montana.edu) with questions.
