POSTDOCTORAL RESESARCH ASSOCIATE (MONICA TURNER’S LAB, UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON) Modeling consequences of climate warming and novel fire regimes for forests of Greater Yellowstone.
DESCRIPTION. We seek a postdoctoral research associate to develop a spatially explicit simulation model for projecting vegetation patterns and carbon stocks in Greater Yellowstone. This research is part of an ongoing effort to understand implications of changing climate and fire regimes for postfire successional trajectories and carbon storage during the 21st century. The proposed research aims to elucidate conditions that could potentially produce state changes in Yellowstone’s forests using a spatially explicit trait-based framework. This project will build on existing field data and models, and the postdoctoral associate will be part of a larger research team that includes collaborators at other institutions. The postdoctoral associate will: develop a spatially explicit model that simulates response of dominant tree species with different fire-related functional traits to the size and frequency of stand-replacing fire; project spatially explicit changes in climate and fire regimes; explore scenarios that evaluate how spatial heterogeneity may mediate the magnitude and rate of ecological change; analyze and interpret model output; and communicate research orally and through peer-reviewed journal articles. The position is funded for one year (September 2015 to August 2016) with the potential for extension through December 2016. Further extension is possible only if new funding becomes available. For additional information about the Turner Lab, visit http://landscape.zoology.wisc.edu/. For additional information about ecology at UW-Madison, visit http://ecology.wisc.edu/. QUALIFICATIONS. Applicants must have completed a Ph.D. in forest ecology, disturbance ecology, or a related field prior to appointment and must have demonstrable experience and proficiency in ecosystem or landscape simulation modeling. Candidates should have background in landscape ecology and strong quantitative skills, including GIS and spatial analysis. Knowledge of fire ecology and familiarity with climate change research and downscaled climate data are desirable. Applications are encouraged from outstanding candidates who enjoy and work well in a collaborative team setting and have excellent communication and writing skills. TO APPLY. Candidates should email (in a single PDF file) a cover letter, CV, one-page statement of research interests, and the names and contact information of three references to Monica Turner ([email protected]). Please indicate “Modeling Postdoc Application” in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed starting 19 June 2015. The position will remain open until filled.
