Postdoctoral Researcher/Research Associate Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society, Oregon State University Fire ecology/pyrogeography
Postdoctoral position studying spatial patterns of contemporary wildfire ‘refugia’ in western North America The Department of Forest Ecosystems & Society at Oregon State University invites applications for a full-time (1.00 FTE), 12-month fixed term Research Associate (Post Doc) position. Reappointment for a second year is at the discretion of the Department Head. This position conducts research in the study of spatial pattern and predictability of contemporary wildfire ‘refugia’ (unburned patches of burn mosaics) in western North America. This position will be responsible for geospatial and statistical analyses of large datasets, interpretation of model results, and communication of findings in peer reviewed journal and conference presentations. There is potential to contribute to the fieldwork component of the research program. This successful candidate will work with Dr. Meg Krawchuk at Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon as part of an existing collaborative effort with research partners Dr. Sandra Haire (Haire Laboratory), Dr. Carol Miller (Aldo Leopold Wilderness Research Institute), Dr. Jonathan Coop (Western State Colorado University), and Dr. Marc-André Parisien (Canadian Forest Service), and Dr. Geneva Chong (USGS). Minimum/required requirements: • PhD in natural resources, ecology, biogeography, environmental science or a closely related field. • Computing skills including statistical software (R), spatial software (ArcGIS), and experience with large datasets. • Professional competence in planning, designing, executing, and communicating research in an efficient and timely manner. • Demonstrated proficiency for independently writing scientific publications for submission to peer-reviewed journals. • Strong communication skills that allow for working effectively as a member of a spatially distributed collaborative research team. Preferred qualifications: • Previous research experience with wildfire. • Knowledge and experience of contemporary fire management and conservation issues. • Lead author on publication using large geospatial datasets. • A demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity and inclusion. Position duties: 45% – Data collection, geospatial analyses (e.g., burn severity metrics such as those gleaned from Monitoring Trends in Burn Severity Program (MTBS), fire weather/climate, topography, land management, land cover), and statistical model development (e.g., Classification and Regression Tree (CART), and Generalized Linear Model (GLM) to determine explanatory variables regulating the occurrence of fire refugia (unburned patches) of forest landscapes across western North America, with a focus on topographic/physiognomic predictability. 20% – Interpretation of model outputs in the context of landscape ecology, conservation, and land management. Development of effective data graphics to communicate results in a meaningful format, including to scientists and resource managers. 35% – Preparation of written results into publishable format, and submission to peer reviewed journals. Presentation of results at scientific conferences and/or meetings. Interaction/communication with members of the lab group at OSU and communication with project collaborators. Salary: Salary is commensurate with education and experience. Ideally, the position starts September 10, 2016 but start date is negotiable. For additional information please contact: Meg Krawchuk at [email protected] Visit the application web site http://jobs.oregonstate.edu/postings/26794 for complete details and to submit materials. To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by July 1, 2016 (posted June 9, 2016). Applications will continue to be accepted after the full consideration date, until a sufficient applicant pool has been achieved or the position is filled. The closing date is subject to change without notice to applicants. When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents: 1) A resume/CV; and 2) A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position. You are required to submit the names of at least three professional references, their e-mail addresses and telephone numbers as part of the application process. OSU commits to inclusive excellence by advancing equity and diversity in all that we do. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.
