I am seeking a postdoctoral student to both develop new and oversee existing studies on the influence of prescribed fire on ecosystem services in Central Hardwoods Forest. This position would be funded partially through Purdue and through several external sources (including Indiana DNR-Division of Forestry, Joint Sciences Program, USDA Forest Service and US Department of Navy). The Purdue Postdoctoral Scholar in Natural Resources is a 2-year appointment at an annual salary of $47,480 per year plus benefits, and includes a discretionary fund of $5,000 per year for travel, equipment, and other expenses. Start date for the position is negotiable, but should be no later than March 31, 2017.
Specifically, the incumbent will work with Dr. Saunders to design a research project on the fire ecology of oak-dominated forests. This project can be either developed “from scratch” or use several large datasets that have already been collected on temperatures within and effects from several replicates of fall and spring prescribed fires in Indiana. Projects could include development of refined fuel-models for Central Hardwood Forests, impacts on nutrient dynamics, effects on oak regeneration dynamics, and indirect effects on wildlife-mediated ecosystem services (e.g., seed dispersal or pollination). The Scholar would also work with members of the Saunders lab to produce high-impact publications from several existing studies and develop several extension-related products. The position requires a Ph.D. in forestry or related fields; security restrictions at some field sites limits the position to only U.S. citizens. Preference will be given to candidates with field research experience, strong statistical and database skills, a demonstrated record of publishing – particularly in fire ecology, and experience in grantmanship. Mentorship of undergraduate and graduate students will be expected; undergraduate teaching may also be possible while in the position. If interested, please send your CV and names of two references to Dr. Mike Saunders by September 10, 2016. I will serve as primary mentor for this position, and depending on candidate’s interest, other faculty members may be invited serve as co-mentors. Final application deadline to the Postdoctoral Scholar program is in mid-October. At that time, candidates will need to submit, with their mentor, a 5-6 page proposal outlining their planned research, teaching and extension activities while at Purdue. Although a bit outdated, more information on the Postdoctoral Scholar program can be found at https://ag.purdue.edu/fnr/Pages/NRPostdocScholars.aspx. Contact: Mike R. Saunders, Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR), Purdue University; Email: [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>; Phone: 765-430-1440 Purdue University is an equal opportunity-affirmative action employer.?
