*Monitoring dimensions of biodiversity in a mega-diverse region of Southern Africa: from traits to communities to ecosystems.*
*Position Summary* The University at Buffalo (UB), State University of New York Department of Geography invites applicants for a postdoctoral scholar to join an international research collaboration developing plans for a NASA biodiversity field campaign across the Greater Cape Floristic Region (GCFR) of southwestern Africa. The GCFR includes several biomes such as the fire-prone Fynbos shrubland, arid Succulent Karoo, as well as temperate and tropical marine biomes. New hyperspectral (AVIRIS-NG, PRISM, and HyTES) and LiDAR data (LVIS) will be combined with observations of the spatial distribution of community composition and functional traits to enable new perspectives on biological diversity across the region. This will include high resolution mapping of functional traits (including leaf properties and foliar chemistry) as well as three-dimensional canopy structure to improve our understanding of the spatial distribution of ecosystems and biomes. In combination with the rich historical data and well-developed ecological understanding in this region, these new observations will enable detailed exploration into the drivers and mechanisms of change across the region including the feedbacks from changing biodiversity to regional climate, disturbance, post-fire recovery, freshwater provisioning, and other ecosystem services. The selected scholar will assist in the planning of the field campaign including extensive networking and travel to South Africa. The successful candidate will be mentored by Adam Wilson (University at Buffalo), John A. Silander (University of Connecticut), and Cory Merow (Yale University). Please submit a cover letter (2-page maximum) describing your research interests and why you are a strong candidate for this position, your C.V., one recent first-author publication relevant to this position, and letters from three professional references. *Applications will be evaluated beginning December 20, 2016 *and target start date is February 1st. It is encouraged that all application materials be received by this date. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this posting, please contact Adam Wilson, Assistant Professor at [email protected] or 716-645-0502. This position is affiliated with the Geography Department and Program in Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior at SUNY at Buffalo (UB), a large R1 University. UB has cutting edge computational resources including an 8,000 CPU, 170 Tflop computer cluster and high-end visualization laboratory. Buffalo (population 250k) is on the shores of Lake Erie about 30 minutes from Niagara Falls and 2 hours from Toronto. *Minimum Qualifications:* Candidates must have completed their PhD (ecology, remote sensing, geography, or a related field) within the past 5 years and have a demonstrated record of research from initiation to publication. *Preferred Qualifications:* Ideal candidates will have experience with both hyperspectral and lidar data processing and analysis in arid shrubland ecosystems. *To apply, follow the information in this link:* https://www.ubjobs.buffalo.edu/applicants/jsp/shared/ position/JobDetails_css.jsp
