Hello - The National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (NCEAS) seeks candidates for a Postdoctoral Fellow position to advance understanding and managing of soil organic matter for environmental outcomes and human well-being. The Fellow will be responsible for leading several analyses in a recently funded SNAPP (Science for Nature and People Partnership) working group project aimed at developing quantitative targets to manage soil organic matter for environmental and human outcomes. The Fellow will be able to participate in environmental data science trainings at NCEAS and similar organizations. The Fellow is also expected to pursue an independent research program of her or his design that addresses soil organic matter through analysis and synthesis of existing data.
In the role of working group participant, the Fellow will be integrally involved in: 1) spatial analysis to determine priority areas for building soil organic matter in California rangelands; 2) spatial analysis of the potential contribution of soil organic matter to crop yield and yield variability in Midwestern row-crop agriculture; 3) working closely with The Nature Conservancy staff and other practitioners to develop specific strategies to manage soil for environmental and human outcomes in California and through the Soil Health Partnership 4) participating in SNAPP working group meetings. The successful candidate will work most directly with workshop PI Stephen Wood at The Nature Conservancy and participant Mark Bradford at the Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies. The SNAPP working group is comprised of global leaders in soil science, rangeland management, agriculture, and economics from academia, government, and NGOs. This offers a unique opportunity to learn from and collaborate with a diverse set of thought leaders. More information on the working group can be found here: http://snappartnership.net/groups/managing-soil-carbon/. The Science for Nature and People Partnership (SNAPP) is a collaboration between The Nature Conservancy (TNC), the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), and the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (NCEAS) to create a fundamentally different way to identify and tackle large-scale challenges that threaten the integrity of nature and human wellbeing. RESIDENCY AT NCEAS: NCEAS (www.nceas.ucsb.edu) is a unique research center located in scenic downtown Santa Barbara and part of the University of California, Santa Barbara. The Center is known for fostering collaboration and data driven analysis. NCEAS has a growing and thriving community of postdocs, resident scientists, and analysts, and frequent influx of leading scientists and practitioners from around the world participating in working group projects across a diverse range of initiatives. Postdocs contribute their knowledge, interests, and enthusiasm to the intellectual atmosphere of the Center. QUALIFICATIONS: Minimum • PhD in ecology, soil science, geography, interdisciplinary environmental sciences, or related discipline Additional • Strong analytical skills, including expertise in R and familiarity with spatial analysis • Strong experience with applied issues related to soil in agriculture, rangelands, and conservation • Strong interdisciplinary experience with fields relevant to soil conservation, especially economics • Ability to review and synthesize large amounts of literature and complex information • Strong communication and interpersonal skills • Outstanding organizational skills • Ability to design, manage, and help lead workshops to bring disparate groups to consensus • Ability to take initiative and work independently and as part of a team Preferred • Strong publication record • Experience with biogeochemical and/or ecological modeling • Experience working with groups outside of academia (government, NGOs, etc.) TERM OF APPOINTMENT: 18 months, with potential for reappointment. SALARY RANGE: Annual salary based on qualifications and prior years of postdoc experience. Full benefits package included. POSITION AVAILABLE: Start date Spring or Summer 2017. TO APPLY: How to apply: Please apply through UC Recruit: https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/apply/JPF01002 Primary consideration will be given to completed applications submitted before May 25, 2017. Otherwise, open until filled. Required Documents to Apply: • Curriculum Vitae • A 1-2 page statement of professional interests and expertise (i.e., cover letter) • A brief (3 page) proposal for personally-driven research that addresses the key question(s) to be addressed, the methods proposed to tackle the question(s), anticipated results and expected conservation relevance of those results, and clear evidence of data available for the analyses. The successful project needs to use existing data; projects proposing collection of new field data will not be considered. • Contact information for three references The department is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community through research, teaching and service. The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. JOB LOCATION Santa Barbara, CA REQUIRED DOCUMENTS Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V. Cover Letter - A 1-2 page statement of professional interests and expertise Brief Proposal for Personally-Driven Research - 3 page proposal that addresses the key question(s) to be addressed, the methods proposed to tackle the question(s), anticipated results and expected conservation relevance of those results, and clear evidence of data available for the analyses. REFERENCES 3 references required (contact information only) *Geoff Willard* Deputy Director, National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis ( NCEAS.ucsb.edu <http://nceas.ucsb.edu/>) Deputy Director, Science for Nature and People Partnership ( SNAPPartnership.net <http://snappartnership.net/>) 735 State Street, Ste 300 Santa Barbara, CA 93101 will...@nceas.ucsb.edu <fre...@nceas.ucsb.edu> 805 893-7551 <(805)%20705-6072>
