The Global Change Ecology Lab (GCEL, led by Dr. Scott Ferrenberg) within the Department of Biology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, is seeking a post-doctoral scientist with strong quantitative skills and an interest in dryland and/or forest ecology. The GCEL has a broad goal of understanding how populations and communities of plants, microbes, and animals interact with global change pressures, and what these interactions mean for ecosystem functioning. Work within the GCEL ranges from tests of ecological theory to research aimed at improving resource management. The incoming post-doc will have the flexibility to identify novel research aims while also joining a federally funded project investigating the vulnerability of dryland plants and ecosystem functioning to climate change and disturbance interactions across multiple desert ecosystems of western North America. The Post-doc will also take part in a large-group synthesis effort, funded in part by the New Phytologist Trust, regarding the importance of resource pulses for biotic activity and ecosystem functioning in arid ecosystems.
The ideal candidate will have (1) a Ph.D. in ecology, biology, biogeography, or a related field (applications from individuals planning to complete their Ph.D. by the fall of 2018 will also be considered), (2) a strong record of leading and publishing science, (3) strong quantitative skills and knowledge of R or another computer language suitable for data management and analyses, and (3) the ability to travel to partner universities and government offices, and to occasionally join field crews working in remote locations and adverse weather conditions (i.e., desert and high elevation environments across western North America). The position is available starting in March 2018 (start negotiable). Applications will be considered until a suitable candidate is hired. Initial support is for one year with continued support possible based on available funding. THIS IS NOT AN OFFICIAL JOB AD; an official ad, application deadline, and weblink for applying are forthcoming from NMSU HR. To express interest in the position and to be informed when the official advertisement is released contact Dr. Scott Ferrenberg ([email protected]). Official applications will include a CV, a cover letter describing research interests and background, graduate transcripts, and the names and emails of 3 references. New Mexico State University is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer.
