A post-doctoral research associate position is available with Dr.
Heather Alexander and the Forest and Fire Ecology Lab
(http://forestfire.fwrc.msstate.edu/) in the Department of Forestry at
Mississippi State University. The successful candidate will coordinate
and conduct observational and experimental field studies, analyze
scientific data, and write and publish scientific papers and proposals
as part of a collaborative NSF grant aimed at investigating the
implications of a changing fire regime on forest recovery and climate
feedbacks in the Siberian Arctic. The post-doc will interact with
scientists from collaborating institutions, including Colgate
University, Western State Colorado University, University of Dayton,
University of Florida, Northern Arizona University, the Russian Academy
of Sciences, and the Melnikov Permafrost Institute. The primary
responsibilities will include: 1) coordinating and conducting summer
fieldwork focused on larch forest recovery post-fire in the Russian Far
East at field sites near the Northeast Science Station in Cherskiy,
Russia and near the Spasskaya Pad Scientific Forest Station near
Yakutsk, Russia for durations of 1-2 months, 2) leading a field crew
consisting of scientists and students from the U.S. and Russia, 3)
processing field samples, 4) analyzing data, 5) writing scientific
manuscripts and proposals, and 6) presenting research findings at
meetings and conferences.
The successful candidate must have: 1) a PhD Degree in Biology,
Forestry, Wildlife, Natural Resources, Ecology, or related discipline by
the time of hire, 2) excellent writing and oral presentation skills, 3)
excellent interpersonal and organizational skills, 4) demonstrated field
work experience and field crew leadership in ecology, 5) demonstrated
experience working independently and with a team, 6) a valid US passport
and ability to travel abroad, and 7) strong work ethic and
professionalism. Preference will be given to candidates with: 1)
experience or demonstrated interest in working in forested ecosystems,
2) conducting field work in remote locations in sometimes challenging
conditions (bugs, heat/cold, jet-lag), 3) conducting forest inventories,
soil sampling, and seeding experiments, and 4) ability to find solutions
to sometimes difficult logistical issues. This a full-time, 12-mo
position, renewable for up to 24-mo with satisfactory performance, and
may be extended if future funding permits. Salary is $45k plus benefits.
The ideal start date is June 1, 2018 but could be later if necessary.
Temporary housing is provided at field stations during the field season.
Travel cost to and from field sites is provided. Applications must
include a cover letter describing interest in the position, CV,
unofficial transcripts showing completion of PhD (or progress towards
for ABD candidates), and contact information for three professional
references and should be sent electronically to Dr. Heather Alexander
([email protected]).
