One Year Post-Doctoral Research Associate—
Remote Sensing/Carbon Flux in Subtropical Grasslands
Organization Overview and Location
Archbold Biological Station (ABS; www.archbold-station.org), through its
Division, the MacArthur Agro-ecology Research Center (MAERC;
www.maerc.org), is seeking a motivated and creative one-year post-doctoral
research associate to join a large collaborative project that is examining
how fire and grazing interact to affect greenhouse gas flux, productivity,
soil nutrients, and plant community diversity and composition. The post-doc
will have the opportunity to join existing data collection efforts as well
as develop their own independent project on remote sensing, pasture
productivity and carbon flux.
Archbold operates a full scale working cattle ranch at MAERC, which
provides a unique platform for long-term agro-ecology research. Archbold is
an active member in the USDA’s Long-term Agro-ecosystem Research Network
(LTAR; www.ars.usda.gov/ltar), a member of the Global Lakes Ecological
Observatory Network (www.gleon.org) and also contributes data for NOAA and
various state agencies.
The position is located at MAERC, a 10,500-acre cattle ranch near Lake
Placid, FL. Housing is not included with this position. This is a full-
time one-year position with the opportunity for extension depending on
satisfactory progress and availability of funding.
Job Summary
The post-doctoral research associate will be co-supervised by Dr. Elizabeth
Boughton at MAERC and by Dr. Nuria Gomez-Casanovas at University of
Illinois as well as interact with other collaborators working at the
Archbold-UF LTAR site.
The post-doctoral research associate will be responsible for assisting in
the operation and maintenance of 5 eddy covariance towers at MAERC,
conducting quarterly chamber measurements for CH4 and CO2 and analyzing
chamber data, conducting monthly soil respiration data, collection of soil
and plant material as needed, and weekly collection of soil temperature and
moisture data. In addition, the post-doctoral associate will be required to
conduct an independent project utilizing remote sensing data (NDVI/EVI),
eddy flux data, and biomass clipping data for ground truthing. The goal of
this work would be to investigate the relationship of remote sensing
products with eddy covariance data and on-the-ground biomass data across
several different grassland types in FL (improved pasture, semi-native
pasture, native rangeland). Depending on the strength of the statistical
relationship, the post-doc could explore scale up to investigate
productivity on larger areas of grassland within the headwaters of the
Everglades. If funding is obtained for a second year, we would like to
investigate web-based tools to make this data available for use by ranch
managers.
Duties and Responsibilities
Data Management
• Maintain organized records of all data collected and work with
MAERC data manager to upload data into databases, including chamber data,
soil respiration, and soil temperature and moisture.
• Maintain organized records of all data collected for independent
project.
Analysis
• Analyze data as needed for chambers and for independent project.
Reporting
• Compile results from analyses in written reports, including graphs
and/or tables on a quarterly basis.
• Within 13 months of contract start, a complete technical report on
the independent project will be due including relevant literature review,
results and discussion, as well as a draft outline for a scientific peer-
reviewed publication
Required Education, Experience, and Skills
• PhD and/or post-doctoral experience in remote sensing/GIS is
desired.
• Experience with database management and working with large
datasets. Archbold uses MS Access, MS SQL
• Strong analytical skills. Experience with carbon flux datasets and
knowledge of program R is preferred.
• High level of attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to be task oriented and complete tasks on a schedule.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for working with
diverse stakeholders (ranchers, governmental personnel, scientists, etc.)
Working Conditions:
The position is a combination of fieldwork and office work. The
postdoctoral scientist should be able to tolerate working in hot, humid
conditions and be prepared for wading through ditches and wet pastures.
The work is physical and will require heavy lifting and climbing ladders.
Long days and work on weekends may be required during intense data
collection campaigns.
Competitive salary with full benefits. Applicants should send 1) a letter
of application, 2) a resume or CV with relevant coursework and experience,
and 3) names, phone numbers and e-mail addresses for three references to
Dr. Elizabeth Boughton at ebough...@archbold-station.org. The position
will remain open until filled, please submit applications at your earliest
convenience. Contact Dr. Boughton via e-mail or at (863) 699-0242 ext. 2
for more information.
Must possess a valid US driver’s license. Must have authorization for US
employment. Archbold Biological Station will not provide any kind of visa
sponsorship. Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Minorities, Veterans and
Disabled Persons are encouraged to apply.
