A Postdoctoral Research Associate position in Forest Soils is available at the University of Maine. The position is supported by National Science Foundation funding and will emphasize the use of stable isotope tracer techniques to evaluate nitrogen biogeochemistry at a long-term experimental paired forest watershed study site. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will be part of a collaborative team of soil scientists, stream ecologists, geochemists, and microbiologists. Studies will investigate nitrogen cycling through vegetation, litter, soils, soil solutions and streams in a reference watershed and an adjacent watershed that has been subjected to 22+ years of experimental acidification and nitrogen enrichment. Collaborators directly involved with this project represent the Department of Plant, Soil and Environmental Sciences, School of Biology and Ecology, Department of Earth Sciences, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, the Climate Change Institute, and the USDA Forest Service.
The successful candidate must have an earned PhD in forest soils, ecology, biogeochemistry, or related discipline. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies, are required. Experience in both field and laboratory research, and in the application of stable isotope tracer techniques in ecological research, are highly desirable. The position includes heavy lifting at times, up to 40 lbs. The ability to develop manuscripts and proposals, deliver presentations, travel, normally requiring a valid driver’s license, are fundamental to this position. The initial appointment is for one year, with a maximum duration of 3 years. Finalists for this position must complete necessary background checks. The proposed salary range is $35-40,000. Review of applications begins April 15, 2011 and will continue until a suitable pool of applicants is found. The full job description can be found at http://jobs.umaine.edu/. Please send a cover letter, CV, and the names and contact information for three referees to: Dr. Ivan J. Fernandez University of Maine 5722 Deering Hall – Room 1 Orono, ME 04469-5722 Tel: 207-581-2932 Fax: 207-581-2999 iva...@maine.edu
