POST-DOCTORAL RESEARCHER IN TERRESTRIAL AND AQUATIC BIOGEOCHEMISTRY The successful candidate?s primary responsibility will be to investigate and understand terrestrial to aquatic (i.e., anchialine ponds) biogeochemical dynamics and linkages relating to the presence of the non-native, N-fixing tree, Prosopis pallida (a.k.a. ?Kiawe? in Hawaii) in dry coastal and lowland ecosystems of leeward Hawaii. Specifically, the researcher will investigate how Prosopis productivity is influenced by contrasting water availability, and how it alters terrestrial C and N accumulation and cycling as well as water quantity and quality of anchialine ponds and groundwater. Measurements will include Prosopis stand productivity and nutrient cycling, soil water availability and salinity, isotope values of water, plant tissue, dissolved nutrients, and soils, and a variety of climate parameters. The researcher will work in close collaboration with terrestrial and aquatic ecologists as well as geochemists, and will be expected to assist supervision of undergraduate and graduate students. This work will be a key component of an interdisciplinary research program seeking to understand the sources, sinks and biogeochemical evolution of groundwater nutrient pathways along the central Kona coast of Hawaii, with its main thrust being the differentiation and interaction between pristine, anthropogenic and invasive species nutrient flux/reservoir components. This program further seeks to characterize the economic benefits and costs of reducing nutrient loading through management of all identified drivers. The postdoctoral researcher will focus on measurement of Prosopis stand processes as they relate to terrestrial and aquatic nutrient cycling and productivity, soil hydrologic processes, and climate, as well as collaborating and coordinating with researchers at UH, USDA-Forest Service, and state agencies that are developing a cross-cutting initiative in water resources and ecohydrology in Hawaii. PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS: EDUCATION: Ph.D from an accredited university in biology, ecology, environmental science, botany, geography, or related field. EXPERIENCE: Four to six (4-6) years in field and lab research relating to biogeochemical measurements of plants, soils, and/or water. ABIL/KNOW/SKILLS: Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a diverse team of scientists, technicians, community members, and students (graduate and undergraduate); ability to collect and analyze biogeochemical data; strong interpersonal and organizational skills; excellent writing and verbal skills; ability to work on rough terrain and in otherwise physically demanding environments. Valid driver?s license. PHYSICAL/MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS: Physically fit to be able to conduct outdoor work. SECONDARY QUALIFICATIONS: A demonstrated record of research publication; experience with isotopes and watershed-scale ecological processes. INQUIRIES: Dr. Rebecca Ostertag ( oster...@hawaii.edu) or Dr. Flint Hughes (fhug...@fs.fed.us). Please see www.rcuh.com for more details about applying through the online system (details coming soon). --
Rebecca Ostertag Associate Professor Department of Biology University of Hawaii at Hilo 200 W. Kawili Street Hilo, HI 96720, U.S.A. (808) 974-7361 (phone) (808) 974-7693 (fax) http://www.uhh.hawaii.edu/uhh/faculty/ostertag/ Flint Hughes Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry USDA Forest Service 60 Nowelo Street Hilo, HI 96720 Phone: (808) 933-8121 ext. 117 FAX: (808) 933-8120 email: fhug...@fs.fed.us
