The Sevilleta Long-Term Ecological Research program <https://sevlter.unm.edu/> (SEV-LTER) invites applications for a postdoctoral scholar to conduct research on the spatial dynamics of ecotones through synthesis of ecological theory, long-term observations, and climate manipulation experiments. A key aim of the SEV-LTER program is to understand how changes in climate mean and variance will drive reorganization of foundation plant species and shifts in the boundaries between ecosystems of this dryland region. Over the past century, the climate of our central New Mexico study region has become drier, on average, but also more variable from year-to-year, and these trends are expected to continue under global climate change. The postdoctoral scholar will lead the development and dissemination of data-driven models of ecosystem transitions, leveraging SEV-LTER’s unique Mean-Variance Experiment and accompanying 30+-year observational data sets.
The successful candidate will be based in Tom Miller’s quantitative ecology lab at Rice University <https://miller-lab-ecology.weebly.com/> and will collaborate with the multidisciplinary and multi-institution SEV LTER research team <https://sevlter.unm.edu/people/>. The SEV LTER team included ~100 PhD scientists, 90 graduate students, and 70 undergraduates during the past six years. The position will focus on data analysis, modeling, and manuscript preparation, with additional opportunities to engage in fieldwork with SEV-LTER, depending on interest. The ideal candidate will have training and interests at the interface of experimental and theoretical ecology, including strong quantitative, programming, and statistical skills. We particularly value experience with hierarchical Bayesian statistical modeling, data-driven demographic models (matrix or integral projection models), and/or spatial population-dynamic models (reaction-diffusion or integro-difference equations). The position is funded for up to three years, conditional on satisfactory progress. A PhD in Biology, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Environmental Science, or related disciplines is required by the start date. The start date is flexible. We welcome applications from current postdocs and current PhD students who expect to defend in 2025. Starting salary: $56K/year. To apply, send a CV and statement of interest (no more than one page) to tom.mil...@rice.edu. For best consideration, apply before March 14, 2025. Related publications: Drees, T.H., Ochocki, B.M., Collins, S.L., and T.E.X. Miller. Demography and dispersal at a grass-shrub ecotone: a spatial integral projection model for woody plant encroachment. Ecological Monographs 93: e1574 https://doi.org/10.1002/ecm.1574 Rudgers, J; Luketich, A; Bacigalupa, M; Baur, L E.; Collins, S; Hall, K; Hou, E; Litvak, M; Luo, Y; Miller, T.E.X.; Newsome, S; Pockman, W; Richardson, A; Rinehart, A; Villatoro-Castañeda, M; Wainwright, B; Watson, S; Yogi, P; Zhou, Y. Infrastructure to factorially manipulate the mean and variance of precipitation in the field. Ecosphere 14: e4603 https://doi.org/10.1002/ecs2.4603 Miller Lab Compact: https://miller-lab-ecology.weebly.com/lab-compact.html Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits-overview Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity at all levels and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and the full inclusion of all qualified persons in the workplace. This commitment includes providing reasonable accommodations to persons with disabilities. For applicants with disabilities who require a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact Rice University’s Disability Resource Center at 713-348-5841 or adar...@rice.edu for support. To unsubscribe from this list please go to https://community.esa.org/confirm/?u=RhPWqPxFwODKvbkiT32nkIqRrsiSgulp
