Position title: Post-doctoral research scientist
Position Description: A post-doctoral position
is available working at the interface of plant
ecophysiology and ecohydrology focusing on
understanding the effects of land use change and
restoration on plant water cycling processes –
from the individual plant to the ecosystem
scale. The post-doctoral associate is expected
to develop and execute research projects within
his/her areas of interest that fall within the
overall scope of several existing projects, to
assist with the coordination of on-going field,
lab, and project management activities, and to
analyze data and write manuscripts for
publication. The postdoctoral associate would
have the opportunity to participate as part of an
interdisciplinary team of scientists studying
larger questions related to ecohydrological
responses to land use change at watershed scales
in Iowa and Mexico. Although the specific duties
relate to plant-ecosystem interactions and plant
water use dynamics, there is room within the
scope of the project for the post-doc to
incorporate their own research
interests. Primary responsibilities include:
installation and maintenance of sapflow and
microclimate monitoring equipment (including a
variety of sensors and accompanying data loggers,
power supply, etc.), periodic collection of plant
physiological (e.g., photosynthesis, stomatal
conductance, etc.) and structural (e.g., leaf
area, biomass) data and ecosystem process data
related to productivity and nutrient cycling, as
well as helping to coordinate activities of a
field crew of 4-8 people comprised of
undergraduate and graduate students and seasonal field assistants.
Qualifications: A completed (or imminent) Ph.D.
in plant physiological ecology, ecosystem
ecology, ecohydrology, or related field. Strong
technical and quantitative skills required;
excellent written and verbal communication skills
required. Demonstrated ability to publish
research results in peer-reviewed literature,
produce programmatic reports, and present
research results to a large audience. Ability to
work effectively in a multi-institutional,
multi-disciplinary research environment, both
independently and as a team member, is
essential. Fluency in Spanish is
desirable. Experience working with different
techniques for measuring plant ecophysiological
processes (e.g., transpiration, photosynthesis,
stomatal conductance) and environmental
conditions (e.g., soil moisture, temperature,
humidity, radiation, etc.) is desirable.
Salary: Base salary for a two-year appointment
is competitive and commensurate with
qualifications and experience. A full range of
fringe benefits is available. The initial
appointment will be for two years and may be
renewed for an additional year depending on
funding availability and the incumbent's performance.
Application Date: Applications will be reviewed
as they are received and will continue until the
position is filled. Start date can be as early
as April 1, 2009, but is flexible, depending on the incumbentÂ’s availability.
How to Apply: Interested individuals should
provide the following materials: (1) cover letter
indicating general and specific research
interests/experiences, (2) statement of
professional goals (e.g., plans after finishing
the training), (3) resume, (4) transcripts, (5)
list of three references (names, email addresses,
phone numbers, and postal
addresses). Photocopies of transcripts are
acceptable initially. Please email all
application materials as a single PDF file to Dr.
Heidi Asbjornsen ([EMAIL PROTECTED]).
Heidi Asbjornsen
Associate Professor of Ecosystem Ecology & Restoration
Department of Natural Resource Voice: 515-294-7703
Ecology & Management Fax: 515-294-2995
234 Science II email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-1010
