Post-Doctoral Research Opportunities at the U.S. Geological Survey Rocky Mountain Geographic Science Center, Denver, Colorado: Mapping, Valuation, and Optimization of Ecosystem Service Flows. Research Advisors, Dr. Darius Semmens ([email protected]), Dr. Jay Diffendorfer, Dr. Todd Hawbaker, and Dr. Lynne Koontz. This opportunity focuses on examining spatial patterns of ES provisioning and consumption, and identifying land management strategies that optimize service provisioning and the sustainable economic value derived from public lands. The fellow will a) expand and improve existing methods, or develop new methods for mapping and valuing ES flows, and b) facilitate trade-off analyses by utilizing stakeholder constraints to identify optimal land management strategies. A number of potential project sites exist, and applicants need to consult with the research advisors to identify site(s) best suited to their interests. Research will be conducted in close cooperation with existing collaborative ES research partnerships within the USGS, other federal agencies, county government, and local universities. Impacts of Mountain Pine Beetles on Carbon Sequestration in South Rocky Mountain Forests. Research Advisors, Dr. Todd Hawbaker ( [email protected]), Dr. Jenny Briggs, Dr. Steve Garman, and Dr. Dave Clow. We seek candidates to conduct new research integrating existing field and remotely sensed data with biogeochemical and ecosystem simulation models to quantify long-term changes in carbon stocks and fluxes in response to Mountain Pine Beetle infestations in the southern Rocky Mountains. Candidates will have the flexibility to pursue research according to their specific interests and expertise. However, we expect candidates to have demonstrated expertise in one or more areas including modeling insect outbreaks, vegetation dynamics, hydrological and biogeochemical cycling. Experience working with remotely sensed and geospatial data, and excellent writing and communication skills are required. Quantitative Methods to Assess the Impacts of Urban Growth on BLM Lands in the Western United States. Research Advisors, Dr. Steve Garman ( [email protected]) and Dr. Jay Diffendorfer. Researchers at RMGSC are involved in urban-growth modeling in support of BLM resource management plans in Grand Junction, CO, with a long-term goal of developing a comprehensive modeling framework to evaluate interactions among community growth, federal land-use decisions, and biophysical impacts. Expansion of human population has been linked to an increase in spread of exotic plant species, and to increased recreational demands on public lands. Implementing land-use designs that reduce or buffer against impacts of these two stressors, among others, is a key goal of BLM. Two research areas in need of future development are predicting biophysical changes due to exotic plant invasion, and due to increased recreational use. To optimize your success when applying to the research opportunities listed above we urge you to: 1. Go to http://geology.usgs.gov/postdoc/ for detailed information on the application process and brief project descriptions ( http://geology.usgs.gov/postdoc/2011/research.html). 2. Contact the main research advisor to collectively fashion a high caliber application package. About us: The USGS Rocky Mountain Geographic Science Center (RMGSC) is one of four field centers in the Geography Discipline of USGS. Staffed with 7 PhD scientists, 60+ researchers, and support staff, RMGSC conducts a broad array geographic research and applies geospatial data and models to monitor and evaluate the land surface and the interactions between humans and the environment. We are an energetic, collaborative group of researchers who interact with academic institutions, other federal agencies, and nonprofit institutions. Mendenhall PostDoctoral Research Opportunities at the U.S. Geological Survey - Background Information The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) began the Mendenhall Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program (now called Mendenhall Research Fellowship Program) in 2001 in honor of Walter C. Mendenhall, the fifth Director of the USGS. The Mendenhall Program provides an opportunity for recent PhD graduates (within five years since completion of the doctoral degree) to conduct concentrated research in association with selected members of the USGS professional staff. The Program is intended to provide research fellows with experiences that enhance their personal scientific skills and accomplishments. Through the Mendenhall Program the USGS acquires current expertise to assist in the advancement of its scientific goals.
To date, over 120 Mendenhall Fellows have joined the USGS. Mendenhall Fellowships are 2-year appointments with a competitive salary and benefits package. Mendenhall Fellows are also granted project expense funds appropriate to the scope of research to be conducted. Postdoctoral research projects under this program have spanned a wide range of scientific topics of interest and relevance to the mission of the USGS. For additional information, please consult the Project Profiles section of the Mendenhall Program web site at the following URL: http://geology.usgs.gov/postdoc/ What is it like to be a USGS Mendenhall Fellow? Check out the FAQ section of the program web site for some very informative quotes from previous Mendenhall Fellows. Also, another way, of course, is to find out directly from a Fellow -- Project Profiles contain their contact information. The next round of research opportunities (FY-11 Fellowships) were announced in July 2009. The application closing date is November 9, 2009. The earliest start date for the FY-11 Fellowships is October 2010. Program contacts: Dr. Rama K. Kotra, 703-648-6271, [email protected]; Ms. Kimberly Reed, 703-648-7436, [email protected] (7-09)
