Postdoctoral Researcher in Quantitative Conservation Ecology: Climate change impacts on plant populations in fire-prone ecosystems Biology Department University of California Riverside
Qualifications: We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher with expertise in population modeling, and a familiarity with species distribution modeling, with an emphasis on rare plants and climate change. A PhD is required as well as strong programming and mathematical skills. Experience in, or a willingness and aptitude to learn, stochastic dynamic programming is desirable. The candidate must be able to work both independently and in a collaborative setting. Job Description: Start date is as soon as possible. The project involves linking dynamic bioclimatic habitat models with models of plant population dynamics to estimate the risks of decline and/or extinction for plant functional types due to climate change, altered fire regime and urban growth in southern California. The postdoctoral researcher will be based at UC Riverside and will work under the direction of Helen Regan (UC Riverside), Janet Franklin (Arizona State University) and Alexandra Syphard (Conservation Biology Institute). The project will require short trips to Tempe, Arizona and San Diego, California. Model development and analysis will include: 1) parameterization of plant population models, 2) assessing the risks of different threats on plant populations in the context of climate change, and 3) using decision theory to address regional fire management questions in the context of climate change. The researcher will be expected to prepare results for peer reviewed journals. Appointment: 100% time appointment for one year from start date, with strong possibility for additional year(s) of funding contingent upon performance. Salary is $37,900 a year plus benefits. To apply: Please send your letter of interest, CV, contact information for three references and any inquiries to Helen Regan at [email protected]. The position will remain open until filled, but application review will commence on March 15, 2010. The University of California is an equal opportunity employer.
