Incorporating Ecosystem Services into Restoration Assessment and Targeting Applications are invited for an interdisciplinary Postdoctoral Associate position at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Sciences, Chesapeake Biological Lab, in Solomons, MD. The candidate will work with Dr. Lisa Wainger (waingerlab.cbl.umces.edu) and Dr. Margaret Palmer (www.palmerlab.umd.edu) to develop an analysis framework, including model and database components, for assessing ecosystem services to inform restoration policies.
Ecosystem services are increasingly becoming the currency for measuring the potential benefits of restoration and preservation decisions, yet rigorous and systematic guidance for their measurement remains elusive. This effort will involve leveraging existing literature, data and models to develop a guiding framework for ecosystem service measurement that is specific to the needs of US Army Corps of Engineers for evaluating aquatic restoration projects. Other ongoing research is developing integrated ecological and economic models to demonstrate cost-effective and evidence-based approaches for ecosystem service measurement using case studies in invasive species management, wetland mitigation and water quality trading or offsets. Successful applicants will be expected to integrate ongoing research to develop conceptual approaches and empirical models for measuring selected ecosystem processes in a manner that reflects socially beneficial outcomes. The applicant will be responsible for producing literature summaries, databases and models through collaborative efforts with other researchers, modelers and model end users. Field work is not expected but may be possible, if desired. The appointment will initially be for one year, with possibility of renewal. The position offers a competitive salary plus benefits. Start date is flexible but current or near-term availability is desirable. Applicants must have a Ph.D. in a relevant area such as economics, decision science, engineering, or ecology; strong analytical skills including statistical modeling; interest or experience in environmental policy; and excellent communication skills. Applications, including a cover letter, CV, one-page summary of research interests, and the names and addresses of three references to: [email protected]. Please reference: ARS - Wainger in the subject line. Applications should be submitted by January 23, 2012. UMCES is an AA/EOE/ADA employer; women and minorities are encouraged to apply.
