Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research scientist in
macrosystems ecology. The successful applicant will join an NSF-funded
group to address questions about the worldwide encroachment of saltmarsh
ecosystems by mangroves. We seek an independent and motivated scientist
with a record of scholarly productivity to (1) characterize the process
of mangrove-invasion into saltmarshes globally and (2) test hypotheses
for this process by integrating field studies with high-resolution
satellite observations. The successful applicant will develop a research
program related to the overarching goals of the project to understand
the drivers of mangrove invasion across spatial scales and levels of
ecological organization. This is a collaborative effort between the
Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (Dr. Candy Feller, Dr. Richard
Osman, and Dr. John Parker) and the University of Maryland College Park
(Dr. Daniel Gruner and Dr. James Kellner) that is funded by the
macrosystems biology program of the National Science Foundation.
Required qualifications / skills: A PhD in biogeography, ecology,
environmental science, geography, invasion biology, quantitative
ecology, or a closely related discipline is required. The position
requires strong statistical and computational skills, and proficiency
with remote sensing and geographic information systems. Quantitative
abilities should go beyond standard software packages. Proficiency in R
and experience handling large datasets are desired. Excellent written
and oral communication abilities are essential. Willingness to
participate in field studies in mangrove/saltmarsh ecosystems is
required. The initial appointment will be for two years subject to
annual performance review.
Location: The position is based in the Department of Geographical
Sciences at the University of Maryland, College Park, and the successful
applicant will work closely with collaborators at the Smithsonian
Environmental Research Center in Edgewater, Maryland. Study sites are
distributed worldwide, including the current range extent of mangroves
in saltmarsh ecosystems in Florida, Texas, Mexico, Brazil, South Africa,
Saudi Arabia, Australia and New Zealand. UMD is in the Washington DC
metropolitan area, and offers numerous opportunities for collaboration
and professional development with scientists at federal and private
agencies (e.g., NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Smithsonian
Institution, the Joint Global Change Research Institute, and Patuxent
Wildlife Research Center, among others).
How to apply: (1) submit a cover letter outlining your research
interests and your qualifications for the position; (2) a current
curriculum vitae; (3) 1 – 3 relevant publications or other evidence of
written communication abilities; and (4) names and contact information
(email address, phone number) for three professional references. Email
your application as a single PDF file to [email protected] with
“macrosystems postdoc” in the subject line. Review of applications will
begin on 4/1/2012 and will continue until the position is filled. The
desired start date is negotiable. The rate of pay is competitive, and
the position includes full health benefits. Questions may be sent to Dr.
James R. Kellner at [email protected] with the words “macrosystems
postdoc question” in the subject line.
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Daniel S. Gruner, Assistant Professor
Department of Entomology
4112 Plant Sciences Bldg
University of Maryland
College Park, MD 20742 U.S.A.
(o) 301-405-3957 (f) 301-314-9290
[email protected]
http://grunerlab.umd.edu
