Job Title: Postdoctoral Research Associate, Ecosystem Processes and Services Lab, Department of Biology, University of Central Florida
Job type: Full-time temporary position Opportunity location: Central Florida Closing date: 1 Oct 2012 Opportunity description: A postdoctoral research position is available to join a team of researchers studying carbon dynamics of native subtropical ecosystems along a hydrological gradient in the Northern Everglades Watershed. The study sites will be at the Disney Wilderness Preserve near Poinciana, Florida and at the Blue Cypress wetlands in the headwaters of the St. Johns River in Indian River County, Florida. The base of operations for the research will be at the Disney Wilderness Preserve and the University of Central Florida. Disney Wilderness Preserve is a 12000+ acre conservation area and relocatable National Ecological Observatory Site at which the University of Central Florida and The Nature Conservancy have ongoing research programs. The research team consists of scientists and graduate students from the University of Central Florida, Florida Atlantic University, and the U.S. Geological Survey. Throughout this three year project we will quantify above- and below-ground carbon stocks and exchanges of carbon from terrestrial ecosystems along a seasonal hydrologic gradient in the headwaters region of the Greater Everglades watershed. Additionally, we will investigate the response of ecosystem carbon cycling to climate drivers to facilitate integration of our research findings with climate-driven terrestrial ecosystem carbon models to examine the potential influence of projected future climate change on regional carbon cycling. We will use a multidisciplinary array of ecological, hydrological, and geophysical sampling techniques combined with modeling at multiple spatial scales of measurement. We seek a postdoctoral researcher skilled in quantitative analyses of eddy covariance data and interests in exploring integration of site data into regional climate models of carbon dynamics. Preferred areas of experience: • A PhD in ecology or related field with emphasis on carbon dynamics in natural ecosystems. • Experience analyzing eddy covariance data. • Experience with ecosystem modeling. • Demonstrated ability to write and publish scientific reports and articles. • At least a general knowledge of the natural history of subtropical systems. Position: Position is funded for 2.5 years, with preferred starting date no later than January 2, 2013. Salary is @$40,000.00 per year, depending on qualifications, with typical postdoc benefits. Opportunities for raises and extension of appointment depend on success in grants and other fund- raising. The University of Central Florida is a major research institution and the second largest university (by enrollment) in the United States. We have an excellent PhD program in Conservation Biology. The University is located on the eastern fringe of Orlando, close to a connected system of conservation areas spanning over 500,000 acres, and is within 45 minutes driving time from the beach (Atlantic coast). To apply, send a single pdf file containing a cover letter summarizing professional research interest and experience, a CV, and contact information for three references to Dr. Ross Hinkle at [email protected]. Review of applications will begin immediately, with all applications received on or before 1 October 2012 guaranteed consideration.
