We are seeking a creative and innovative postdoctoral researcher to investigate the effectiveness of observation networks in detecting disturbance and ecosystem response over North America. Specifically, we are interested in how disturbance is affecting the net carbon balance of ecosystems and how observation networks, such as NEON, Ameriflux, and NOAA, can be combined to identify how different disturbance mechanisms are altering ecosystem carbon dynamics. This research will involve simulating different disturbance processes based on their geospatial characteristics in land vegetation models and comparing these simulations with data obtained from ecological and atmospheric observing networks. This postdoc will have the opportunity to collaborate with scientists and students at University of Montana, University of Utah, and Montana State University. This is a 2 year project funded through the NSF-NEON Macrosystems program. Candidates with research interests in ecosystem disturbance and carbon dynamics would be excellent. Candidates with strong quantitative skills in geostatistics and proficienct programming skills (i.e. R or Python) would be preferred. A PhD is required by January 2016 to start work on this project in the coming year. Interested applicants should send a current CV as well as a 1 page letter describing their research interests and a list of 3 references to Ashley Ballantyne ([email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>). Any questions regarding the position can be sent to Ashley Ballantyne, William Anderegg ([email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>), or Ben Poulter ([email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>). Review of applicants will start Dec. 15.
