Post-Doc in Riparian Landscape Restoration and Ecological Resilience Science
Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, University of Nevada, Reno The Great Basin Landscape Ecology Lab at University of Nevada, Reno seeks applicants for a postdoctoral research associate position to join an interdisciplinary group of ecologists, hydrologists, geomorphologists, and natural resource managers aimed at restoring and conserving wet meadow and riparian ecosystems. The postdoc will be co-mentored by Dr. Peter Weisberg (University of Nevada, Reno) and Dr. Jeanne Chambers (US Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station) and will work collaboratively with Drs. Jerry Miller (Western Carolina University), Keirith Snyder (Agricultural Research Service) and Rosemary Carroll (Desert Research Institute), as well as managers with the Bureau of Land Management, Nevada Department of Wildlife, and US Forest Service. The goal of the funded project is to develop a strategic, multi-scale framework for assessing resource values and threats to Great Basin riparian and meadow ecosystems using resilience science that includes capacity to (1) prioritize riparian ecosystems for management, and (2) determine effective management strategies, based on ecosystem characteristics and sensitivity to disturbance. In addition, it is expected that the postdoctoral researcher will take advantage of the large datasets available to pursue individual research interests in riparian landscape ecology or other topics at the intersection of vegetation, hydrology and watershed geomorphology. The postdoctoral research associate will be responsible for assisting with all aspects of the interdisciplinary project, including development of spatial geomorphic process models and spatial modeling of basin sensitivity, vegetation dynamics and ecosystem resilience; threat assessment for Great Basin watersheds; and development of management decision matrices and restoration protocols. The ideal candidate will have strong skills in geospatial analysis (GIS, programming, remote sensing), statistical modeling, and a background in landscape ecology, vegetation science, hydrology and/or watershed science, as well as evidence of ability to publish significant research in peer-reviewed journals. Desirable would be knowledge of Great Basin ecosystems and previous experience on interdisciplinary teams involving both scientists and resource managers. Because the project has a strong focus on science-management linkages and guiding restoration management directions, this position is well suited for someone with career interests that include applied, management-oriented research. The position will be available as soon as October, 2016 (but the start date can be delayed for the right candidate) and funding is available for at least two years. Candidates are expected to have completed their PhD prior to beginning employment. Please contact Peter Weisberg ([email protected]) to discuss skills and expertise relevant to the project, or to apply by emailing your CV, contact information for three references and a brief statement of interest. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Reno is located on the eastern edge of the Sierra Nevada Mountains near Lake Tahoe and was recently rated one of the best small cities in the US for outdoor recreation and overall quality of life. The University of Nevada, Reno is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action in recruitment of its students and employees and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, creed, national origin, veteran status, physical or mental disability, and sexual orientation. Peter J. Weisberg Professor Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science University of Nevada, Reno [email protected] http://www.cabnr.unr.edu/weisberg/index.htm
