We seek a postdoc to participate in an NSF-funded study of the role of multiple feedbacks in determining why native forest understory species are not regenerating in disturbed mesic subtropical forest habitats on the island of Hawaii (“Big Island”). The postdoc will work with a team of PIs including an avian ecologist, a soil microbial ecologist, two plant ecologists, and a quantitative ecologist to assess the importance of nitrogen availability and plant/litter/soil feedbacks in influencing alien grass dynamics and the availability of safe sites for native woody species recruitment. The ideal candidate will have experience measuring nitrogen dynamics and plant community structure, and conducting experimental field ecology in rugged conditions. They will be adept at using spatial tools such as GIS, with data management and statistical analyses in R, and with manuscript preparation.
He/she will be employed at the University of CA, Santa Barbara, but expected to live in the Volcano/Hilo area of Hawaii for two years and to conduct active field work throughout that time. The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other characteristic protected by law including protected Veterans and individuals with disabilities. Please send your CV, copies of two publications, and letter of interest to Carla D’Antonio ([email protected]) and Stephanie Yelenik ([email protected]) before November 30, 2016. Ideal start date: March 1, 2017.
