Postdoctoral Associate

Banner Position Number:

R10901

Department:

Biological Science - RC2410 Job Description We seek a postdoctoral associate focused on evaluating the impacts of multiple global change drivers on dryland plant communities. The successful candidate will broadly explore the interacting effects of climate change, wildfire, and livestock grazing intensity on big sagebrush plant communities throughout their spatial extent in the western US via ecological modeling. These water-limited ecosystems are undergoing rapid environmental change due to multiple stressors (climate change, increases in wildfire activity, species invasions) and represent some of the most threatened systems in North America. This project is supported by a five-year

NSF CAREER

grant and will leverage an individual-based plant simulation model (STEPWAT2) to quantify the impacts of multiple global change drivers on big sagebrush plant communities under future conditions. Potential focal projects include but are not limited to: investigating the role of competition in altering plant functional type responses to global change drivers and the implications for shrub-grass coexistence, identifying the likelihood of ecosystem state transitions under a future climate, and investigating how livestock grazing can be used as a tool to maintain native plant cover and prevent invasion by non-native species. This project will provide collaborative and networking opportunities with ecologists at Yale University, and with scientists and managers from multiple federal agencies (BLM, USGS, USFWS, USFS, USDA ARS).

Salary Range:

$55,000. Salary is commensurate on education and experience. Education PhD in ecology or a related field with relevant course work in ecology and a demonstrated publication record in these fields Experience Knowledge of and/or experience working in sagebrush ecosystems of the western U.S. Strong quantitative skills and experience in ecological modeling and computer programming in R Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment Strong written and verbal communication skills Experience Experience mentoring undergraduate and graduate students in collaborative settings

Posting Number:

MR0861

Open Until Filled:

Yes Special Instructions Summary Per the Search Committee, in your cover letter please describe research interests and career goals, no longer than 2 pages. In the "Other Document" please attach up to three representative peer-reviewed publications (in press or published.)