Post Doc Fellow Plant Productivity Modeling

~ The Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management (NREM) provides instruction, research, and Extension expertise that focuses on the natural resources of fisheries, forests, rangeland, and wildlife within and beyond the boundaries of Oklahoma. ~

Our overall NREM Mission is to increase public awareness and understanding, through teaching, research and Extension, of the ecology, management and sustainable use of these natural resources that are important for maintaining ecosystem health, species diversity, agriculture and forest production, hunting and fishing, and the enjoyment of experiencing nature.

This is in line with the DASNR Mission, stated in the 2012 DASNR publication, "Vision and Future Priority Directions & Goals of DASNR" which is "To enhance human well-being and the sustainability of plant, animal and natural resource systems through basic and translational research, undergraduate and graduate teaching, and Extension. This will be accomplished by designing and implementing research, teaching and Extension programs addressing priority issues with respect to Oklahoma, the region, the nation and the world."

Natural Resource Ecology and Management at Oklahoma State University is a dynamic department with 20 faculty and a strong program of research, graduate education, and extension (please see website). The position offers abundant opportunity to interact across multiple universities with scientists working in diverse disciplines focused on socio-ecological systems.

Position Overview

The Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, Oklahoma State University invites applications for a full-time, 11-month, post-doctoral fellow position for an individual interested in the effect of weather and climate on plant productivity and resilience along the forest-grassland ecotone in the south central United States. Funding exists to pay the 12th month (month of June). Management and climate variability control productivity and can shift ecosystem types, which in turn affects the ecosystem services provided.

One of our major objectives is to determine how past weather (1986-2017), prescribed fire, and timber harvesting affected productivity of herbaceous plants (archived data set) and trees (tree ring analysis) across a unique research platform that includes a range of ecosystems from closed-canopy forest to open savanna/grassland. The research will determine how drought and intra- and inter-annual variation in weather over the last three decades affected the productivity and resilience of woody and herbaceous plants and then extrapolate these results to future climate scenarios.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. / Ed.D. in Natural Resources, or Related Discipline
• Demonstrated proficiency in modeling climate and plant productivity data including skills in R, SAS or equivalent. An expertise in dendrochronology is desired
• The position will be based at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and a valid U.S. drivers license are required
• Periodic field campaigns will require overnight travel and working under inclement weather conditions
• Valid driver's license
• Fluency in English

Additional Information

• This is an 11-month, non-tenure track faculty position
• Appointment period is academic year: July 1- May 31
• Hours required may include some early mornings, evenings and/or weekends to meet research needs
• Post doc appointments are made for a term of one year or less
• Periodic field campaigns will require overnight travel
• Travel budget provided

Compensation: Salary is commensurate with qualifications, experience and skills, and is contingent upon available funding. 

To Apply

Please click "Apply on Company Website" below. 

Applicants should submit:

• A cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Contact information for three references
• A copy of official transcripts

Transcripts can be scanned and attached or mailed to: 235 AG Hall, Stillwater, OK 74078, Attn: Amy Phipps. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a suitable applicant is identified. The position will be filled by May 15, 2018, or as soon thereafter as a qualified candidate is available. The position is open immediately. The start date is flexible, but is expected to be in mid-2018.