Postdoctoral Researcher Position, Siberian Primary Boreal Forests

~ The Woods Hole Research Center (WHRC) assesses threats to a safe climate and works with individuals, communities, governments, and NGOs to identify and implement opportunities to stabilize the global and regional climate. ~

WHRC was founded in 1985 by renowned ecologist George Woodwell to take the insights of science beyond the walls of academia to where they can effect real change. WHRC is focused on climate change because it is the single biggest threat to human and natural systems.

Position Overview

We seek a post-doctoral researcher to co-lead an investigation into Russia’s primary forests. The successful candidate will work closely with the lead scientist and collaborators to assess the impact of land use, wildfires, and other disturbances on the spatial distribution, carbon cycling, and ecosystem services of primary boreal forests in Siberia, as well as provide policy recommendations for relevant national and international arenas.

The position requires advanced geospatial modeling skills, knowledge of forest disturbance dynamics, and ability to lead a collaborative research project. The successful candidate will join a team of researchers working across the boreal-arctic zone at a variety of scales. 

This is a two-year appointment, with the possibility of extension based on funding and performance.

Responsibilities

• Analyze the loss of primary boreal forests in Siberia by integrating field observations, remote sensing, and other geospatial data sets using a number of approaches.
• Conduct a full spatial carbon accounting of primary forest conversion and degradation due to wildfires, logging, infrastructure development, resource extraction, and other land use change.
• Working with project collaborators, produce updated primary forest maps for Siberia and other boreal regions, assess ecosystem services from Siberian primary forests, and provide policy recommendations related to their preservation value.
• Work in a highly collaborative environment to analyze, synthesize, present, and publish results.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. (granted or expected soon) in Environmental Sciences, Geography, Forestry, Earth System Science, Ecology, or a related discipline.
• Experience with manipulating large geospatial data sets and statistical modeling.
• Knowledge of boreal ecosystem science, disturbance dynamics, and carbon cycling.
• Ability to think and work across disciplines and scales.
• Excellent interpersonal, teamwork, written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of ecosystem service frameworks, international climate change policy, and Russian sociopolitical dynamics is preferred.
  Proficiency in Russian language is desirable but not required.

Compensation: Full-time salaried, exempt position; $51,000 to $56,000, with very generous benefits package.

To Apply

Please click "Apply" below to upload your cover letter referencing “Post-Doctoral Researcher Job #BRPD18”, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references. Please type “BRPD18” in the subject line.

• Desired Start Date: September 2018
• Application Deadline: June 29, 2018 or until filled