Job description
We seek a postdoctoral researcher to join a collaborative project evaluating the methane budget and the potential for its management in contrasting environments. The postdoct will build upon multiyear datasets of methane flux as well as pursue new data acquisition approaches. Testing potential management approaches towards methane emmissions neutrality is one of the key goals of this position.
Methane, a key greenhouse gas accumulating in the atmosphere, can be originated from multiple natural and antropogenic sources. The nature and intensity of emmissions accross different environments is variable, and its detection, budget estimations, and actions toward reduction of emmissions require complementary approaches sensitive to the type of possible intervention or natural processes. For instance wetland emmissions management versus landfill or point emmissions management are driven by distinct spatio-temporal mechanisms and solutions.
The goal in this interdisciplinary posdoctoral position is to advance efforts to manage methane flux at ecosystem level using established (static chamber and eddie covariance) and new approaches (new sensors or drone detection) for methane monitoring coupled with ecosystem function and methane budget analyses. This project aim to quantify and contrast the methane budget and its responses to manipulations in landfills, as well as the response of methane budget to flood and vegetation variation in tropical floodplains. Through intense data analyses, new data acquisition, use of existing models, and new machine learning approaches, project will aim to develop predictive responses to ecosystem manipulations or estimate prescribed regimes to reach a near neutral emmission status on landfill or managed wetlands. This project will relate to goals of resturation or management of ecosystem (human made or human impacted).
Starting of position is flexible but as early as possible in Spring 2023 is desired.
Essential duties
1. Compile and curate data from environmental sensors and instruments, particularly for the Eddy Covariance towers, portable gas detection assessments and associated micrometeorological measurements.
2. Evaluate new ground based or drone-based measurement approches to upscale local assessments of methane to ecosystem level.
3. Compile data analysis and modeling pipelines.
4. Have a working ability to manipulate electronic and mechanical parts of instrumentation, and occasionally engage in rigorous physical activity to complete instrument deployment and inspection.
5. Write scientific papers associated with the research.
6. Be an active member in research group activities (e.g., participate in lab meetings, mentor students, contribute to lab governance).
Minimum qualifications
1. Successful candidates must have earned doctoral degree, or the equivalent terminal degree in a relevant areas of environmental sciences including atmospheric sciences, data sciences, ecological or environmental engineering, geophysics, or others closely related at the time of appointment.
2. Demonstrated experience with greenhouse gas flux, high frequency micrometeorological datasets, or computational approaches for greenhouse gas data assessment.
3. Must have the capacity to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams.
4. A demonstrated record of scholarly achievement, and excellent communication skills.
5. Proficiency in both written and spoken English.
Desired qualifications
1. Candidates with expertise in ecosystem level methane modeling, or remote sensing approaches in landfills or wetlands
2. Experience with drone or sensor implementation approaches to desing ecosystem management interventions or implementation of technology to reduce emissions or hazards
3. Strong candidates should possess: (A) significant publication record (papers published, in press, or submitted), (B) creativity, independence, and the desire to learn, (C) abilities to design studies and integrate large data sets, and (D) analytical, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
4. A demonstrated commitment to supporting and enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Department and project information
The School of Life Sciences (SOLS) has provided a vital hub for creative excellence at Arizona State University, with more than 670 faculty, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and staff, and research that ranges from studies on biodiesel and biohydrogen to vaccine development and the conservation of whales. As ASU’s first academic unit to fully reflect President Michael Crow’s integrated, interdisciplinary vision for the New American University, the School of Life Sciences offers active and evolving platforms for collaborative, cutting-edge research and faculty whose discovery is freed from traditional institutional boundaries.
Arizona State University is a dynamic, progressive university dedicated to interdisciplinary collaborations, to rethinking university education, and to integrating excellence in research and teaching. The university has been ranked #1 for innovation by the US News & World Report for the past five years. ASU’s School of Life Sciences is committed to curricular innovation in traditional and digital learning environments.
Instructions to apply
To review and apply for this position, please visit https://apply.interfolio.com/119629. Applicants must submit:
1. Cover letter and research interests. Applicants should describe experience and suitability for the position. Unlike a standard cover letter, this proposal should highlight the strengths of the applicant’s experience towards developing and implementing proposed research. Applicants are encouraged to discuss relevant research questions, approaches, scientific significance, and significance to action-oriented research.
2. Curriculum vitae or resume.
3. Contact information (name, email and phone) for two or three references.
4. A brief description of past research accomplishments and future research goals.
5. A Diversity Statement
Application close date
The deadline to start application submission is February 19 at 3:00 p.m. AZ time.
For any question or earlier enquiries please reach to cadillo-lab-appl@asu.edu