We are seeking to fill several Postdoctoral research positions in the Center for Ecosystem
Science and Society at Northern Arizona University. The successful candidate will
participate in research focused on the fate of permafrost carbon in a warming world. The
research spans both field work and data synthesis, including a primary field location near
Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska. The experimental research foci are (1) net
ecosystem carbon exchange (eddy covariance) from a gradient of sites undergoing
permafrost thaw, and (2) coupled radiocarbon measurements to detect loss of old carbon.
Data from this site will be actively integrated by the candidates with a larger network of
carbon flux measurements to develop an updateable time series of ecosystem exchange
measurements across the permafrost region. The postdocs will spend the field season in
Alaska, with winters spent in Flagstaff, AZ on data synthesis and networking. One
postdoc position will be focused on field activities; second postdoc will focus on data
synthesis and analysis.
The postdoc will play an active role in both the field component of this project and the
data synthesis effort. Potential activities include operation and interpretation of eddy
covariance flux (methane, carbon dioxide) measurements, supervising personnel and
interfacing with other team members making measurements of isotopes, soils, vegetation,
and associated environmental measurements. The postdoc will be expected to organize,
analyze, and maintain large data sets generated from a number of sensors and gas
exchange measurement systems, and participate in data analysis and publications.
Experience with development of databases and web tools, and working with public
datasets desirable. Data synthesis includes working with a network of collaborators,
helping to organize and run workshops, and synthesizing datasets for publication. This
requires excellent communication skills and desire to network and promote the synthesis
activity. The candidate should have prior knowledge and experience of at least some of
these activities, and a desire to learn new skills.
Candidates with a background in climate science, biogeochemistry, ecosystem ecology,
plant or soil science are encouraged to apply. Experience with gas exchange, eddy
covariance equipment, Campbell data loggers, R programming, data and metadata
processing would be essential. The postdoc will generally spend some large portion of
time during the field season in Alaska working with the field project, and winters spent in
Flagstaff, AZ on networking and data synthesis. Experience with working and living in
rugged field conditions is preferable. Salary is commensurate with experience, and full
health care benefits are provided for individuals and families.