Post-Doctoral Research Associate or Faculty Research Assistant in Ecophysiology

LOCATION: Department of Forest Science, Oregon State University, Corvallis OR 97331
STARTING DATE: March 14, 2005
APPLICATION CLOSING DATE: For full consideration February 14, 2005

CONTEXT: Participate in a project to investigate the effects of forest age, management and climate on ecosystem processes that control carbon and water vapor exchange between pine ecosystems and the atmosphere. We examine relative contributions of ecosystem processes (e.g. decomposition, photosynthesis and transpiration) to carbon and water vapor fluxes in different aged stands of ponderosa pine in the Oregon Cascades. We also model seasonal and annual variation carbon and water vapor exchange, comparing results with tower flux data at both sites. Principle investigators are Beverly Law, and Larry Mahrt (Oregon State University).

RESPONSIBILITIES: Primary responsibility for field measurements at the two pine flux sites, and data analysis. Measurement skills include gas exchange measurements of soil surface CO2 flux, foliage respiration, and A-Ci curves using a Licor 6400, LAI measurements with an LAI-2000, stand dimension measurements with laser, TDR measurements of soil moisture, sapflow measurements, and maintain meteorological stations and other data loggers. Field work requires nighttime measurements of foliage respiration from a 20 m tall walk-up tower. Help design and build instrumentation for studies of soil and canopy processes (e.g. automated soil CO2 flux chambers, sapflow system). Supervise several temporary summer technicians to ensure integrity of data collected and that study objectives are met. Requires extensive stays in the Metolius area (~3 nights per week in summer) nears Sisters, OR. Laboratory measurements, including biomass drying and weighing, instrument maintenance and calibration. Download data from instruments, conduct statistical analyses of data to test hypotheses and develop and test empirical relationships using statistical software on desktop pc (SPLUS), process meteorological data (QA checks), and data management including producing meta-data files and producing data archive for web access, and writing reports and manuscripts for publication in scientific journals.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: For appointment at the rank of Faculty Research Assistant, a B.S. in ecophysiology, biophysics, or tree physiology is required, M.S. preferred. For appointment at the rank of Post-Doctoral Research Associate, a Ph.D. in ecophysiology, biophysics, or tree physiology is required. Experience with ecophysiological measurements, including gas exchange in the field on foliage and soils using a LICOR 6400; experience working at heights; experience with environmental measurements – programming, maintaining, downloading data loggers from meteorological stations (CR10) and gas analyzers. Experience and strong skills in statistical analysis, manipulation of large datasets in SPLUS, and producing archive datasets for the web.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS: Experience writing clear, concise reports and manuscripts for publication in scientific journals. Ability and willingness to travel, with extended stays (e.g. 3-5 days per week in summer) near the research site. Preferred qualifications include a commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity.

EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS: Full-time, fixed-term faculty position with reappointment at the discretion of the Dean. Salary $30,000-34,008, commensurate with degree and experience. Medical, dental, and life insurance plans.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Beverly Law, Department of Forest Science, 328 Richardson Hall, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331; phone: 541-737-6111; fax: 541-737-1393; email; bev.law@oregonstate.edu. Internet: http://wwwdata.forestry.oregonstate.edu/terra/index.htm
TO APPLY: Preferably hiring at the rank of Faculty Research Assistant. For full consideration, send letter of application explaining how your experience, training, and professional goals apply to this project, curriculum vitae, and two letters of recommendation by February 14, 2005,
to: Glenda Serpa, Department of Forest Science, Richardson Hall, Oregon State University, Corvallis OR 97331-5752. If available, please include up to two reprints of papers from previous research.
Oregon State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer and has a policy of being responsive to the needs of dual-career couples.