Postdoctoral Research Associate, Ecosystem Processes and Services Lab, Department of Biology, University of Central Florida

Job type: Full-time temporary position
Opportunity location: Central Florida

Closing date:  1 Oct 2012

Opportunity description:
A postdoctoral research position is available to join a team of
researchers studying carbon dynamics of native subtropical ecosystems
along a hydrological gradient in the Northern Everglades Watershed.  The
study sites will be at the Disney Wilderness Preserve near Poinciana,
Florida and at the Blue Cypress wetlands in the headwaters of the St.
Johns River in Indian River County, Florida.   The base of operations for
the research will be at the Disney Wilderness Preserve and the University
of Central Florida. Disney Wilderness Preserve is a 12000+ acre
conservation area and relocatable National Ecological Observatory Site at
which the University of Central Florida and The Nature Conservancy have
ongoing research programs.   The research team consists of scientists and
graduate students from the University of Central Florida, Florida Atlantic
University, and the U.S. Geological Survey. Throughout this three year
project we will quantify above- and below-ground carbon stocks and
exchanges of carbon from terrestrial ecosystems along a seasonal
hydrologic gradient in the headwaters region of the Greater Everglades
watershed.  Additionally, we will investigate the response of ecosystem
carbon cycling to climate drivers to facilitate integration of our
research findings with climate-driven terrestrial ecosystem carbon models
to examine the potential influence of projected future climate change on
regional carbon cycling.  We will use a multidisciplinary array of
ecological, hydrological, and geophysical sampling techniques combined
with modeling at multiple spatial scales of measurement. We seek a
postdoctoral researcher skilled in quantitative analyses of eddy
covariance data and interests in exploring integration of site data into
regional climate models of carbon dynamics.

Preferred areas of experience:
•       A PhD in ecology or related field with emphasis on carbon dynamics
in natural ecosystems.
•       Experience analyzing eddy covariance data.
•       Experience with ecosystem modeling.
•       Demonstrated ability to write and publish scientific reports and
articles.
•       At least a general knowledge of the natural history of subtropical
systems.

Position:
Position is funded for 2.5 years, with preferred starting date no later
than January 2, 2013. Salary is @$40,000.00 per year, depending on
qualifications, with typical postdoc benefits. Opportunities for raises
and extension of appointment depend on success in grants and other fund-
raising.

The University of Central Florida is a major research institution and the
second largest university (by enrollment) in the United States. We have an
excellent PhD program in Conservation Biology. The University is located
on the eastern fringe of Orlando, close to a connected system of
conservation areas spanning over 500,000 acres, and is within 45 minutes
driving time from the beach (Atlantic coast).

To apply, send a single pdf file containing a cover letter summarizing
professional research interest and experience, a CV, and contact
information for three references to Dr. Ross Hinkle at rhinkle@ucf.edu.

Review of applications will begin immediately, with all applications
received on or before 1 October 2012 guaranteed consideration.