Postdoctoral position at The Forest School at the Yale School of Environment, Yale University
The Yale Forests invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher specializing in forest ecology, agroforestry, and/or silviculture as part of a USDA-funded project focusing on promoting climate-smart and sustainable agriculture in New England through regionally adapted agroforestry systems (Project “ADAPT”). We seek a highly motivated individual to establish forest and agroforestry experimental studies at the Yale Forests and surroundings to test and to transition agricultural systems into agroforestry in the Northeast. We intend to develop and test three agroforestry systems that includee silvopasture, polycultures (i.e. mulitstrata pererennial systems and/or food forests), and forest farming. We seek to do this in a way that optimizes climate and socio-ecological benefits, while also considering potential tradeoffs by incorporating perspectives from diverse stakeholder and rightsholders groups and integrating socio-ecological data collected across New England in agroforestry transition sites hosted at Yale and partner institutions (UNH and Dartmouth), and practitioner locations. The position is funded for 3 years with an expected start date of July 2024.
The postdoctoral researcher will be primarily advised and hosted in the Ashton silviculture Lab and the Orefice agroforestry program Maple | Yale Forests but also be part of the Yale School of the Environment (YSE) The Forest School | Yale School of the Environment. Much of the work will be based at the Yale Forests in northeastern CT Welcome | Yale Forests. Applicants who self-identify as individuals from groups historically excluded from ecology and/or persons excluded because of their ethnicity or race (PEERs) are particularly encouraged to apply. The Yale is committed to antiracism, equity, and inclusion, and resolves to create programs, measures, and systems of accountability that ensure trainee success. This is a full-time, non-remote, in-residence position. Yale is an equal opportunity employer.
The postdoctoral researcher will be part of a larger USDA-funded ADAPT project, which integrates research, education, and extension to (i) develop and test three agroforestry systems, (ii) promote agroforestry training and outreach programs for landowners, professionals, and other interested communities through university extension, and (iii) build knowledge and skills around agroforestry as a climate smart solution for expanding food production through diverse educational opportunities. Project collaborators include researchers and extension staff from three universities (University of New Hampshire, Dartmouth, and Yale), partners from numerous institutions and organizations engaged in agroforestry-related activities (e.g., USDA National Agroforestry Center, USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station & Climate Hub, The Nature Conservancy, Whole Systems Design Collective, MidCoast Permaculture Design, ReTreeUS, Interlace Commons, Food Solutions New England) and individual collaborators throughout the region. Project results will contribute to developing climate-smart agriculture and forestry in New England through (i) mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, (ii) fostering market opportunities, and (ii) enhancing climate adaptation and resilience.
The postdoctoral associate will participate as part of a large interdisciplinary team of scientists and graduate students and will have substantial flexibility to develop their specific research focus within the context of the project team’s expertise and the needs of the larger project.
Qualifications:
- PhD in silviculture, applied ecology, agroecology, agroforestry or a closely related field at the time of starting the position.
- Strong track record of relevant publications in peer reviewed journals.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Strong analytical skills and use of statistical packages and analyses.
- Ability to interact and communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds, disciplines, organizational affiliations, and levels of expertise and knowledge.
- Ability to work well independently with minimal supervision, including strong problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work well as a member of a large, inter-disciplinary team.
- Ability and desire to travel to partner sites and participate/lead community building activities.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Record of mentorship and experience broadening participation for historically excluded.
- Strong field experience
Major Duties/Responsibilities:
- Set up and monitor a suit of agroforestry experiments within systems converting open field to agroforestry, and a suit of agroforestry experiments within systems that convert forests to agroforestry.
- Work with masters students employed over the summer months on setting up and monitoring the experiments
- Collect and analyze data in the agroforestry experiments.
- Participate in ADAPT cohort activities, including interactions with postdocs, graduate students, undergraduates, and PIs, farmers, and other project team across all partner institutions
- Give guest lectures in agroecology/agroforestry courses as appropriate
- Publish results in peer-reviewed journal articles and present data at conferences.
- Mentor graduate masters students in scientific methods and career development.
- Contribute to the cultivation of an equitable, inclusive, and antiracist lab group.
For questions about the position, email Mark S. Ashton ([email protected]) or Joseph Orefice ([email protected]) with “ADAPT agroforestry agroforestry postdoc” in the subject line.
(Target start date: June 1st, 2024; some flexibility is possible.)
To apply, please submit the following by April 1st, 2024: 1) A cover letter, CV, and contact information for three reference letters. Letters will be requested for finalists only.
Applications received by April 1st, 2024, will receive full consideration, and reviewed thereafter until the position is filled.