Postdoctoral Fellow, Oak Forest Growth and Sustainability

In Brief: Post-doc will advance research in ecology and management of oak forests in the central U.S.

This post-doc will be employed by the University of Missouri and based in the School of Natural Resources and Center for Tree-Ring Science located in Columbia, Missouri. The post-doc will work closely with Dr. Michael Stambaugh, Associate Professor of Forest Ecology and Dr. Benjamin Knapp, Associate Professor of Silviculture. This research is funded by the Missouri Department of Conservation.

Job Duties: A post-doctoral position is available to advance oak ecology and silviculture in the Ozark Highlands of Missouri. This position will analyze trends in forest succession through stand dynamics associated with growth and survival of oak regeneration, sapling ascension to the canopy, and overstory tree growth. Emphasis is placed on analyzing datasets from forest plots at the long-term Missouri Ozark Forest Ecosystem Project and new techniques involving quantitative wood anatomy (QWA). Specifically, analyses will be conducted on radial tree growth interactions among regeneration, sapling, and overstory white oaks resulting from multiple uneven-aged silvicultural treatments. Primary duties include organizing and analyzing large datasets, measuring and analyzing tree growth, synthesizing information from multiple datasets, and developing manuscripts for publication. This position is expected to work collaboratively in a team, with mentorship responsibility.   

Minimum Qualification: Ph.D. in forestry, geography, or related field by the time of appointment.

Candidates will be evaluated on: Experience in data analyses including annual tree growth (e.g., dendrochronology). Evidence of strong scholarship, including peer-reviewed publications. Demonstrated experience in forestry and expertise in dendrochronological methods; knowledge of quantitative wood anatomy techniques and analyses; proven ability to finish projects; strong desire to work with stakeholders and conduct policy-relevant research.
 

Please apply online at https://hr.missouri.edu/job-openings , Job ID 50584 and send: (1) CV, (2) the names and contact information for three professional references, and (3) PDFs of one or more relevant publications to Dr. Michael Stambaugh, Email: [email protected] .

Applications will be accepted until a suitable candidate is found, with an ideal start date in summer of 2024. Interviews will occur via Zoom. Initial appointment is for one year.
 

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses.  For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits . 

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