Postdoctoral Research Scholar in Ecosystem Science

The School of Earth and Space Exploration (SESE) at Arizona State University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Scholar in Ecosystem Science.

Applications are invited for one postdoctoral position to work in collaboration with Drs. Heather Throop and Jiwei Li.

The postdoctoral research scholar will be a key team member in a collaborative NSF Macrosystems Biology – NEON Enable Science project that aims to improve resolution of leaf litter decomposition dynamics in globally-extensive dryland ecosystems. This project will build a quantitative understanding of dryland decomposition that scales from the microsite to the North American dryland region by joining field, remote sensing, and a hierarchical continuum of models in a spatially-nested approach. The project will develop a process understanding of the environmental controls over decomposition, litter distribution, environmental conditions, and decomposition rates in different microsites at dryland NEON sites. These data will validate a microbial explicit model and inform a reduced complexity model operating at larger spatial scales. Regional scaling of decaying organic material pools will be based on hierarchically-nested spatial scales of remotely sensed imagery to characterize microsite distributions from our NEON focal sites to the North American dryland region. The postdoc will work as part of a highly collaborative team, including Dr. Heather Throop (School of Earth and Space Exploration and the School of Life Sciences), Dr. Jiwei Li (School of Ocean Futures and School of Earth and Space Exploration), Dr. Sasha Reed (US Geological Survey), Dr. Alex Cueva (ECOSUR), Dr. Daryl Moorhead (University of Toledo), and Dr. Kathe Todd-Brown (University of Florida).

Anticipated specific research foci for this postdoctoral position include establishment and analysis of a microclimate sensor network to characterize the spatial and temporal patterns of decomposition microclimates across the dryland field sites. The postdoc will also help coordinate a distributed decomposition experiment and participate in developing spatially detailed predictions of litter decomposition dynamics in contrasting drylands. Essential postdoc functions will include planning and carrying out research (including field, lab, and computational projects), data analysis, and data archiving. Science communication will also be an essential function of the position, including preparation of scientific manuscripts, conference presentations, and preparation of outreach materials. The postdoc will assist in mentoring student members of the research team.

The initial appointment is for one year with subsequent annual renewal for up to two additional years contingent upon satisfactory performance, the needs of the university, and availability of resources. The anticipated start date is June 1, 2024. This position comes with a competitive salary and benefits.

About Arizona State University

ASU is a large, comprehensive, research university and for nearly two decades, has transformed into the “New American University,” one dedicated to the simultaneous pursuit of excellence, broad access to quality education, and meaningful societal impact. By our Charter and Design Aspirations, we center inclusion and success as values that drive the enterprise; adopt inter- and transdisciplinary approaches to teaching and learning as ways to address society’s greatest challenges; and develop innovative partnerships to produce master learners across the lifespan. To learn more about ASU, visit http://www.asu.edu.

Qualifications

Minimum qualifications include:

• A Ph.D. in ecology, biology, geology, environmental science or closely related field by the start date
• Experience with manipulation and analysis of large data sets
• A background in ecosystem science or application of remote sensing to ecological data
• A valid US driver’s license by start date and ability to safely work in remote field locations
• Commitment to working with faculty, staff, students, and communities, to advance the principles of the ASU Charter
• Candidates must be within five years from receipt of the doctoral degree

Desired qualifications include:

• A background relevant to biogeochemical process measurements
• A record of research accomplishment, demonstrated through scientific publications
• Experience working in remote field locations
• Experience working with remote sensing products, and excellent scientific writing skills
• Ability to work independently and in a team
• Demonstrate strong problem-solving skills
• Experience with environmental sensors is strongly desired

To apply, please submit to https://apply.interfolio.com/142836 to include the following:

• A cover letter
• Contact information for three references
• A curriculum vitae with a publication list 
• A statement of past research accomplishments and future research goals (three pages or less)

Deadline for initial review of complete applications will be April 13, 2024.  Applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis for a reserve pool. Applications in the reserve pool may then be reviewed in the order in which they were received until the position is closed.

Postdoctoral benefits can be found at: https://cfo.asu.edu/new-employee-orientation https://graduate.asu.edu/postdocs/welcome-postdocs

A background check is required for employment. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States.

Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

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