POST DOCTORATE RESEARCH ASSOCIATE Biometeorologist/Modeler
Research in Support of AmeriFlux and a Regional Project of the North American Carbon Program Position Number: 002-1070 Location: Department of Forest Science, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon. Earliest Starting Date: December 1, 2006 Application Closing Date: For full consideration apply by November 1, 2006. Context: The TERRA-PNW research group requires a motivated person to participate in interdisciplinary research on terrestrial carbon processes and responses to climate and disturbance across biomes and regions. The research will be conducted in support of (1) the AmeriFlux network, where the incumbent will lead network-wide syntheses to understand variation in carbon dioxide, water vapor and energy exchange, and (2) a project of the North American Carbon Program, where the goal is to quantify and understand the regional carbon balance using approaches that include numerical modeling, biological and micrometeorological observations, and satellite imagery. Responsibilities: The incumbent will have two main responsibilities: (1) lead and participate in network-wide synthesis of results on carbon dioxide fluxes across the AmeriFlux network of sites, seeking general principles on how disturbance, land use, and interannual variation in climate influence fluxes across sites, regions, and the continent, and (2) participate in the model-data fusion component of a project aiming at estimating the regional carbon budget for Oregon and California (ORCA). For AmeriFlux synthesis responsibilities, the incumbent will conduct analysis of large sets of micrometeorological and ecological data from the sites, and produce synthesis papers for publication in high quality peer reviewed journals. This will require interaction with investigators of several sites. The incumbent will participate in other aspects of AmeriFlux, such as compilation of measurement guidelines, and reporting to program managers. For the ORCA regional project of the NACP, the incumbent will be responsible for a network of five high-precision CO2 concentration profile systems, which serves as an important data source for the model-data fusion, where these data are incorporated in carbon flux models and atmospheric transport modeling. The incumbent will also be involved in testing, improving and optimizing the models and their coupling procedures. The goal is to estimate regional carbon fluxes (1 km resolution), explaining variation due to land use, climate, and disturbance, and compare results with those of the bottom-up component of ORCA (Biome-BGC process model). The incumbent will be responsible for leading publications on the results within the timeframe of the project. Required qualifications: The candidate must hold a PhD degree in biometeorology, terrestrial ecosystems analysis, forestry, or similar degree. Experience in measurement of one or more of the following are essential: ecosystem processes; vegetation-atmosphere interaction; atmospheric boundary layer dynamics. Training and experience in numerical modeling, knowledge and experience in C++ and/or FORTRAN programming language, statistical analysis (e.g. SPLUS), data management, and geographic information systems (e.g. ArcGIS) are required. Demonstrated ability to communicate results in high quality peer-reviewed scientific journals and at professional meetings. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team of research scientists. Desired qualifications: Experience in carbon budget modeling and the principles of terrestrial ecosystem ecology. Preferred qualifications include training in numerical optimization methods, spatial analysis, and experience integrating concentration and flux databases with satellite data and regional scale spatial analysis. Demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity. Employment conditions: Full-time (1.0 FTE) 12-month, fixed term faculty position with reappointment at the discretion of the Dean. Full-time annual salary starting at $40,008$45,000 (U.S.) depending on experience and qualifications. Medical, dental, and life insurance group plans are available. For more information: Contact Dr. Beverly Law, Department of Forest Science, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331; phone: 541-737-6111; fax: 541-737-1393; internet: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Web: http://wwwdata.forestry.oregonstate.edu/terra/, http://public.ornl.gov/ameriflux/ To apply: Send letter of application with statement of interest, vitae (resume), up to 2 examples of your senior-authored publications, unofficial copies of transcripts of university work, and the name, address, telephone number, and email address of 3 references to: Ryan Hink, Department of Forest Science, Oregon State University, 321 Richardson Hall, Corvallis OR 97331. For full consideration send application materials by November 1, 2006. 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.
