A post-doctoral position is currently available at the DendroLab (http://dendrolab.org/), University of Nevada Reno, to perform wood anatomical studies on conifer species of the Great Basin. This position, which has been funded by the National Science Foundation, is currently available for one year, with a possibility of extension dependent on performance and availability of funds. The project is closely related to the NSF-EPSCoR grant that has supported the Nevada Climate-ecohydrological Assessment Network (NevCAN), which consists of valley-to-mountaintop instrumented transects in the Snake Range and Sheep Range of Nevada (http://sensor.nevada.edu/NCCP). A number of environmental parameters are being monitored at the transect locations, including atmospheric, pedologic, and vegetational ones. The successful applicant will be part of a multi-disciplinary, multi-institutional team that includes UNR, the Desert Research Institute (DRI), and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). This project is also part of an ongoing collaboration between the DendroLab and Prof. Hubert Morin's team at the Département des Sciences Fondamentales, Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, Canada.
The post-doc will be responsible for leading the field and laboratory research needed to test how wood formation responds to climate, with particular emphasis on Great Basin conifers at the lower and upper forest borders. We currently measure radial changes using point dendrometers at half-hour intervals, and we plan to use repeated microcore sampling combined with field manipulations and histological analysis to determine the controlling factors of cambium activity, subdivision, elongation, and lignification of new xylem cells during the season. Required qualifications are an earned Ph.D. in Wood Science, Forestry, Ecology, Biology, Geography, Applied Statistics, Environmental Engineering or a related field at the time of appointment, ability to perform interdisciplinary research, good communication skills, and a minimum of two relevant peer-reviewed articles (either in press or published). Desired qualifications include experience in wood anatomy and microtomy, a track record in obtaining research funds, skills in computer modeling of spatial and temporal processes, or in numerical analysis of large datasets. Annual salary is $51,000 plus benefits. To apply, send a curriculum vitae with a cover letter describing relevant research experience and interests (including contact information for three professional references) to Dr. Franco Biondi, fbio...@unr.edu. Questions on the position, which will start no later than January 15, 2013, can be asked either by email or by calling 775-784-6921. Please bring this opportunity to the attention of any possible candidates, and apologies for any cross-postings.