Postdoctoral Fellowship Plant Taxonomy and Ecology Center for Conservation Education and Sustainability Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute
Background: The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) conducts research and monitoring to study, understand, predict, and integrate biodiversity conservation needs with development priorities of mega infrastructure projects. Guided by the principles of the Convention on Biological Diversity, SCBI has worked with a selected group of oil and gas companies since 1996 to develop conservation and development best practices for conserving biodiversity. SCBI conducts research and monitoring to understand, predict, and integrate biodiversity conservation needs with development priorities of mega infrastructure projects. Additionally, SCBI strives to contribute best practices for the implementation of the mitigation hierarchy. The Canada BMAP is a set of scientific monitoring and assessment protocols being created to identify and monitor indicator species and habitats in the area of influence of a natural gas pipeline project. Research description: SCBI is recruiting a postdoctoral fellow who will: 1) identify species and functional diversity of plants, with an emphasis on alpine plants; 2) contribute to the development of successful remediation techniques to restore plant communities; 3) prepare high quality reports and high impact scientific papers related to the research project; and 4) contribute to other research and conservation-related activities for the Canada BMAP and other SCBI projects. The position may involve travel by boat, helicopter, and trucks to remote locations, research in active construction zones, and potential encounters with wildlife. Qualifications: We are seeking a highly motivated individual who should have: 1. A PhD in plant sciences, conservation, restoration, natural resources management, ecology, or related disciplines; 2. Strong taxonomic skills, especially the ability to identify plant species native to British Columbia and its high alpine ecosystem; 3. Experience in testing techniques to restore disturbed or degraded plant communities; 4. Good writing skills and publication experience; 5. Scientific project management skills and ability to work independently; 6. Excellent communication skills and the ability to work well in teams; and 7. Physical ability to work outdoors in a variety of conditions. Application: Applicants should present: 1) a letter of interest detailing their qualifications for the position (two-page maximum); 2) a curriculum vitae; and 3) three professional references with contact information (institution, email address, phone number). These documents can be sent by email to Sulema Castro (cast...@si.edu) with the indication Canada plant postdoc application in the subject line. Starting date: ASAP Location: based in Washington, District of Columbia, USA with frequent trips to British Columbia Duration: one year, renewable depending on project outcomes. Application deadline: Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, so you are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
