Postdoctoral Position in Urban Biodiversity at the University of Minnesota Working with Drs. Sarah Hobbie and Jeannine Cavender-Bares
We are seeking a postdoctoral associate for a one year position in the Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior at the University of Minnesota, with the possibility of renewal for an additional year to work as part of an NSF-funded Macrosystems Biology project exploring alternative futures for American residential ecosystems. The primary tasks of the postdoctoral position will encompass the following: 1) Investigate the degree to which homeowner values influence diversity of both cultivated and spontaneous plant diversity through analysis of data on plant diversity and composition data from household surveys and integration with existing and new social survey data on homeowner values. Previously generated phylogenetic information can be used in this context to test for consequences of values on phylogenetic composition and diversity. 2) Advance our understanding of the importance of different filters imposed by the urban environment on community assembly processes that influence the diversity and composition of yards. Existing data are available to compare the traits of the spontaneous yard flora to those of the regional native flora. 3) Coordinate field sampling crews during the summer months. Specifically, the postdoctoral associate will lead site selection using GIS, plan sampling schedules and routes, contact homeowners, and send collected samples to other sites. The postdoc might also conduct occasional field work in urban yards. Applicants should have strong analytical and GIS skills and familiarity with methods for characterizing species, phylogenetic, and functional composition and diversity. To apply: 1) Visit http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/employment/; 2) Click on the tab in the center of the page that corresponds to your situation; 3) Search Job ID# 316182. Applications will be accepted until a suitable candidate is found. Questions should be directed to shob...@umn.edu or caven...@umn.edu.
