Postdoctoral position in fire behavior and plant physiological effects at the University of British Columbia
The Physiological Ecology Lab at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, BC, Canada (PI Sean Michaletz) is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher to study fire behavior and its effects on plant physiology and forest dynamics. The postdoc will help develop, evaluate, and refine a next-generation modeling framework for predicting climate change effects on plant responses to multiple interacting disturbances. This includes extending current trait-based models for fire and drought effects on whole-plant function, and implementing these into the physics-based FIRETEC coupled fire-atmosphere model and a coupled surface-subsurface hydrology model. Computational experiments and the modeling framework will be evaluated and refined using experimental data collected at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, USA. The postdoc will be based at the University of British Columbia, but will work closely with collaborators Adam Atchley, Rod Linn, and the Applied Terrestrial, Energy and Atmospheric Modeling Team (https://goo.gl/WnPg5S) at the Los Alamos National Laboratory in Los Alamos, New Mexico, USA. The position is funded through SERDP (DOD, EPA, DOE). We encourage applicants who can work across disciplines and combine numerical simulation models with empirical data to study linkages between global climate change, climate-driven disturbances, whole-plant physiology, and large-scale forest processes. Funding is available for 3 years at a competitive salary that is commensurate with qualifications and experience. Additional support is available for conference and fieldwork travel. Start date is Fall 2018 or Winter 2019. Information on benefits is available at https://goo.gl/PDZX5p. The lab strongly supports positive work-life balance for people in all stages of their careers. Required skills include experience with domain modeling and code development using programming languages such as Fortran or C++, high performance and parallel computing, and numerical simulation models (computational fluid dynamics, heat transfer, ecohydrology, plant physiology, and/or forest dynamics). Candidates must exhibit effective written and oral communication skills, have demonstrated ability to publish peer-reviewed papers, and have a Ph.D. pending or obtained within the last five years. The multidisciplinary and collaborative nature of the project also necessitates willingness to work in a team environment. Desired skills include experience with fieldwork and knowledge of hydrology, plant physiology, and ecology. To apply, please send a cover letter, current CV, a recent publication, and names and contact information for three references to Sean Michaletz at sean.michal...@gmail.com. The application deadline is September 1st 2018. Please feel free to contact Sean Michaletz at any time with questions or to discuss projects. Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.
