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.

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