Position Description: A post-doctoral position is available working at the interface of plant ecophysiology and ecohydrology focusing on understanding the effects of land use change and restoration on plant water cycling processes – from the individual plant to the ecosystem scale. The post-doctoral associate is expected to develop and execute research projects within his/her areas of interest that fall within the overall scope of several existing projects, to assist with the coordination of on-going field, lab, and project management activities, and to analyze data and write manuscripts for publication. The postdoctoral associate would have the opportunity to participate as part of an interdisciplinary team of scientists studying larger questions related to ecohydrological responses to land use change at watershed scales in Iowa and Mexico. Although the specific duties relate to plant-ecosystem interactions and plant water use dynamics, there is room within the scope of the project for the post-doc to incorporate their own research interests. Primary responsibilities include: installation and maintenance of sapflow and microclimate monitoring equipment (including a variety of sensors and accompanying data loggers, power supply, etc.), periodic collection of plant physiological (e.g., photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, etc.) and structural (e.g., leaf area, biomass) data and ecosystem process data related to productivity and nutrient cycling, as well as helping to coordinate activities of a field crew of 4-8 people comprised of undergraduate and graduate students and seasonal field assistants.
Qualifications: A completed (or imminent) Ph.D. in plant physiological ecology, ecosystem ecology, ecohydrology, or related field. Strong technical and quantitative skills required; excellent written and verbal communication skills required. Demonstrated ability to publish research results in peer-reviewed literature, produce programmatic reports, and present research results to a large audience. Ability to work effectively in a multi-institutional, multi-disciplinary research environment, both independently and as a team member, is essential. Fluency in Spanish is desirable. Experience working with different techniques for measuring plant ecophysiological processes (e.g., transpiration, photosynthesis, stomatal conductance) and environmental conditions (e.g., soil moisture, temperature, humidity, radiation, etc.) is desirable.
Salary: Base salary for a two-year appointment is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience. A full range of fringe benefits is available. The initial appointment will be for two years and may be renewed for an additional year depending on funding availability and the incumbent’s performance.
Application Date: Applications will be reviewed as they are received and will continue until the position is filled. Start date can be as early as April 1, 2009, but is flexible, depending on the incumbent’s availability.
How to Apply: Interested individuals should provide the following materials: (1) cover letter indicating general and specific research interests/experiences, (2) statement of professional goals (e.g., plans after finishing the training), (3) resume, (4) transcripts, (5) list of three references (names, email addresses, phone numbers, and postal addresses). Photocopies of transcripts are acceptable initially. Please email all application materials as a single PDF file to Dr. Heidi Asbjornsen (hasbjorn@iastate.edu).
