Full posting: https://careers.alaska.edu/jobs/post-doctoral-fellow-ecology-of-boreal-forests-fairbanks-alaska-united-states
Join the University of Alaska Fairbanks and contribute to groundbreaking research on the ecological impacts of wildfires in boreal forests. This post-doctoral position, based in Fairbanks with the possibility of working remotely, focuses on synthesizing long-term ecological data as part of the Bonanza Creek Long-Term Ecological Research (BNZ-LTER) program. Collaborate with leading experts in ecosystem ecology, biogeochemistry, and disturbance ecology to explore alternate successional trajectories and their implications in a changing climate. This role offers professional growth, interdisciplinary teamwork, and the chance to publish impactful research. Apply now to make a difference in understanding Alaska’s boreal forest ecosystems!
The University of Alaska invites applications for a one-year post-doctoral researcher with the option to extend for an additional year in boreal forest ecology. This is a fixed-term position working with the Bonanza Creek Long-Term Ecological Research (BNZ-LTER) program located in Fairbanks, Alaska.
We are hiring a post-doctoral research fellow (PDF) to work collaboratively on data synthesis with the Wildfire Working Group of the BNZ-LTER program (https://www.lter.uaf.edu/). Dr. Xanthe Walker leads the Wildfire Working Group and Dr. Michelle Mack is the lead PI of the BNZ -LTER. This position focuses on data synthesis to advance understanding of the ecosystem impacts of alternate successional trajectories following wildfires in the boreal forest. The PDF will work as a member of the BNZ-LTER team to synthesize field data from long-term forest inventory data in interior Alaska. Data sources include field-based surveys of stand structure and growth, understory vegetation, and litterfall, as well as lab-based data on soil composition, foliar nutrients, and decomposition rates. The post-doctoral researcher will aim to integrate these datasets to assess the ecosystem consequences of alternate successional trajectories (deciduous-dominated versus spruce-dominated) in boreal forests. This research will support the BNZ-LTER’s efforts to understand the impacts of ongoing changes in climate and disturbance in Alaska and other boreal regions.
Duties: The duties of the position focus on data synthesis, including compiling data from the BNZ-LTER data archive as well as other data sources, developing a conceptual framework to guide the synthesis analytics, and conducting data analyses with modern analytic tools to address the synthesis questions. The Post Doctoral Researcher will work closely with other members of the BNZ-LTER team to develop synthesis questions and approaches.
The position allows for multiple professional development opportunities, including joining a team of investigators from multiple academic institutions focused on boreal forest ecology and long-term ecological research, working closely with experts in ecosystem ecology, biogeochemistry, disturbance ecology, and statistical analyses, and engaging with ongoing field investigations.
The Post Doctoral Researcher will be based at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. On-Campus with the flexibility of working remotely upon supervisor approval.
Strong background in ecological science as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications.
Familiarity with boreal forest systems is preferred but not required.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Ph.D. in biology, ecology, forestry, ecoinformatics, or related disciplines. Must possess a terminal degree before the start of the position.
• Knowledge of data science, including statistical analyses
• Demonstrated knowledge of forest ecology
• Ability to publish in peer-reviewed journals and other scholarly publications
• Strong collaboration skills as well as demonstrated ability to work independently
• Proficiency in English
• Strong background in ecological science, as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications
• Familiarity with boreal forest systems is preferred but not required.
Position Details:
This position is located on the Fairbanks campus in Alaska, and flexible work arrangements may be considered in accordance with UA regulations. This is a full-time, exempt post doctoral faculty position complete with both a competitive salary and full employee benefits package. UA provides a generous compensation package that includes retirement options, annual leave, 12 paid holidays per year, tuition waivers for employees and family members, and affordable medical, dental and vision care coverage. The starting salary will be based on education and experience.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until a successful candidate is identified.
If you have any questions regarding the research and work, please get in touch with Mario Muscarella at memuscarella@alaska.edu.
📃To view the full list of job responsibilities, please click HERE.
☎️If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Ruth Dinardi, IAB HR Manager, at rsdinardirosado@alaska.edu or 907 474 6466.
