Review of applications will begin on March 1 2023 and will continue until an excellent candidate is found.
The Harvard Forest invites applications for a post-doctoral research fellow focused on ecosystem-atmosphere interactions. The project seeks to understand how ecological dynamics within forests and wetlands interact with climate change to shape the long-term exchange of carbon dioxide, methane, water, and energy at the ecosystem scale. The successful candidate will be a member of Dr. Jackie Matthes’s EcoLab. The candidate will use long-term existing and continually collected data from Harvard Forest to examine the impacts of extreme climatic events and invasive forest pests on ecosystem-atmosphere exchange. The candidate will also collaborate with the Harvard Forest flux team on continued and new field data collection at the longest continually running eddy covariance site in the world. The candidate should be interested in contributing both to field measurements and data analysis/modeling, and there is substantial flexibility regarding the exact specification of questions and methods. There are also opportunities for the candidate to build skills in undergraduate student mentoring through participation on a team project within the Harvard Forest Summer Program in Ecology.
Work Environment: The position is based at the Harvard Forest in Petersham, MA. The Lab is a team environment, but the actual research conducted by this post-doc will require substantial independence.
https://matthesecolab.com/
Required Qualifications: Ph.D. (awarded by start date) in atmospheric/earth sciences, ecology, environmental science, geography, or a related field; Evidence of strong scholarship, including first-authored peer-reviewed publication(s); Proven ability to plan and conduct research projects from beginning to end; Skills in clear communication while working within a cross-disciplinary team of scientists with diverse areas of expertise.
Preferred Experience: Previous analyses with eddy covariance data; Collection of eddy covariance or chamber flux measurements; analysis of large datasets (e.g., FLUXNET, long-term weather data); skilled at scripting within the R and/or Python programming languages.
Appointment: There is some flexibility around the start date, but sooner is preferable. Initial appointment of one year is renewable based on performance and funding. International applicants are welcome and can be supported by a Harvard-sponsored visa.
Salary and benefits: The position comes with an annual salary of at least $55,000 and includes support for up to $3500 in relocation costs. Career development opportunities include funding for at least one large national meeting per year (e.g., the AGU Annual Meeting). Postdocs are entitled to 20 days of vacation per year. This position is eligible for Harvard University’s subsidized comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and other benefits. Most of the benefit plans require a contribution from participants for coverage. Additional benefits and resources for postdoctoral fellows can be found at the FAS Office of Postdoctoral Affairs.
COVID-19: The University requires all Harvard community members, including remote workers, to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and remain up to date with COVID-19 vaccine boosters, as detailed in Harvard’s Vaccine & Booster Requirements. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. More information regarding the University’s COVID policies may be found at the University’s COVID-19 webpage.
To apply: Apply through ARIeS, the Harvard University applications portal:
https://academicpositions.
You will need a cover letter, CV, PDFs of relevant publications, and the contact info for three references. Reference letters will be required for the finalists.
The Harvard Forest Community: Harvard Forest, a department of Harvard University, is an internationally recognized center for basic and applied research in ecology and conservation, with 40 full-time staff. The Forest includes a research and administrative complex, 4000 acres of land, and residential buildings. The Forest is located in Petersham, a rural, north-central Massachusetts town of 1,200 residents. Petersham is a 1.5 hour drive west of Cambridge.
Harvard Forest is committed to establishing a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community. We have a Code of Conduct that clearly outlines expected conduct for members of our community, unacceptable conduct, and pathways for support for those who experience or witness misconduct. We have initiated a series of staff-wide trainings and formed a standing committee to build competence in DEIB. We are working toward including Indigenous knowledge and communities in our research and education, land use, and public programs, improving field safety, and diversifying our team of investigators and educators. We welcome, recruit, develop, and advance talented staff, students, and visiting scholars from diverse backgrounds, and strive to ensure that all are included in our mission. We particularly encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically underrepresented in the sciences and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.
Harvard University is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.
