POST DOCTORAL SCHOLAR – INTERACTIONS OF TROPICAL WETLANDS, LAND
USE, AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Employer: Dept. of Fisheries and Wildlife
Oregon State University/Center for
International Forestry Research
(CIFOR)
Location: Corvallis, Oregon or Bogor,
Indonesia extensive field work
Job Type: Full-time
Compensation: Negotiable
($50,500/yr)
Degree: PhD
Deadline: Open until filled
Category: Postdoc/Research Scientist –
Tropical Ecology/Global Change
Biology
Posted:
November 2012
Location: The post-doc will be based at Oregon State University. Extensive field work
will be focused on tropical freshwater wetlands and mangroves in select countries of
Africa, Latin America, and Asia. Specific areas of likely research includes the Peruvian
Amazon (floodplain forests), and mangroves of Latin America and/or West Africa.
Description: Ecosystem C stocks of tropical wetlands especially freshwater swamps
and mangroves are among the highest in the World. Ironically, rates of land use/land
cover change in mangroves are also among the highest in the world such that they are
now significant sources of greenhouse gasses. Yet very little data exist on ecosystem
C stocks and their fates (emissions) following land use land cover change. The post
doc will participate in ongoing interdisciplinary team-oriented research leading field and
laboratory research quantifying C dynamics of intact and converted tropical forested
wetlands The successful candidate will be involved in a research to quantify ecosystem
carbon stocks of tropical wetlands of Asia, Latin America, and Africa. Specific
objectives include: (1) Quantification of the total ecosystem stocks of tropical wetlandscritical data for potential future climate change mitigation strategies; (2) Quantification of
the effects of land use/land cover change on tropical wetlands ecosystems in terms of
changes in ecosystem carbon pools, emissions, structure, and biodiversity; (3)
Establishment of a global network of plots designed to quantify C pools and dynamics of
important tropical forested wetlands.
The post-doctoral scientist will serve as part of an international team comprised of
CIFOR researchers, US Forest Service Scientists, and other US and International
agencies and universities that is examining the climate change adaptation and
mitigation strategies for
The position is initially funded for one year with continued funding, dependent upon
continued project funding and satisfactory annual performance reviews.
Additional opportunities include the preparation of grant proposals for ecosystem
studies as appropriate, reviewing manuscripts, participating in workshops, symposia,
and other professional meetings. The post-doc will interact with a wide variety of
scientists, land managers, and NGOs in a variety of disciplines. The post-doc will have
the opportunity to participate in educational activities both in the USA and in tropical
countries. There will be extensive interactions and collaboration with scientists,
students, land managers, and local user groups throughout the world.
Requirements:







PhD in ecology, wetlands ecology, coastal zone ecology, forest ecology,
environmental science or a related field conferred no later than December 2012.
Extensive field experience in vegetation sampling, soil sampling, biomass
sampling and quantitative data analysis required.
Experience with climate monitoring, laboratory analysis, GIS, ecosystems
studies, global change biology, wetlands or coastal zone ecology or related areas
is desirable
Ability to work in remote settings in tropical forested wetlands and mangroves
with few amenities, and in cultures vastly different from the developed world.
Demonstrated proficiency in publishing, question-driven research, and detailoriented, conscientious application of scientific methods.
Skills needed in communication and collaboration with people from all walks of
life
Ability to speak, or willingness to learn Spanish or French is desirable
Application Deadline: Review of applicants will continue until the post is filled. Preferred
desirable start date is before March 1, 2013
If interested please send a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and contact information for
three references (email correspondence preferred) to the address below.
J Boone Kauffman
Department of Fisheries and Wildlife
Oregon State University
Corvallis, Oregon 97331 USA
For more information contact
J. Boone Kauffman
Boone.Kauffman@oregonstate.edu
541-737-5509
Postdoctoral position in mangrove/coastal wetlands ecology –
carbon dynamics , land use , and climate change
Applications are being accepted for Postdoctoral position with the Department of
Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University and the Center for International Forestry
Research (CIFOR). The successful candidate will be involved in a research to quantify
ecosystem carbon stocks and emissions (Blue Carbon) of tropical coastal wetlands
(especially mangroves) of Asia, Latin America, and Africa. Specific objectives include:
(1) Quantification of the total ecosystem stocks of tropical coastal wetlands-critical data
for potential future climate change mitigation strategies; (2) Quantification of the effects
of land use/land cover change on tropical coastal ecosystems in terms of changes in
ecosystem carbon pools, emissions, structure, and biodiversity; (3) Establishment of a
global network of plots designed to quantify C stocks and dynamics of important coastal
wetland types in the tropics. Preferred qualifications include: field experience in coastal
wetlands, tropical forests, or similar experiences of conducting field work in remote
locations. A PhD in wetlands ecology, coastal zone ecology, forestry, environmental
science or a related field is required.
To apply, please send a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and contact information for
three references (email correspondence preferred) to:
J Boone Kauffman
Department of Fisheries and Wildlife
Oregon State University
Corvallis, Oregon 97331 USA
Boone.Kauffman@oregonstate.edu
541-737-5509
The salary will be about $ 50,000 per year with benefits. The preferred start date is
January 2012. Applications will be accepted till a suitable candidate is found.