Post-doctoral research position – Harvard University

Modeling and analysis of long-term trends and year-to-year variability in forest CO2 uptake

Duties and Responsibilities:
As part of the Richardson Lab, the Postdoctoral Researcher will (1) conduct modeling and statistical analysis of long-term eddy covariance measurements of forest-atmosphere CO2 exchange from a selection of research sites in the northeastern United States; (2) integrate these data and ancillary ecological measurements into an ecosystem model using model-data fusion techniques; (3) develop model-based upscaling estimates of the regional carbon balance. Periodic field trips to research sites within New England may be required throughout the year.

The position is funded by a grant from NOAA’s Climate Program Office, and involves collaboration with site PIs associated with the following AmeriFlux sites: Harvard Forest, Howland Forest, Bartlett Experimental Forest, University of Michigan Biological Station, and Morgan Monroe State Forest.

Qualifications:
A Ph.D. in ecological modeling, biogeochemistry, physiological ecology, biometeorology, forest science, atmospheric sciences, or a related field, is required. Experience with process-based quantitative modeling, statistical analysis of large data sets (ideally eddy covariance data), and model-data fusion or data assimilation, is required. Applicants should be enthusiastic, creative, and highly motivated. Excellent communication skills, and a strong publication record are expected. Knowledge of at least one scientific programming language (ideally FORTRAN, MATLAB and/or R) is necessary. Applicants must have (or promptly obtain) a valid U.S. driver’s license, and must be willing to conduct occasional field work at various research sites in New England (up to 5 h travel time from Cambridge).

Additional Information:
A start date of June 1, 2013, or earlier, is required. A 12-month commitment is expected. Pending satisfactory performance, and the availability of funding, the position may be renewed for a second year.

Information about the Richardson Lab can be found at: http://www.oeb.harvard.edu/faculty/richardson/

Information about Harvard’s Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology can be found at: http://www.oeb.harvard.edu/

Please submit applications (including cover letter, CV, and the names and contact information for three references) via email (with the subject line “APPLICATION FOR POSTDOCTORAL POSITION”) to: Professor Andrew D. Richardson, arichardson@oeb.harvard.edu.

Applications must be received by January 31, 2013, to receive full consideration.

Harvard University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.