Post Doc Fellow - Carbon & Water Cycling

POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Department of Natural Ecology and Management, Oklahoma State University is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow to play a leadership role in investigating the impacts of vegetation change and land management on ecosystem water and carbon processes, as well as wildfire risks in Oklahoma and the Southern Great Plains. This postdoctoral position will receive support from the Oklahoma NSF EPSCoR project and will work in a multidisciplinary workgroup, encompassing expertise ranging from forest ecology and ecohydrology to remote sensing and ecosystem modeling. This intended duration of this position is 1.5 years from 1/2024 to 6/2025, with the potential for extension pending the availability of new grant funding. The overarching objective of this position is to advance our scientific understanding of ecosystem carbon and water dynamics in the Great Plains, particularly in light of the changing climate and ecosystem composition. The successful candidate will be expected to publish scientific manuscripts to document research findings and outcomes and contribute to the preparation of grant proposals to secure future research funding opportunities. The postdoctoral fellow will work under the supervision of Dr. Chris Zou (Professor) and Dr. Jia Yang (Assistant Professor).  The postdoctoral fellow will have opportunities to collaborate with graduate students and faculty on other relevant projects.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Degree: Ph.D. in Ecology, Forestry, Rangeland Management, Natural Resources, Remote Sensing, Hydrology, or a related field

Field of Study: Ecosystem carbon and water processes, wildfires

Experience: The successful candidate must have research experience in terrestrial ecosystems carbon or water processes.

Certifications: Valid driver's license. Reliable transportation for travel connected with official duties.  Reimbursement for official travel.

Skills, proficiencies, and knowledge: The successful candidate must have: 1) A good understanding of ecosystem dynamics and the driving factors; 2) evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills; 3) demonstrated proficiency for publishing research in peer-reviewed journals.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Skills, proficiencies, and knowledge: 1) Proficiency in Python or R; 2) demonstrated skill to process and analyze large climate, remote sensing, and GIS datasets; 3) have
experience with ecosystem models, hydrological models, or fire behavior models.

SALARY
Salary for this postdoctoral fellow position is $60,000 / year plus fringe benefits. Funding is also available for travel to meet with collaborators and present at scientific conferences.

APPLICATION DEADLINE
November 3, 2023, or until a suitable candidate is identified.

DATE POSITION AVAILABLE
November 6, 2023 

APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Applications must be submitted online at https://jobs.okstate.edu (search by keyword: req16583) 

Applicants should submit: 1) a 1-page cover letter summarizing their experience and research expertise related to the project goals and required qualification, 2) curriculum vitae, and 3) contact information for three references.

CONTACT PERSON
Chris Zou
Department of Natural Resource Ecology and

Management, Oklahoma State University,

Stillwater, OK 74078.
E-mail: chris.zou@okstate.edu

Jia Yang
Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, Oklahoma State University, ,
Stillwater, OK 74078.
E-mail: jia.yang11@okstate.edu

Oklahoma State University (OSU) strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, OSU conducts pre-employment background checks on final candidates. Offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal (felony and misdemeanor) history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the university, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

Oklahoma State University, as an equal opportunity employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. Oklahoma State University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all individuals and does not discriminate based on race, religion, age, sex, color, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, or veteran status with regard to employment, educational programs and activities, and/or admissions. For more information, visit eeo.okstate.edu.