This is your chance to help to better understand the role of lianas in forest recovery worldwide. Here is a long-term early-career ecological modelling position for you at the University of the Sunshine Coast (Australia) – a five-year post with strong potential for tenure.
The Forest Restoration and Climate Experiment (FoRCE) is delighted to offer an exciting postdoctoral (and long-term career) opportunity in tropical forest ecology and restoration funded through the University of the Sunshine Coast and Australian Research Council.
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The overall aim of the postdoctoral project is to use vegetation plot data to measure and model the dynamic relationship between trees and lianas and interactions with climate and human disturbance, to determine global consequences for forest biodiversity, biomass and forest successional trajectories. The initial focus of this position will be on the generation of a new global database of forest:liana vegetation plots, through development of new and pre-existing agreements with scientists from across the world. The second focus will be on the collaborative development and adaption of a dynamic vegetation model to specifically include mechanisms of liana:tree growth feedbacks. A third focus will be to determine the potential forest management and economic implications.
Responsibilities:
- Communicating with multiple researchers to establish data agreements for the collation of tree and liana vegetation plot data, from study sites across the world;
- Development of a new dynamic vegetation model to determine liana-tree interactions and their influence on forest recovery from human disturbance;
- Analysis of data to produce peer-reviewed scientific articles in top-tier journals;
- Development of new grant proposals for continuation of work beyond the postdoctoral period;
- General assistance to the PI in the fulfilment of research objectives of the broader FoRCE project.
Location:
AustraliaBenefits
- The successful candidate will work within an international team of researchers with more than 30 years of experience in measuring, monitoring and analysing dynamics and recovery of tropical forests and their structure.
- The position will be based at the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC), within the Tropical Forests and People Research Centre, the largest research centre for forestry research in Australia. USC is a research-oriented university rated “well above world standard” in the fields of forestry, ecology, and environmental management.
Eligibilities
Essential Criteria:
- Completion of a doctoral qualification in a relevant field or equivalent accreditation and standing;
- Excellent publication record in relevant, high-impact, peer-reviewed journals;
- A proven track record of developing new mathematical models through programming;
- Experience with the development or handling of large databases;
- Advanced spatial analysis skills using either R, Python, Matlab or GIS software;
- Experience of working in a diverse and interdisciplinary research team;
- Membership of and sound connections with relevant professional bodies and community groups and/or in professional practice;
- Strong personal qualities and collegial approaches that contribute to the development and maintenance of a positive academic environment and the development of new partnerships;
- The desire to participate in academic development activities and continue to learn and improve as an effective academic;
- Experience in conducting fieldwork in tropical environments;
- Proven ability to meet deadlines and complete independent work.
Desirable Criteria:
- Previous experience with dynamic vegetation models;
- Experience of working in tropical forests.
Application Process
Apply online through the given link.
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Application Deadline: May 31, 2019
Application ClosedOfficial link
