February, 2015: Postdoctoral Position Announcement

Postdoctoral opportunity in regional-to-global-scale Earth systems research

 

Support is available for a new postdoctoral research position through the Inter-university Training for Continental-scale Ecology (ITCE) program, a US NSF-funded effort to support collaborative, multidisciplinary training and research that advances the use of isotopes to study Earth systems processes acting over large spatial scales.  We seek a postdoctoral researcher interested in leading collaborative, interdisciplinary research in one of two focus areas: 1) hydrology and hydrochemistry of surface waters, and 2) isotopic records of ecological processes. Opportunities in area 1 include the development and application of spatial statistical models to isotopic and geochemical datasets to elucidate controls on the physical and chemical state of waterways at a range of spatial and temporal scales. Opportunities in area 2 include synthesis of spatial data from plant, animal, or soil systems and the development of improved models and spatially explicit predictions to enhance the interpretation of isotope proxies for ecological or hydrological processes. Work in each area is expected to involve primarily data synthesis and modeling, and will leverage both publicly available data and resources developed by the ITCE project members. 

The postdoctoral researcher will be employed by the University of Utah, but she or he will be co-advised by and work collaboratively with multiple ITCE faculty at institutions across the US. Applicants will have significant flexibility in defining projects that capitalize on the diverse expertise and collaborative interests of this group.  The new postdoc will be a part of an interdisciplinary cohort of ITCE researchers, and will have access to mentoring and support through the University’s Global Change and Sustainability Center. ITCE researchers have the opportunity to participate and teach in a series of interdisciplinary summer short courses associated with the ITCE program.

An application for this position should include a current CV, names and contact information for three potential letter-writers, and an expression of interest, of 2 pages or less, describing research opportunities related to one of the program theme areas that motivate the applicant’s interest in the position. Applicants are encouraged to contact the project PI, Gabe Bowen (gabe.bowen@utah.edu), and/or other ITCE faculty with expertise in their area of interest to discuss collaborative opportunities with these individuals.  Applications should be submitted as a single PDF document to Eileen Miller (eileenmgardner@yahoo.com), ITCE program assistant, and will be accepted immediately and reviewed beginning Feb. 23, 2015. Applications will continue to be received and reviewed until the position is filled.

The position offers a flexible start date, competitive salary, a medical benefits package, and travel support for work at partner universities.

The University of Utah is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and educator. Minorities, women, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. Veterans preference. Reasonable accommodations provided. For additional information: http://www.regulations.utah.edu/humanResources/5-106.html.  The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students from diverse backgrounds, and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education for historically underrepresented students.