Postdoctoral Research Associate
Job Description
Operating Title
Postdoctoral Research AssociateLong Classification Title
POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH/TEACHINGCampus Location
DurhamDepartment
UNH COLSA Natural Resources & the EnvironmentSummary of Position
We are seeking a post-doctoral research associate in temperate agroforestry interested in conducting applied interdisciplinary research to evaluate the productive potential, climate resilience, and ecosystem services provided by different agroforestry systems in New England. Ecosystem services of particular interest include carbon sequestration and storage, hydrologic regulation, weed suppression, pest-pathogen regulation, crop yield, and biodiversity. Results of the research will inform the design of agroforestry systems adapted to New England’s unique biophysical and socio-economic landscape.
The postdoctoral associate will participate as part of a large interdisciplinary team of scientists and graduate students and will have substantial flexibility to develop their specific research focus within the context of the project team’s expertise and the needs of the larger project. However, there is an expectation that the successful candidate will conduct interdisciplinary research that bridges several relevant fields (e.g., ecology, soil science, hydrology, social sciences, economics) to address complex research questions related to designing sustainable and climate-smart temperate agroforestry systems. This postdoc position will support a 5-year USDA-funded project focusing on promoting climate-smart and sustainable agriculture for expanding food production in New England through regionally adapted agroforestry systems (Project “ADAPT”).
The postdoctoral associate will participate as part of a large interdisciplinary team of scientists and graduate students and will have substantial flexibility to develop their specific research focus within the context of the project team’s expertise and the needs of the larger project. However, there is an expectation that the successful candidate will conduct interdisciplinary research that bridges several relevant fields (e.g., ecology, soil science, hydrology, social sciences, economics) to address complex research questions related to designing sustainable and climate-smart temperate agroforestry systems. This postdoc position will support a 5-year USDA-funded project focusing on promoting climate-smart and sustainable agriculture for expanding food production in New England through regionally adapted agroforestry systems (Project “ADAPT”).
Posting Number
PF0853FY24Acceptable Minimum Qualifications
- PhD in agroforestry, ecology, agronomy, biology, environmental science, or a closely related field at the time of starting the position.
- Strong track record of relevant publications in peer reviewed journals.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Strong analytical skills, including knowledge of statistical packages and analyses.
- Ability to interact and communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds, disciplines, organizational affiliations, and levels of expertise and knowledge.
- Ability to work well independently with minimal supervision, including strong problem solving and creating thinking skills.
- Ability to work well as a member of a large, transdisciplinary team.
- Strong technical skills for maintaining and troubleshooting field and lab equipment.
Additional Preferred Qualifications
- Specialization in agroforestry is strongly preferred.
- Experience working as a member of a large, transdisciplinary team.
- Experience mentoring undergraduate and/or graduate students.
- Experience supervising and training research assistants and technicians.
Salary Information
Salary is complemented by a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental, retirement, tuition, and paid time off.
Quick Link to Posting
https://jobs.usnh.edu/postings/59753Percent Time Information (FTE)
1.00Posting Date
03/05/2024Open Until Filled
YesInterested Internal Candidates Exist?
NoAppointment Type
Grant FundedThis position is responsible for the supervision of
Operating Staff , StudentsSpecial Requirements
A background check will be required as a condition of employment.EEO Statement
The University System of New Hampshire is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access/Affirmative Action employer. The University System is committed to creating an environment that values and supports diversity and inclusiveness across our campus communities and encourages applications from qualified individuals who will help us achieve this mission. The University System prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or marital status.
Institution Information
The University of New Hampshire is an R1 Carnegie classification research institution providing comprehensive, high-quality undergraduate and graduate programs of distinction. UNH is located in Durham on a 188-acre campus, 60 miles north of Boston and 8 miles from the Atlantic coast and is convenient to New Hampshire’s lakes and mountains. There is a student enrollment of 13,000 students, with a full-time faculty of over 600, offering 90 undergraduate and more than 70 graduate programs. The University actively promotes a dynamic learning environment in which qualified individuals of differing perspectives, life experiences, and cultural backgrounds pursue academic goals with mutual respect and shared inquiry.
The UNH Diversity Resource Guide with information and programming available in the seacoast area, New Hampshire, and the region can be found here: https://www.unh.edu/hr/diversity-resource-guide
Duty/Responsibility
Independent research:
- Conduct independent research to address research questions related to the productive potential, climate resilience, and ecosystem services provided by different agroforestry systems in New England.
- Collaborate with a large interdisciplinary team of researchers and students.
- Assist with the mentoring of undergraduate and graduate students.
- Assist with the training of research assistants and technicians in field and laboratory techniques.
- Lead and contribute to manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
Duty/Responsibility
Project coordination & management:
- Maintain strong communication and coordination across different project components, collaborators, cooperators, and partners.
- Participate in regular team meetings and contribute to project planning and evaluation processes.
- Assist with the implementation and management of experimental agroforestry research trials on university and cooperator lands.
- Conduct occasional visits to participating farms and universities to provide research support.
- Contribute occasionally to outreach, and extension programs related to agroforestry.
Duty/Responsibility
Project administration:
- Contribute to annual reports and performance evaluations.
- Assist with the purchase of supplies and materials.
- Contribute to the development of work plans and timelines.
- Participate in assessments of progress towards milestones.
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