What are the responsibilities and job description for the Postdoctoral Associate - Forest Futures Lab position at Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies?
Position Summary
The Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies seeks one to two collaborative, synthetic postdoctoral associates to join the Western Fire and Forest Resilience Collaborative and the Forest Futures Lab. The Fire Collaborative includes 10 science teams and diverse decision-makers working together to advance predictive science in fire ecology and forest resilience. The postdoctoral associate(s) will project how management strategies, climate change, and wildfires will shape western forests over the next century using state-of-the-art simulation models. This role offers leadership opportunities and the freedom to pursue independent research within a supportive and nurturing lab environment.
Preferred location is Millbrook, NY, but hybrid/remote work will be considered for exceptional candidates.
This is a full-time, fully benefitted exempt position with a one-year initial appointment, renewable for an additional year contingent on performance and funding. Annual salary ranges from $70,000 - $85,000, based on postdoctoral experience, with a highly competitive benefits and time-off package.
Essential Responsibilities
- Work collaboratively within the Fire Collaborative to develop and implement research programs that enhance fire ecology and forest resilience strategies.
- Utilize state-of-the-art ecosystem and landscape simulation models to project long-term forest changes under different management scenarios.
- Engage with scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders to ensure research findings effectively inform fire and forest management strategies.
- Prepare manuscripts for publication and present research findings at conferences and meetings.
- Contribute to a dynamic and interdisciplinary research environment at the Cary Institute.
Required Qualifications
- Ph.D. in forest ecology, disturbance ecology, ecosystem modeling, AI, or a related field prior to appointment.
- Demonstrated expertise in ecosystem, landscape, or Earth-system simulation modeling.
Preferred Qualifications
- Ph.D. in forest ecology, disturbance ecology, ecosystem modeling, AI, or a related field prior to appointment.
- Demonstrated expertise in ecosystem, landscape, or Earth-system simulation modeling.
- Experience working in interdisciplinary research settings.
- Proven record of research publications and presentations.
- Familiarity with climate change impacts on forest ecosystems.
Required Skills
- Strong quantitative and analytical skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Strong written and oral communication skills.
- Proficiency in programming languages such as R, Python, or other modeling tools.
- Ability to synthesize and analyze large ecological datasets.
- Effective communication and collaboration skills for engaging with stakeholders and research teams.
Working Conditions
- Travel opportunities related to the project will be provided.
- Finalist candidates must successfully complete a post-offer, pre-employment background check.
Please upload a single PDF including a cover letter (no more than 2 pages) describing research interests, CV, and contact information for three references using the upload resume link on the application website. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
The Cary Institute is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, familial status, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.
Salary : $70,000 - $85,000
