Job Details

TTU Post Doctoral Rsch Assoc

Position Number: 9940749
Location: Lubbock, United States
Position Type: Laboratory and Research

TTU Post Doctoral Rsch Assoc
Lubbock
46653BR
Biological Sciences

Position Description
Performs specialized Post Doctoral work in the planning, conducting and/or supervision of original research. Responsible for participating in a research project associated with PhD studies and the interpretation of the results of publication. Work is performed under supervision of graduate faculty members with evaluation based on accomplishment of assigned objectives and overall effectiveness of project. May supervise research and student assistants. Adherence to robust safety practices and compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations are responsibilities of all employees.

About the University
Founded in 1923, Texas Tech University began with a mission to serve the needs of West Texas, but its impact has always reached far beyond. Today, Texas Tech, located in Lubbock (pop. 300,000+), is home to a vibrant community of more than 42,000 students.Texas Tech's 1,800-acre campus showcases Spanish Renaissance architecture and is home to one of the country's largest public art collections. Its 13 colleges include a prestigious School of Law and a distinguished School of Veterinary Medicine. These programs equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their respective fields. Built on the values of West Texas - hard work, grit and authenticity - the university graduates students who are deeply engaged in service to their communities and well-positioned to succeed in the world. Texas Tech is committed to achieving research and scholarly accomplishments that compare favorably to the member institutions of the Association of American Universities (AAU). For more than 100 years, Texas Tech has been a premier destination for those seeking a world-class education and a unique, personalized experience as a member of the Red Raider family.

About the Department and/or College

Major/Essential Functions
A postdoctoral position quantifying plant traits and ecosystem processes across environmental gradients in the South Central United States is available in the EcoHealth Lab at Texas Tech University (PIs: Natasja van Gestel and Dylan Schwilk). The position is funded through a consortium agreement with the USGS-funded South Central Climate Adaptation Science Center.

The project will use a plant functional trait-based approach-employing observational data collection, field experiments, and modeling- to quantify and predict variability in terrestrial ecosystem processes across broad precipitation gradients in Texas, with a specific focus on understanding the drivers of ecosystem services that humans rely on. Individual studies have revealed how traits vary locally and, in some cases, have connected this variation to local variation in ecosystem processes, including fuel variation and fire dynamics, ecosystem biophysics, and woody encroachment. Plant functional trait data from across Texas is available at TTU's EcoHealth Lab; however, these data have not been synthesized in a manner that would allow for predictions over large spatiotemporal scales necessary for land managers needing to adapt to ongoing ecological change. The successful candidate will leverage these datasets to develop a predictive understanding for how ongoing ecological changes influence ecosystem processes through their impacts on plant functional traits. From there, models will be used to explore the dynamics of ecosystem processes/services and to test the impact of different adaptive measures on ecosystem processes, thus providing land managers and other stakeholders with the information needed to explore the impact of adopting different measures. Actionable outcomes include: (1) descriptions of specific planning, management, or decision-making information gaps or needs and how collaborators or partners will benefit from the project; (2) how findings/tools will be communicated to and used to inform natural resource managers; and (3) measurement data, simulation data, and model code accessible through open-access databases.

The postdoctoral research associate will be given freedom to explore questions and develop projects pertinent to their interests and experiences under the broader project description above.

Within the EcoHealth Lab and at Texas Tech, the postdoc will have access to state-of-the-art terrestrial ecology equipment, growth chamber and greenhouse facilities, equipment for evaluating plant flammability and fuels, as well as computational facilities both within the lab and through the University's High Performance Computing Center. Project collaborators include the network of existing partners through the TTU EcoHealth Lab, Grower Citizen Scientists, the Texas EcoLab program, and the regional elements of the globally distributed Nutrient Network. These collaborators include land managers, private landowners, community planners, agricultural producers, and community members who are interested in ecological issues.

The successful candidate will carry out empirical and modeling research examining plant and ecosystem responses and feedbacks across environmental gradients. The specific projects will be tailored to the individual's interests and expertise. The postdoctoral associate will be expected to be an active participant in the EcoHealth Lab as well as the Texas Tech Climate Center and South Central Climate Adaptation Science Center. They will be expected to share their work and participate in collaborative research within and outside these networks.

Required Qualifications
PhD in area of project specialization Knowledge of modern research practices, the methods, resources, and standards thereof. Ability to organize work effectively, conceptualize and prioritize objectives and exercise independent judgment based on an understanding of organizational policies and activities. Ability to integrate resources, policies, and information for the determination of procedures, solutions and other outcomes. Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with other employees and the public. Ability to plan and allocate the workload of employees, providing direct training and supervision as needed.

Preferred Qualifications
Experience carrying out observational field studies in plant and ecosystem ecology is highly desirable. Strong quantitative skills are also highly desired.

Pay Range
$44,500 - $57,900.00 - $71,200

To apply, visit workattexastech.com

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or status as a protected veteran.