Postdoctoral Researcher, Harvard University

Postdoctoral Researcher:  Modeling and analysis of phenological data

Duties and Responsibilities:
As part of the Richardson Lab, the Postdoctoral Researcher will work on modeling and analysis of phenological data obtained through the PhenoCam project. This project uses networked digital cameras mounted at established research sites across North America to track seasonal variation in canopy structure and physiological activity. A key objective is to link these observations to climatic drivers and ecosystem processes (e.g. seasonality of carbon and water fluxes) using a model-data fusion approach.
The postdoc will develop continental-scale data sets on vegetation phenology, and will test and improve phenological theory, focusing on dynamic interactions between climate change, phenology, and ecosystem function.
The postdoc will join an interdisciplinary research team that also includes colleagues from Boston University, the University of New Hampshire, and Washington University in St Louis. The position is funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation’s Macrosystems Biology program.

Qualifications:
A Ph.D. in ecology, biometeorology, or a related field, is required. Applicants should be enthusiastic, creative, and highly motivated. Excellent communication skills, and a strong publication record are expected. Applicants must also possess very strong quantitative and analytical skills (familiarity with image processing is desirable), knowledge of at least one scientific programming language (ideally R or MATLAB), and experience working with large data sets. The applicant must possess a valid U.S. driver’s license, or obtain one promptly on arrival. The applicant must be willing and physically able to conduct fieldwork in potentially remote locations during all seasons.

Additional Information:
A 12-month commitment is expected. Pending successful performance, the position may be renewed annually for up to three years. The position is available immediately.
Information about Harvard’s Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology can be found here. Information about the Richardson lab can be found here.

To apply:
Please submit applications (including cover letter, CV, and the names and contact information for three references) via email (with the subject line “PHENOLOGY MODELING POSTDOC”) to: Professor Andrew D. Richardson, arichardson@oeb.harvard.edu. Review of applications will begin on August 31, 2013, and will continue until a suitable candidate is identified.