Postgraduate Opportunity in Quantitative Ecology & Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
A complete application package consists of:
- An application
- Transcript(s) – For this opportunity, an unofficial transcript or copy of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted. Selected candidate must provide proof of completion of the degree before the appointment can start. Proof must be sent to ORISE directly from the academic institution including graduation date and degree awarded. All transcripts must be in English or include an official English translation. Click Here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
- A current resume/CV
- Two references – While two references are requested, applications will be considered without reference information. It is preferred that a complete application package contains a minimum of one reference.
If you have questions, send an email to USForestService@orise.orau.gov. Please include the reference code for this opportunity in your email.
A postgraduate research opportunity in quantitative ecology and climate change vulnerability assessment is available to join Dr.’s Becky Kerns and John Kim’s research group with Corvallis Forestry Sciences Laboratory, part of the US Department of Agriculture Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station. PNWRS conducts research that serves the forest land managers and society, and advances science and management goals. The participant will perform, under mentorship of experts, a quantitative and qualitative synthesis of existing scientific knowledge for managing forests and coastal environments in northwestern Oregon under climate change scenarios. The research includes comparison and evaluation of multiple lines of evidence of vegetation response and sea level rise to climate change; engaging scientists and managers through meetings and seminars/webinars; and writing reports and manuscripts.
Specific activities may include:
- Performing complex and exploratory spatial analysis in ArcGIS
- Creating charts, graphs, and maps for visual aids and for publication using a variety of software
- Review and synthesis of scientific literature and data (e.g. paleoecology, observational and experimental studies) relevant to vegetation response to climate change in the Pacific Northwest, particularly forests west of the Cascades.
- Participate in designing climate data analysis.
- Participate in designing vegetation data analysis.
- Lead-author vegetation vulnerability report chapters for two study areas in Oregon.
- Lead authorship of a least one paper in a refereed scientific journal
- Oral presentation of work.
The appointment is half-time for one year with an anticipated start date of June 1, 2018. Additional years (up to four more years) my be possible depending on the availability of funding. A competitive stipend is offered. The participant must show proof of health and medical insurance. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE. If the participant selects coverage under the ORISE policy, a supplement to the stipend may be provided to offset a portion of this expense. A travel allowance will be awarded to use for attending meetings.
The participant will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, USDA, USFS, or any other office or agency. Instead, the participant will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment.
This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR).
For more information about the USFS Research Participation Program, please visit the Program Website.
Applicants must have at least a MS degree (PhD is preferred) in the field of ecology, forestry, landscape ecology or environmental science.
A strong background forest ecology and climate change science are preferred.
Preferred requirements:
- Strong background in forest ecology, plant physiology, and fire ecology.
- Strong writing skills.
- Familiarity with using ecological model outputs.
- Familiarity with IPCC reports and scenarios.
- Intuitive ability to understand the nature of systems and communicate to laypeople.
- Demonstrated ability to publish in the scientific literature.
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