The Gooseff Hydroecology Laboratory at the University of Colorado Boulder seeks applicants for a Postdoctoral Fellow supported by a recent National Science Foundation Grant: Moving Beyond the Margins: Modeling Water Availability and Habitable Terrestrial Ecosystems in the Polar Desert of the McMurdo Dry Valleys (Antarctica). The successful applicant will work with an interdisciplinary team of scientists to develop species distribution models for sentinel taxa in the McMurdo Dry Valleys of Antarctica. This is part of a collaborative project with the University of Northern Arizona, Virginia Tech, and Battelle/National Ecological Observatory Network developing ensemble species distribution models based on inputs from high resolution models of surface soil conditions developed from multispectral satellite imagery. Applicants with demonstrated quantitative skills and experience in ecological modeling using database and statistical applications are encouraged to apply.

Our research group is engaged in activities that aim to improve equity, diversity, and inclusion in the ecological sciences and geosciences. We particularly welcome applications from candidates whose background and/or work experience align with serving underrepresented or underserved communities (as this relates to the sciences), but welcome all interested candidates to apply.

The successful applicant will start by June 2022 and will have the opportunity to participate in multidisciplinary programs in the Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research (INSTAAR; instaar.colorado.edu) at the University of Colorado Boulder. This position will provide opportunities to interact with the vibrant communities at INSTAAR and the nearby Battelle Boulder office, which serves as the headquarters for NEON. Previous research experience and the demonstrated ability to work independently in the field and lab are required. 

The University of Colorado Boulder is committed to building a culturally diverse community of faculty, staff, and students dedicated to contributing to an inclusive campus environment. We are an Equal Opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

As the University’s oldest institute, lNSTAAR (Institute of Arctic & Alpine Research) has a long history of responding to pressing environmental issues. Our traditional focus has been on polar and alpine regions, where effects of global change are especially pronounced. In recent decades, our research has broadened to include environmental challenges that span local, regional, and global scales. Research topics vary widely and include Quaternary and modern environments, human and ecosystem ecology, biogeochemistry, landscape evolution, hydrology, oceanography, and climate.

INSTAAR’s research activities integrate field studies, state-of-the-art laboratory experiments, sample analysis, and numerical and laboratory modeling. Our field sites are located across all seven continents and the world’s oceans. Our expertise across disciplines helps us generate influential science that can inform public and policy decisions and move us toward a more sustainable society. INSTAAR’s national and international research leadership is augmented by exceptional strength in graduate education and bringing undergraduates into the research process.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

The postdoctoral researcher will join a welcoming, collaborative, supportive, and diverse group of students and researchers who share interests in hydrology, biogeochemistry, and polar sciences. Specific job activities include the development and application of species distribution models informed by broader landscape patterns of soil habitat (i.e., wetness and salinity) across the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica. This position does not require deployment to the field.

What You Should Know

• The applicant will work in residence at the Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research (INSTAAR). The initial appointment will be for one year, with an opportunity for renewal and will start June 1, 2022.
• All University of Colorado Boulder employees are required to comply with the campus COVID-19 vaccine requirement. New employees must provide proof of vaccination or receive a medical or religious exemption within 30 days of employment.

What We Can Offer

Salary will be $55,000.00 annually.

Benefits

The University of Colorado offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO Pass. The University of Colorado Boulder is one of the largest employers in Boulder County and offers an inspiring higher education environment. Learn more about the University of Colorado Boulder.

Be Statements

Be ambitious. Be groundbreaking. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• A Ph.D. in ecology or a related field is required.

What You Will Need

• The ideal candidate will have experience with ecological modeling and strong quantitative and statistical skills.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

1. Curriculum Vitae.
2. Cover Letter.
3. Optional: You will have the option to provide Transcripts/Proof of Degree, but this is not required.
4. Research Prospectus (professional directions in research). This should be no longer than 1 page.
5. Diversity and Inclusion Statement: Describe your commitment to and efforts in increasing equity, diversity, and inclusion in STEM. This should be no longer than 1 page.

Review of applications will begin on March 1, 2022, and continue until the position is filled.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs.