Postdoctoral Fellow, Oak Forest Growth and Sustainability

In Brief: Post-doc will advance research in ecology and management of oak forests in the central U.S.

This post-doc will be employed by the University of Missouri and based in the School of Natural Resources and Center for Tree-Ring Science located in Columbia, Missouri. The post-doc will work closely with Dr. Michael Stambaugh, Associate Professor of Forest Ecology and Dr. Benjamin Knapp, Associate Professor of Silviculture. This research is funded by the Missouri Department of Conservation.

Job Duties: A post-doctoral position is available to advance oak ecology and silviculture in the Ozark Highlands of Missouri. This position will analyze trends in forest succession through stand dynamics associated with growth and survival of oak regeneration, sapling ascension to the canopy, and overstory tree growth. Emphasis is placed on analyzing datasets from forest plots at the long-term Missouri Ozark Forest Ecosystem Project and new techniques involving quantitative wood anatomy (QWA). Specifically, analyses will be conducted on radial tree growth interactions among regeneration, sapling, and overstory white oaks resulting from multiple uneven-aged silvicultural treatments. Primary duties include organizing and analyzing large datasets, measuring and analyzing tree growth, synthesizing information from multiple datasets, and developing manuscripts for publication. This position is expected to work collaboratively in a team, with mentorship responsibility.

Minimum Qualification: Ph.D. in forestry, geography, or related field by the time of appointment.

Candidates will be evaluated on: Experience in data analyses including annual tree growth (e.g., dendrochronology). Evidence of strong scholarship, including peer-reviewed publications. Demonstrated experience in forestry and expertise in dendrochronological methods; knowledge of quantitative wood anatomy techniques and analyses; proven ability to finish projects; strong desire to work with stakeholders and conduct policy-relevant research.

Please apply online at https://hr.missouri.edu/job-openings, Job ID 53486 and send:

(1) CV, (2) the names and contact information for three professional references, and (3) PDFs of one or more relevant publications to Dr. Michael Stambaugh, Email: stambaughm@missouri.edu .

Applications will be accepted until a suitable candidate is found, with an ideal start date no later than March of 2025. Interviews will occur via Zoom. Initial appointment is for one year.

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Values Commitment

We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person's success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement. This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate.

In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research, and engagement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy applies to all employment decisions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, pay practices, benefits, disciplinary actions and terminations. For more information, visit https://www.umsystem.edu/ums/hr/eeo or call the Director of Employee and Labor Relations at 573-882-2146.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.