Title: Post Doctoral Associate

Department Org: Environmental Sciences - 101250

Employee Classification: P1 - Post Doctoral Assoc FT-MC

Bargaining Unit: Professional Staff Association

Primary Location: MC AC

Shift:  1

Start Time:     End Time:  

Posted Salary: $58,656 - $65,000

Job Description:

The Department of Environmental Sciences, at the University of Toledo, OH seeks a postdoctoral research associate to study the response of coastal upland forest vegetation to flooding and draining as part of a planned ecosystem-scale manipulation. A particular focus lies on understanding root dynamics and couplings between below – and aboveground processes. Furthermore, possibilities exist to develop methods to scale belowground processes using geophysical methods and existing data sets. Experience and interest in minirhizotron measurements, ecophysiological and/or dendrological methods is welcome. The anticipated start date for the position is March 1, 2025. Funds are available for 2 years, and we anticipate the extension of the on-going project.

Hydrological intensification will lead to changes in inundation and drainage patterns within coastal ecosystems. In the Great Lakes region, lake levels vary on different timescales but are predicted to rise in the next decades. A new ecosystem-scale manipulation in a diked upland forest system in collaboration with the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge will address ecological and biogeochemical responses to increased flood duration and depth. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to help develop and lead this experiment. Depending on interest, the incumbent will also have the opportunity to collect and/or synthesize data from established transects covering wetland, transitional and upland areas where data collection is on-going.

This position is part of the DOE funded project – Coastal Observation, Mechanism, and Predictions Across Systems and Scales - Field Measurements and Experiments (COMPASS-FME). This large project is led by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in collaboration with multiple partners, including the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) and Argonne National Lab. The COMPASS - FME project aims to understand the coupled interactions of plants, microbes, soils/sediments, and hydrology within coastal systems to inform multi- scale, integrated models from reaction scales to the coastal interface. The project’s research emphasis is primarily on terrestrial and wetland processes that are influenced by coastal waters, such as the fluxes and transformations of carbon, nutrients, and redox elements through these systems. This project includes several national labs, and research institutions in the W. Basin of Lake Erie and Chesapeake Bay, affording the successful candidate the opportunity for exciting and diverse collaborations. There will be opportunities for close collaboration with project partners and scientists at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Argonne National Laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center and The University of Toledo.

This postdoc will be based at U. Toledo and will develop sampling strategies and lead data collection aimed at understanding coastal ecosystem vegetation response to hydrological changes. The candidate will also be responsible for data curation in preparation of uploading to scientific databases and work with the COMPASS research team to assist with data review and archiving.

Contact Dr. Inke Forbrich, inke.forbrich@utoledo.edu with questions or for more information about this position.

Minimum Qualifications:

• PhD or equivalent Doctoral Degree in Environmental Sciences, Ecology, Forestry or a related discipline is required
• A successful candidate will have the following:
o Good written and verbal communication skills (in English) required
o Strong analytical skills (experience using R, MATLAB, or similar languages, image analysis)
o Ability to work cooperatively with a multidisciplinary research team
o Ability to perform experiments with initiative and independence, under general direction from the Principal Investigator.
o Sound knowledge of best practices in research for appropriate field.
o Effective Decision-making and problem-solving skills required
o Must be detail oriented, and highly organized with the ability to keep accurate records.
o Ability to work closely with students, faculty and other staff to maintain research efficiency of the project.
o Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record

Preferred Qualifications:

Conditions of Employment:

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

The University of Toledo is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. The University of Toledo does not discriminate in employment, educational programs, or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, military or veteran status, disability, familial status, or political affiliation. 

The University is dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse and pluralistic faculty and staff committed to teaching and working in a multicultural environment and strongly encourages applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, dual-career professionals and covered veterans.

The University of Toledo provides reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you require accommodation to complete this application, or for testing or interviewing, please contact the HR Compliance at  hrcompliance@utoledo.edu or 419-530-4747 between the hours of 8:30AM and 5:00PM or apply online for an accommodation request. 

Computer access is available at most public libraries and at the Office of Human Resources located in the Center for Administrative Support on the Main Campus of the University of Toledo.