Clemson University - Clemson, SC
posted 5 months ago
About the position
The Post Doctoral Fellow position at the Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science, Clemson University, is a unique opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research focused on climate smart practices in forestry. This role is part of a collaborative effort with South Carolina State University to implement the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Climate Smart Commodities program, which aims to incentivize landowners to adopt practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance carbon sequestration in agricultural and managed forest ecosystems. The successful candidate will work closely with the O'Halloran Lab, which is dedicated to measuring stand scale carbon sequestration through the construction and operation of eddy covariance flux towers. The primary objective of this position is to measure short-term changes in carbon stocks and fluxes in managed forests as climate smart practices are implemented. The projects will primarily focus on loblolly pine silviculture and longleaf pine restoration, in partnership with The Longleaf Alliance. The postdoc will have access to 20 site-years of existing eddy covariance data, allowing for immediate analysis and publication opportunities. The role will involve collaboration with a diverse team, including partnerships aimed at reaching underserved landowners in South Carolina. The position is based at the Baruch Institute in Georgetown, South Carolina, with the possibility of remote work during an initial transition period. However, the candidate is expected to relocate to South Carolina for the duration of the fellowship.
Responsibilities
- Help design and implement stand scale Measurement, Monitoring Reporting and Verification (MMRV) of operational Climate Smart Forestry projects in South Carolina using traditional forestry methods and eddy covariance tower observations.
- Analyze eddy covariance data and publish manuscripts that quantify how Climate Smart Forestry management practices affect carbon sequestration at the stand scale.
- Travel to local and regional field sites for data collection.
- Publish results in peer reviewed journals.
- Develop project reports.
- Assist with supervising and mentoring the Climate Smart Forestry MMRV team.
Requirements
- Ph.D. (or equivalent) in forest science, ecology, environmental science or engineering, micrometeorology or closely related earth or environmental science, agricultural science or engineering field.
- Experience analyzing and publishing eddy covariance data.
- Ability to program and analyze data in MATLAB, R, Python or similar.
- Demonstrated publishing record in high quality peer reviewed journals.
- Demonstrated ability to work as part of a collaborative team and communicate effectively.
- Strong interest in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in science.
Nice-to-haves
- Experience working with eddy covariance data in forests.
- Experience with flux footprint modeling.
- Working knowledge of forestry and forest management practices in the southeast U.S.
- Strong desire to become a leader in the emerging field of Climate Smart Forestry.
