Postgraduate Opportunity in Quantitative Ecology & Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment

Zintellect is offering a postgraduate research opportunity in Quantitative Ecology and Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment at the Corvallis Forestry Sciences Laboratory in Oregon. Under the mentorship of Drs. Becky Kerns and John Kim, the participant will conduct quantitative and qualitative research on forest management and coastal environments affected by climate change. Responsibilities include spatial analysis, literature review, report writing, and presentations. The position is half-time for one year, with a competitive stipend and health insurance options available.
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.