[ES_JOBS_NET] Postdoc Spatial Analysis Terrestrial Carbon Balance Effects US Biofuel Production

[Erika Marín-Spiotta]

POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH POSITION


*Spatial Analysis of the Terrestrial Carbon BalanceEffects of U.S. Biofuel
Production*

University of Michigan Energy Institute
Ann Arbor, Michigan

The University of Michigan Energy Institute (UMEI
<http://www.energy.umich.edu/>
) coordinates research, education and public outreach to address important
problems associated with the production and use of energy. By convening
diverse interests with world-class expertise, the institute facilitates
partnerships that integrate science, technology and policy solutions to
develop economically and environmentally sound strategies that meet
pressing energy challenges.

 UMEI is sponsoring a one-year, extendable postdoctoral fellowship for a
scientist with expertise in terrestrial ecology, biogeochemistry and
environmental informatics. The fellow will work with the director of UMEI's
transportation energy and climate project to conduct pioneering analyses
and spatially explicit assessments of the regional effects of biofuel
production. The research will entail estimating net primary production
(NPP) and net ecosystem production (NEP) on U.S. croplands and associated
regional land conversions, and modeling the relationship of these
terrestrial carbon cycle effects to market and policy factors associated
with biofuel production and consumption over the past decade.

 The fellow will apply knowledge and skills as outlined under
Qualifications (below) to test hypotheses related to changes in NEP and
other carbon balance effects at regional and national scales within the
coterminous United States. The work will involve identifying, acquiring and
using publically available digital geospatial and economic data sets
(rather than new field work). It will apply ecological science and
statistical methods to estimate the net CO2 emission impacts of real-world
commercial biofuel production and compare the results to previously
published estimates based on other methods. The fellow will be encouraged
and supported in developing proposals for additional research on the topic
and the fellow's related scholarly interests.

 Qualifications include:

   - A recently completed Ph.D. in a relevant discipline, such as
   terrestrial ecology, natural resources, geography, biogeochemistry or other
   earth and environmental science.
   - Expertise in the terrestrial carbon cycle and land-use dynamics.
   - Proven skills in quantitative methods of spatial analysis, including
   geographic information system (GIS) , remote sensing, and other geospatial
   informatics tools.
   - Familiarity with key public data bases, including the USDA Cropland
   Data Layer and other relevant agricultural and land-use data and surveys.
   - Excellent English writing and speaking skills and demonstrated
   accomplishment in writing and publishing peer-reviewed papers and reports.

Postdoctoral fellows are required to be in residence for the duration of
the appointment, write reports and papers suitable for journal publication,
make presentations and assist in writing grant proposals for ongoing work
on the topic. Salary is based on the candidate's credentials and includes a
standard University of Michigan benefits package. The target start
date is March
1, 2015 or sooner, and the initial one-year appointment can be extended for
a second year contingent on performance and funding.

 To apply, send a letter of inquiry, your CV, the names of 3 professional
references and copies of 1-3 submitted papers of which you are the lead
author toEnergy.Projects at umich.edu. Applications are requested by January
16, 2015 but will be considered until the position is filled.

 Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. The University of Michigan
is an equal opportunity / affirmative action employer.
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