[ES_JOBS_NET] Postdoctoral Scholar in Climate Change and Plant Phenology at UC Santa Cruz

[Kai Zhu]

The Department of Environmental Studies at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UC Santa Cruz) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar in Climate Change and Plant Phenology, under the direction of Associate Professor Kai Zhu. The postdoctoral scholar will develop a novel framework to quantify multiple processes in climate-phenology coupling, addressing questions about how climate and phenology interact with each other, across scales, and among remote locations. Project specifics will depend on the skills and interests of the successful applicant and may include topics, such as quantifying phenological mismatch on multiple levels, forecasting leaf and flower development during climate change, exploring possible teleconnections in the climate-phenology system. The project will take advantage of various data sources, from ground observations at the individual plant level to remotely sensed phenometrics at the landscape or larger scales.

The position will require the incumbent to demonstrate a solid foundation in global change ecology as well as excellent quantitative and analytical skills. Responsibilities will include developing quantitative theories to improve ecological understanding of phenology, analyzing climate and phenology data that lead to peer-reviewed publications, and presenting findings at professional conferences and seminars.

Applicants with experience working with large geospatial and time-series datasets, high-performance and cloud-based computing, ecological model development, and/or familiarity with phenological research are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Environmental Studies Department at UC Santa Cruz is highly interdisciplinary, comprising 20 faculty with expertise across natural and social sciences to address environmental challenges. UC Santa Cruz is a world-leading public research university that sits on two thousand acres of redwood-forested hills overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Monterey Bay, with one of the most visually spectacular settings in higher education. The University of California is known for offering competitive retirement savings, health and family benefits, and has a strong institutional commitment to inclusive excellence and diversity.

Zhu Lab: https://zhulab.ucsc.edu/

Environmental Studies Department: https://envs.ucsc.edu/

ACADEMIC TITLE
Postdoctoral Scholar

SALARY
Commensurate with qualifications and experience. Minimum annual salary rates are made based on the individual’s Experience Level, which is determined by the number of months of postdoctoral service at any institution. See current salary scale for Postdoctoral Titles at https://apo.ucsc.edu/compensation/salary-scales/index.html

POSITION DURATION
Postdoctoral Scholar appointments are full-time; the initial appointment is for a minimum of one year, with the possibility of reappointment. Reappointment will be contingent upon positive performance review and availability of funding. The total duration of an individual’s postdoctoral service may not exceed five years, including postdoctoral service at any institution. Under limited circumstances, an exception to this limit may be considered, not to exceed a sixth year.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Apply link: https://recruit.ucsc.edu/JPF01105
Help contact: envsam at ucsc.edu

Document requirements
1. Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V., which must include a list of your scientific publications and presentations.
2. Cover Letter - Letter of application that briefly summarizes your qualifications and interest in the position.
3. List of Professional References - Provide three to four professional references along with their contact information. Only references of those applicants who are under serious consideration will be contacted.
4. Statement of Research Interests - Clearly articulate projects during a two-year period and be not more than three pages (12 font size, single-spaced, including figures and references).

APPLICATION WINDOW
Open date: July 30th, 2021.
Next review date: Monday, Aug 30, 2021 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Thursday, Dec 23, 2021 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.