Post-Doctoral Position – Ecohydrological Partitioning in the Critical Zone

We have an immediate opening for a post-doctoral position to work with a team of scientists on

the NSF-funded Jemez River Basin and Santa Catalina Mountains (JRB-SCM) Critical Zone

Observatory (CZO). The initial appointment will be for one year, with the expectation that the

successful candidate will be reappointed for a second year. The JRB-SCM is designed to

examine the impacts of space-time variability in energy and water flux on coupled critical zone (CZ) processes along two climate gradients; the first is on rhyolitic parent material in the JRB of northern New Mexico and the second is on granite and schist bedrock within the SCM in

southern Arizona. At sites that vary in parent rock, elevation, aspect, slope, soil development,

and vegetation, the JRB-SCM CZO team uses a combination of measurement, modeling, and

experimentation to address the following questions: (1) How does variability in energy input and

related mass flux influence CZ structure and function? (2) How do feedbacks between landscape

evolution and the cycling of water and carbon alter short- and long-term CZ development?

The ecohydrology and hydrologic partitioning (EHP) theme area of the JRB-SCM CZO is

organized to capture linkages between vegetation, hydrology and CZ evolution. To help

coordinate these efforts, we seek a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual with a recent

PhD in ecohydrology, terrestrial hydrology, biometeorology, physiological ecology or other

related field. The applicant should have experience in field methods related to ecohydrological

partitioning of water, carbon, and energy fluxes, including familiarity with data, measurements

and instrumentation associated with micro-meteorology, snow depth, sap flow, leaf level

photosynthesis, and soil respiration. Additionally, experience working with (Light Detection

And Ranging) LiDAR data and spatial analysis methods is preferred. Research productivity and

an interest in interdisciplinary research must be evident in the application. Because the post-doc

will coordinate field campaigns with CZO students and faculty, demonstration of strong

leadership and organizational skills are also important, as is the ability to navigate complex

terrain while carrying heavy field equipment.

Applications, questions and inquiries should be sent to Shirley Papuga

(papuga@email.arizona.edu), School of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of

Arizona, PO Box 210043, Tucson, AZ 85721 USA, by 30 November 2010. Applications should

include a CV, a statement of research interests and expertise, and names, phone numbers, and email

addresses of three references. Electronic submissions are preferred. As an equal opportunity

and affirmative action employer, the University of Arizona recognizes the power of a diverse

community and encourages applications from individuals with varied experiences and

backgrounds.