Postdoctoral Research Opportunity in Dynamic Vegetation Modeling
*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.
A postdoctoral research opportunity in dynamic vegetation modeling is available with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) U.S. Forest Service (USFS), Pacific Northwest Research Station (PNWRS) located in Corvallis, Oregon.
PNWRS conducts research that serves the forest land managers and society, and advances science and management goals. Under mentorship of experts, and in collaboration with scientists in related disciplines, the participant will calibrate MC2, a dynamic vegetation model, to multiple regions within the conterminous United States, using spatial datasets as benchmarks. The participant will run MC2 under future climate change scenarios. The primary goal is to advance the methodology of model calibration by designing and implementing a structured and procedural approach for multiple regions of the United States. The participant will be presenting the research in professional conferences and webinars, and take leadership in writing manuscripts suitable for publication in peer-reviewed journals. The participant will have opportunities to collaborate with scientists in related projects, such as integration MC2 with fire simulation models.
Specific activities include:
- Survey and study dynamic vegetation model calibration methods
- Survey and study spatial data suitable to use as benchmark data
- Calibrate MC2 for multiple regions in the conterminous United States
- Design and experiment with a structured and procedural approach to calibration
- Demonstrate the structured and procedural calibration approach using multiple regions as case studies
- Describe the research in Forest Service general technical report (GTR) chapters and/or peer-reviewed journal articles
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: Summer/Fall 2020
This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and USFS. The initial appointment is for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of USFS contingent on the availability of funds. The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. A health insurance allowance may be provided, and a travel allowance will be provided for attending meetings. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE. The appointment is full-time at USFS in the Corvallis, Oregon, area. Participants do not become employees of USDA, USFS, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits.
This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR) only.
For more information about the USFS Research Participation Program, please visit the Program Website.
If you have questions, send an email to USForestService@orise.orau.gov.