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Serves in a temporary position that enables an individual with their Ph.D. to continue their training as a researcher and gain skills and experience that will prepare them for their research career in academia or elsewhere. As a postdoc, the position can perform mostly independent research, collaborate on a multi-scholar research initiative, or even may have lead responsibility for discrete components of a larger research project or program, all while under the general direction of a senior or principal researcher.

A postdoctoral research position is available for a joint project between the department of Biological Sciences at Boise State University and the US Geological Survey’s Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center in Boise, Idaho. The successful applicant will work with a collaborative team of ecology researchers and land managers on applied research investigating the controls over plant establishment associated with rehabilitation and restoration treatments in arid and semi-arid rangelands for the purpose of improving forecasts of restoration outcomes.

This position is an opportunity to conduct applied quantitative research with a direct link to natural resource management and is funded for at least 2 years.

The postdoc will develop investigations that take advantage of extensive existing data on rehabilitation and restoration actions on public rangeland. The research will involve conducting retrospective analyses of restoration seeding projects to improve understanding of the environmental correlates of plant establishment and the reliability and uncertainty of a drought forecasting tool in the USGS Land Treatment Exploration Tool (LTET) in relation to restoration seeding outcomes. This analysis will be conducted on a random sample of projects in the USGS Land Treatment Digital Library (LTDL), where restoration actions are well documented, and outcomes are known from robust monitoring data. Preliminary estimates indicate this analysis could be conducted across thousands of projects on BLM lands in the last 20 years, which would provide a distribution of outcomes for different seeded species under different seeding methods and ecological site conditions. The post-doc will be responsible for developing the statistical models for this research, presenting the findings to partners and at scientific meetings, publishing the findings, and working with software developers to integrate results into decision support tools.

The postdoc will be located in Dr. Allison Simler-Williamson’s lab at Boise State University but will receive co-mentorship from Dr. David Pilliod (USGS) and opportunities to collaborate with other scientists at the USGS Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center .

After earning a Ph.D., the next step in the academic or research career path is often a postdoc. A postdoc is a continuation of a researcher’s training that enables them to further their professional development and start to transition from student to independent researcher. Postdocs also often take additional leadership or teaching responsibilities in their laboratory or department. These positions are usually two to three years and it is not unusual for a researcher to do more than one postdoc.

60% of Time the Postdoctoral Research Fellow must:

• Conduct retrospective analyses of restoration seeding projects to improve understanding of the environmental controls on plant establishment.
• Conduct retrospective analyses of restoration seeding projects to quantify the reliability and uncertainty of a drought forecasting tool in the USGS Land Treatment Exploration Tool (LTET) in relation to restoration seeding outcomes.
• Analyze, interpret, and document research findings from this work for review and publication.
• Present research findings associated with these analyses to partners and at scientific meetings.
• Discuss ecological significance of results with USGS collaborators and software developers to integrate results into restoration decision support tools.

35% of Time the Postdoctoral Research Fellow may:

• Problem solve challenges associated with statistical analysis or data management, as applicable.
• Contribute discrete components of additional projects, under the general direction of the principal researcher and USGS collaborators.
• Prepare complete documentation of research activities for reference purposes, including following applicable data management protocols.
• Compare actual and expected results and suggest solutions to correct the deviations.
• Evaluate existing research or modeling techniques and recommend improvements to ensure quality and productivity.
• Assist in the preparation of additional proposals and reports.
• Participate in professional development or training opportunities in statistical analysis.
• Assist in teaching classes.

5% of Time the Postdoctoral Research Fellow may:

• Travel to present scientific results.

Basic

• The selected candidate must be able to meet eligibility requirements for work in the United States at the time the appointment is scheduled to begin and to continue working legally for the proposed term of the appointment.
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills.
• Scientific writing skills demonstrated through peer reviewed publications.
• Ability to acquire accurate, reproducible data.
• Critical eye towards consistency, reproducibility, and the scientific method in general.
• Excellent project and time management skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and mentoring skills.
• Advocate for safety and ethics in the work place.

Requires a minimum of a Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in a relevant discipline.

Preferred

• A Ph.D. in ecology, biology, soil science, ecohydrology, or a closely related field.
• Additional experience with plant restoration ecology or other topics listed in the essential functions above.

Salary $62,000/annually. Boise State University is committed to offering a benefits package that provides health and financial protection plans as well as resources to promote health and well-being. Our program provides flexibility so you can choose the benefits that are right for you and your family. Learn more about our benefit options at https://hrs.boisestate.edu/benefits/ .