Postdoctoral Fellow in marine carbon cycling

The Aquatic Ecology and Global Change lab seeks applications for a postdoctoral fellow to work on research related to anthropogenic effects on marine carbon cycling and ocean conservation prioritization. We are looking for a talented scientist with strong coding and analytical skills, experience analyzing large geospatial data sets, proficiency in GIS, Matlab, R and/or Python, and research experience in one or more of the following areas: ecological modeling, ocean biogeochemistry, earth systems modeling, geospatial statistics, or blue carbon. Experience with bioeconomic models or spatial prioritization software are also desirable, but not required.    

The successful applicant will be based in Trisha Atwood's research group (https://trishaatwood.weebly.com/) in the Department of Watershed Sciences at Utah State University on the Logan Campus. The work will be a continuation of existing projects conducted in partnership with UC Santa Barbara's Sustainable Fisheries Group (http://sfg.msi.ucsb.edu/), National Geographic Pristine Seas Program (https://www.nationalgeographic.org/projects/pristine-seas/), and Patrick Belmont’s Geomorphology lab at Utah State University (https://qcnr.usu.edu/labs/belmont_lab/). The postdoctoral scholar’s activities may include, but are not limited to 1) spatial modeling and quantification of marine sedimentary carbon stocks, 2) quantifying the dynamics and carbon implications of anthropogenic activities (e.g., trawling, habitat loss) that affect marine sediments and vegetated coastal ecosystems, 3) exploring pathways for monetizing marine sediment carbon stocks to finance marine protected areas and to avoid carbon emissions.

At the time of application, the candidate should possess a PhD in biogeochemistry, ocean and atmospheric science, marine science, geostatistics, soil science, or a related discipline. 

Review of applications will begin on December 1, 2019 and continue until the position is filled. The appointment will preferably begin on or before March 1, 2020, with an initial commitment of one year, but could be extended for multiple years contingent upon performance and the availability of funding. A competitive salary and full benefits package will be offered.  

The USU main campus is located in beautiful Logan, Utah; a city of about 50,000 situated in a picturesque mountain valley about 80 miles north of Salt Lake City. Outstanding recreational opportunities abound in the nearby mountains and proximate region. Additional information about Logan can be found at: http://www.loganutah.org/visitors/about_logan/index.php. 

All applications should be submitted online at https://careers-usu.icims.com/jobs/2127/postdoctoral-fellow-ii-in-marine-carbon-cycling/job (position # 993705)

In your application, please include: 

1. A cover letter that explains how your research and experience aligns with the skills and research activities listed above  

2. A CV or resume

3. A list of three professional references and their contact information. 

For any questions, contact Trisha Atwood: trisha.atwood@usu.edu