USFS Postdoctoral Scientist Fellowship in Climate Change, Forest Management, and Forest Products
A postdoctoral fellowship opportunity is available with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service (USFS), preferably based at US Forest Service International Institute of Tropical Forestry in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Remote work is also an option.
The selected applicant will collaborate with a team of research and science communication specialists at the USDA Caribbean Climate Hub, located at the USDA Forest Service International Institute of Tropical Forestry. The applicant will co-lead a project to analyze existing geospatial information related to the distribution of forests and tree species in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, information on land ownership and management practices, biophysical attributes of the landscape, current and past practices related to the production forest products and benefits, and information on climate scenarios in order to develop new knowledge of potential management pathways to increasing carbon sequestration and sustainable economic and ecosystem benefits in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. As part of this project the applicant may develop models to quantify carbon sequestration and economic benefits of wood use in the US Caribbean under several management scenarios. For example, what are the long-term carbon dynamics associated with thinning forests for larger tree growth and using removed trees for biochar or other non-timber products? The candidate will be encouraged to build on existing research on the wood industry and forest resources in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands within a context of internal and external markets.
Research activities of the applicant will be carried out in alignment with the USDA Forest Service and USDA Caribbean Climate Hub mission to help US Caribbean society sustain and improve the viability of forestry and agricultural production, the availability and quality of soil and water resources, the viability and quality of rural lifestyles, and food security in light of climate variability and change.
The applicant will be encouraged to develop manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication in collaboration with other USDA Caribbean Climate Hub staff and collaborators. The applicant will have opportunities to collaborate with on-going Caribbean Climate Hub research and science communication projects. The applicant will be expected to maintain and document geospatial and other types of data.
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A complete application package consists of:
- An application
- Transcript(s) – For this opportunity, an unofficial transcript or copy of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted. Selected candidate must provide proof of completion of the degree before the appointment can start. Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
- A current resume/CV
- Two educational or professional recommendations. At least one recommendation must be submitted in order for the mentor to view your application.
All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.