We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to join “Gigante”, an NSF- and NERC-funded project. Giant trees dominate the tropical forest carbon cycle, yet we know almost nothing about the factors controlling their mortality. This position will help unravel the rates and drivers underlying the mortality of the largest tropical trees. The postdoc will take a leading role in coordinating a large team as we implement a novel approach integrating high-frequency drone flights with field campaigns to quantify the agents and risk factors underlying the mortality of giant tropical trees. Gigante will prioritize opportunities for the postdoc to lead high-impact papers, while encouraging them to pursue their own ideas, develop new skills, and engage in professional development activities (e.g., conferences, student mentoring, educational programs).

The position will require time spent in the field at five forest sites (Panama, Brazil [Manaus and Mato Grosso], Gabon, and Malaysia).

This position will be based at the Cary Institute and mentored by Evan Gora (Cary Institute) and Adriane Esquivel Muelbert (University of Birmingham, UK) as part of a collaboration across 7 countries and 10 institutions. Please contact Evan and Adriane if you have questions about the position. You can visit Evan's and Adriane's websites to learn more about their research groups and https://www.caryinstitute.org/ to learn more about the Cary Institute.

Duration: This is a full time, exempt, fully benefitted, salaried position for one year, and it is renewable for two additional years contingent upon successful performance. Salary is $70,000 per year with highly competitive benefits. The preferred start date is September of 2023.

Location: Cary is in Millbrook, NY, USA, but the position has some locational flexibility.

Qualifications: Candidates with expertise in forest ecology and/or related fields will be considered for the position. Experience conducting field research, particularly in the tropics, and managing personnel in the field and working as a team are strongly preferred. The ability to speak Portuguese and/or Spanish is desirable. Fluency in R, quantitative skills, and experience with remote sensing or drone imagery are encouraged. Written and oral communication skills will be essential. Applicants must have completed a Ph.D. prior to appointment.

To Apply: Please use this link, Postdoctoral-associate-in-tropical-forest-ecology to upload a single PDF including: a 1-2 page cover letter and a 2-page CV including the names and contact information of three references. The cover letter should detail your motivation to apply, including career goals and how you qualify for this position. We will begin to review applications on July 5th, but will consider all applications until the position is filled. Offers will be contingent on successful navigation of the visa process. The position reports to Dr. Gora, but will be co-mentored by Drs. Gora and Esquivel-Muelbert.

The Cary Institute is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Affirmative Action (AA) employer. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, familial status, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.