The USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station (PSW) is advertising for a Post-Doctoral Research Scientist based at the USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station, Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry office in Hilo, Hawaii. This position is available for an individual interested in leading research directed at understanding the frequency, magnitude, duration and effects of rainfall variability and drought on ecosystems of the Hawaiian Islands using classic meteorological techniques, including analyses of past, station-based information as well as projected future climate. The incumbent will evaluate these variations and ecosystem effects in terms of the hydrological functioning of streams, potential impacts to agricultural and human communities, disturbance regimes including fire, and ecosystem structure and dynamics, especially mortality, canopy turnover, and productivity. The post-doctoral research ecologist will independently define hypotheses, interpret data, and draw conclusions that lead to greater understanding about ecosystem level impacts and long-term implications of drought and climate variability. Research will be concentrated within the Hawaiian Islands, but some analyses and syntheses will be conducted for US Affiliated Pacific Islands. Strong computer and analytical skills are required as the scientist will engage large data sets associated dynamical and statistical climate downscaling, and long-term meteorological data sets. The scientist should be familiar with common retrospective data analyses techniques in meteorology. Ideally, the scientist should have experience with climate measurements in Hawaii and the US Affiliated Pacific.
The successful candidate will work closely with project investigators Dr. Tom Giambelluca, University of Hawaii at Manoa, and Dr. Christian Giardina, USDA-FS, PSW-Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry. In addition, the scientist will interact with a larger team that includes Dr. David Helweg, Director of the DOI Pacific Islands Climate Science Center, and research scientists with the University of Hawaii and the USGS. Responsibilities of the scientist will include conceiving and implementing a synthetic drought assessment, which will yield publications, databases, and models; organizing a workshop for stakeholders and end-users; developing additional areas of interest that conform with the scope of the position. The post-doctoral research ecologist will publish results of his/her research in national and international peer-reviewed professional journals as well as make presentations at professional conferences and meetings. Funding is available to the USDA Forest Service from the DOI Pacific Islands Climate Science Center for a 2 year position. A Ph.D. in Forest Meteorology, Ecology, Climatology or equivalent is required. Demonstrated skills required include: strong quantitative, computing, and GIS skills; expertise in data management and databases; an understanding of climate and weather; publishing in the scientific literature; an ability to apply information towards ecosystem functioning in Hawaii and the US Affiliated Pacific Islands.