Postdoctoral Research Associate - Forest Ecology and Management Bookmark this Posting | Print Preview | Apply for this Job

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Desired start date is June 1, 2024

Interested applicants must submit a cover letter outlining research interests and experience, a research statement highlighting the three most relevant publications (upload under ‘Other Document’), a CV, transcripts, and the names and contact information of three references.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. While the start date is negotiable, we prefer applicants who are available to work on or near the desired start date.

Posting Details

Position Information

Job Title Postdoctoral Research Associate - Forest Ecology and Management

Full Time/Part Time Full Time

FLSA Exempt

General Job Description

This is a professional postdoctoral position responsible for conducting research, to include assisting with project design; collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data; and reporting findings through publications and presentations. Supports and facilitates collaborative opportunities for faculty and graduate students to engage in research and scholarly activities. Works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to assigned faculty or chair.

Essential Job Functions

• Assists with project design and implementation.

• Develops new ideas that promote current research.

• Conducts research related to project hypotheses and objectives in accordance with research protocol.

• Collects, analyzes, and interprets data.

• Conducts literature reviews and identifies questions of theoretical and/or practical significance.

• Prepares and/or assists in preparing professional reports and scholarly manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication.

• Prepares and makes oral presentations of research findings at various local, state, national, and international professional meetings, conferences, seminars, and symposia.

• Supports and facilitates collaborative opportunities for faculty and graduate students to engage in research, prepare scholarly manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication, and make oral presentations at professional meetings, conferences, seminars, and symposia.

• Assists with the preparation of grant proposals, contracts, and agreements.

• Assists in coordinating and maintaining an active research agenda for the department and/or college.

Additional, specific job functions are detailed in the ‘Specific Job Requirements/Duties for this Posting’ section.

Non-Essential Job Functions

• May oversee laboratory, recommend upgrades and enhancements for instruments, and purchase experimental materials and supplies.

• May train and supervise student and/or graduate assistants conducting research and supporting functions for the project.

• May serve on departmental, college, and university committees.

• May require travel.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

  Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies.

• Skill in research design and data analysis.

• Skill in completing assignments accurately with attention to detail.

• Skill in using computer applications including spreadsheet, database, word processing, and statistical analysis software.

• Ability to work successfully as a member of a team and independently with general supervision.

• Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form.

• Ability to maintain effective interpersonal relationships.

• Ability to research, interpret, and summarize relevant information.

• Ability to produce scholarly manuscripts for publication.

• Ability to work effectively and patiently with students.

  Physical Demands

  Required Education

Terminal degree in a related field is required. ABD candidates may be considered if Ph.D. is earned prior to start date.

Required Experience and Training

Must demonstrate competence in the field with the ability to perform the work required by the department.

Preferred Qualifications

Special Conditions for Eligibility

This is a security-sensitive position subject to criminal record check.

This is an IT-sensitive position subject to the Computer and Network Security policy.

Min Pay Rate

Mid Pay Rate

Salary Information Hiring Salary - $60,000

Specific Job Requirements/Duties for this Posting

The Forest Ecology and Management team in the Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture ( ATCOFA ) at Stephen F. Austin State University, a member of The University of Texas System, is seeking to hire a quantitative forest ecologist to serve as a postdoctoral researcher. The ideal candidate will be interested in silviculture, forest management, forest ecology, forest soil science, and forest hydrology in the West Gulf Coastal Plain Region. The successful candidate must be a self-motivated individual with demonstrated knowledge and experience with analytical software and techniques and be capable of writing manuscripts independently. Opportunities exist for immediate work on current projects and manuscripts, as well as working with graduate students (M.S. and Ph.D. levels) within forest ecology and management, as well as collaborating with faculty and students in other areas of study within the college. Additional research opportunities will build off datasets collected as part of ongoing forestry research efforts. The position will work directly with five ATCOFA faculty members: Drs. Rebecca Kidd, Jeremy Stovall, Brian Oswald, Matthew McBroom, and a newly hired forest soils assistant professor.

Continuance of this position is contingent upon available funding. This position is a two-year initial appointment with the potential of 5 years based on performance.

Additional Qualifications:

• Possess a doctoral degree in forestry, silviculture, forest ecology, forest management, or a related discipline.

• Possess strong organizational and communication skills.

• Ability to work independently, and with others in a fast-paced environment and manage small teams of assistants, as well as collaborate with other senior and junior team members (i.e., co-supervise graduate students).

• Ability to design and supervise the implementation of research activities while applying best practices in data management.

• Good publication record for career stage.

• Experience with R, SAS , and ArcGIS.

• Advanced analytical skills, such as, univariate, multivariate, Bayesian, spatial statistics.

• Ability to visualize and interpret results and experience writing manuscripts.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Conducts statistical analyses and modeling to interpret forestry data.

• Manages and organizes datasets.

• Collaborates with team members to design and implement research projects.

• Publishes research findings in peer-reviewed journals.

• Contributes to grant writing and fundraising efforts.

About Us:

Stephen F. Austin State University is located in Nacogdoches, Texas, in the East Texas Pineywoods region approximately 140 miles northeast of Houston and 165 miles southeast of Dallas. With a population of 33,000 residents, Nacogdoches is the oldest town in Texas and has a rich historical background dating back to the establishment of Spanish missions in 1721-22. The university is a comprehensive institution dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, and service.

Enrollment is about 11,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Graduate students can earn degrees from 40 master’s and 3 doctoral programs. The Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture enrolls about 800 undergraduate and 75 Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy students. The college offers B.S., M.F. M.Sc., and Ph.D. degrees in Forestry with major concentrations in Forest Management, Wildlife Management, Human Dimensions, Urban, Fire Ecology and Management, and Agroforestry. Students can also earn a B.S. and M.Sc. in Environmental Sciences or Agriculture and a B.S. in Geospatial Science. Stephen F. Austin State University became a member of The University of Texas System on September 1, 2023.

Is Background Check Required? Yes

Benefit and Retirement Eligibility

This position is eligible for participation in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas ( TRS ) retirement plan, subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

EEO Statement

Stephen F. Austin State University, an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and Educator, is committed to excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, creed, color, age, national origin, religion or physical or mental disability as required by law. If, because of an impairment or disability, you need accommodation during any part of the employment process, please contact Human Resources at 936-468-2304.

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number S2023-176

Candidates Eligible to Apply Open to all qualified applicants

Number of Positions Available 1

Posted Date 04/10/2024

Review Start Date

Close Date

Work Schedule

Open Until Filled Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants

Desired start date is June 1, 2024

Interested applicants must submit a cover letter outlining research interests and experience, a research statement highlighting the three most relevant publications (upload under ‘Other Document’), a CV, transcripts, and the names and contact information of three references.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. While the start date is negotiable, we prefer applicants who are available to work on or near the desired start date.

Posting Quick Link https://careers.sfasu.edu/postings/10862

Contact Information

Contact Name Dr. Jeremy Stovall

Contact Phone (936) 468-2127

Contact Email stovalljp@sfasu.edu

Contact Information Applicants will be contacted by the hiring department if selected for an interview If you have technical questions about this job posting, please contact HR at (936) 468-2304.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• • Will you have a completed doctorate in hand prior to the start date?

• Yes

• No

• • State your doctoral degree, discipline, year, institution.

(Open Ended Question)

Documents Needed To Apply

Required Documents

• Curriculum Vitae

• Cover Letter

• Transcript(s)

• Other Document

• List of References

  Optional Documents

• Other Document 1