Position Description –POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER (9546)
Department of Forest Resources
Researcher sought with both basic and applied ecological interests and expertise; to develop successful strategies for invasive species (buckthorn) removal and subsequent management, to simultaneously constrain buckthorn recovery and recolonization, and enhance native diversity, composition, and abundance.
Availability: Immediately or no later than May 1, 2016 – through April 2018, with the possibility of an additional year. The position is located in St. Paul, MN.
Requirements: Ph.D. in forest ecology, forestry, vegetation management, restoration ecology, ecosystem ecology, grassland ecology, ecophysiology or a closely related field, experience with plant identification, as well as a strong work ethic, demonstrated quantitative capabilities, and a proven ability to work independently.
Expertise and experience: Vegetation management, invasion biology, ecophysiology, community ecology, ecosystem ecology, or other relevant area.
Main responsibilities will involvea new project funded by the Legislative Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR)through the Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center at the University of Minnesota, which is aimed at developing strategies for encouraging desired plants to grow vigorously enough to help suppress buckthorn. The overarching goal of this project is to improve management of the invasive shrub, common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) by developing successful strategies that focus on both initial buckthorn removal and on subsequent management to simultaneously constrain buckthorn recovery and recolonization, and enhance native diversity, composition, and abundance. The specific outcomes we aim to achieve are to provide a comprehensive test of the efficacy and protocols of such potential management in upland terrestrial ecosystems (forests, woodlands). We will use manipulative experiments to test specific aspects of our hypotheses. Results will be presented in the peer-reviewed scientific literature, and the project will develop guidelines for vegetation management to deterbuckthorn re-invasion. The project PI is P. Reich of the Department of Forest Resources, University of Minnesota. Other collaborators include L. Frelich (from the same Department); S. Schottler, Senior Scientist, St.Croix Watershed Research Station; P. Bockenstedt, Ecologist/Project manager, Stantec, West St.Paul, MN; A. Pierce, Department of Natural Resources, Division of Natural Resources, Invasive Species Program, Section Manager; and A. Roth, Ecologist, Friends of the Mississippi River.
Application Instructions: Applications and required documents must be submitted online at the University of Minnesota Employment website: The job opening number is 307412. Application should include a cover letter, statement of interest and goals, resume/CV, and names and contact information for three references. Questions can be directed to Dr. Peter Reich (). Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
As an institution committed to demonstrating excellence through diversity, the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences is committed to hiring a diverse faculty and staff, and actively encourages candidates from historically underrepresented groups to apply.