University of Birmingham – Birmingham Institute of Forest Research

Starting salary is normally in the range £37,756 to £45,053. With potential progression once in post to £50,688 a year

Applicants are sought for a Senior Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Grade 8) position to instigate the initial field experiments for the Birmingham Institute of Forest Research (BIFoR). The University of Birmingham, in partnership with the UK based JABBS Foundation, has established a £20million Institute that will address two fundamental and interrelated challenges: the impact of climate and environmental change on woodlands; and the resilience of trees to invasive pests and diseases.  BIFoR, which has secured initial funding for ten years, will consist of refurbished laboratories and growth facilities on-campus, along with a large-scale, ‘free-air carbon dioxide enrichment’ (forest FACE) field facility that will test the resilience of mature forest to a high carbon future. The present post is to lead a collaborative effort to make baseline measurements of forest ecophysiology ahead of the FACE experiments, and to play a key role in designing the FACE facility itself.

The successful candidate will have a PhD in life or environmental sciences or environmental engineering, together with extensive experience of experimental methods for studying the biogeochemistry of forests or other terrestrial ecosystems at the landscape scale.  Knowledge of methods for highly time-resolved measurements of fluxes would be strongly advantageous.  Demonstrable hands-on technical skills are absolutely essential, along with the ability to work across a broad range of physical, chemical and biological aspects of forest science. Given the collaborative nature of the project, excellent communication and interpersonal skills are required as well as the ability to meet deadlines, prepare publications and work effectively with other members of the team.  The successful applicant will contribute to the research profile of the team through the dissemination of research findings at major conferences and through publications. The university is committed to enabling the career progression of post-doctoral researchers through opportunities for continuing professional development and mentoring.

This is a fixed-term position commencing on 1st April 2014 or as soon thereafter as possible and is for 3 years (36 months), with the possibility of extension.

Closing Date: 28 February 2014                               

Post reference: 47740

To download the full details of this position and submit an electronic application online log onto the University of Birmingham Website and the information can be obtained from: www.hr.bham.ac.uk/jobs

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