Postdoctoral Fellow-Dendrochronology

The Institute of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Extension is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow position in dendrochronology within the Forest Soils Lab research group. The selected candidate will join a dynamic team focused on studying the Alaskan boreal forest, with an emphasis on forest Eco-physiological and ecohydrological processes, and the impact of climate change.

The primary responsibilities for this role will include collecting and analyzing tree core samples from established research sites in Alaska. The candidate will also analyze existing tree core samples for stable isotopic composition using a Delta-V mass spectrometer coupled with a laser ablation system. Additionally, they will integrate new and existing dendrochronological data with contemporary tree physiological measurements taken at multiple sites across Interior and Southcentral Alaska. The postdoctoral fellow will conduct Quantitative Wood Anatomy measurements on microcore samples and contribute to ongoing data collection on stand growth at six reference stands from a long-term study at the Bonanza Creek Experimental Forest.

The successful candidate will be expected to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team, demonstrate initiative and self-motivation, and approach problem-solving creatively. Responsibilities will also include the development of peer-reviewed manuscripts, as well as contributing to the creation of additional manuscripts and grant proposals. Ideal candidates will have a background in a related scientific field, experience with dendrochronology-specific statistical analysis, and proficiency in other relevant data analysis techniques. While prior experience in Alaska and knowledge of dendrochronology is preferred, it is not required. Preference will be given to candidates with an interest in working with stable isotopes and integrating plant physiological data across different temporal scales.

This is a postdoctoral position in the Forest Soils Lab, which is part of the Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station. AFES is housed in the Institute of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Extension at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. The work includes conducting dendrochronology field and lab research related to impacts of climate change, forest health, stress, pathogens, and plant physiological function.

To thrive in this role, the applicant should have research experience in the field of dendrochronology. Interest in learning or experience with Quantitative Wood Analysis would be beneficial. Research experience with stable isotope applications in dendrochronology is beneficial, with an interest in learning to utilize a laser ablation system interfaced with an IRMS. The applicant should be self-motivated, curiosity-driven, interested in working in the boreal forest, and interested in living in Alaska.

Minimum Qualifications:

The required qualification is a PhD degree in a science field closely related to Ecology, Forestry, Paleoecology, or Biology. The successful candidate will have research experience in dendrochronology, a strong background in ‘R’ coding, forest ecosystems, stable isotope applications, and strong experience in integrating multi-disciplinary data. The candidate must have experience publishing in peer-reviewed journals and be able to work in an organized manner without close supervision.
A valid drivers license or the ability to obtain one.

Position Details:

This position is located on the Troth Yeddha' campus in Fairbanks Alaska. This is a full-time, exempt postdoctoral faculty position complete with both a competitive salary and full employee benefits package. UA provides a generous compensation package that includes retirement options, annual leave, 12 paid holidays per year, tuition waivers for employees and family members, and affordable medical, dental and vision care coverage. Salary is based on education and experience.

Applications will be accepted for review on February 11, 2025, to ensure consideration, please apply by 11:55 PM, Alaska Standard Time on DAY BEFORE REVIEW DATE February 10, 2025.

📃To view the full list of job responsibilities, please click HERE.

☎️If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Kenna Metivier, Signers' Business Office at kjmetivier@alaska.edu or 907-474-1847

This position is represented by United Academics (UNAC). https://unitedacademicsak.org/

This position is term-funded and is reviewed annually for contract renewal at the University's discretion.

*To be eligible for this position, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction.  Applicants who now or may in the future require visa sponsorship to work in the United States are not eligible.

The University of Alaska (UA) is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If you need assistance in completing this application or during any phase of the interview process, please contact UA Human Resources by phone at 907-450-8200.

UA is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer, educational institution and provider and prohibits illegal discrimination against any individual: www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination.

The successful applicant is required to complete a background check. Any offer of employment is contingent on the background check.

Your application for employment with the University of Alaska is subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act.

All employees at the University of Alaska are expected to uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism when conducting or engaged in university business.

*Each university within the University of Alaska system publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report which contains information regarding campus safety and security including topics such as: campus law enforcement authority; crime reporting policies; campus alerts (Timely Warnings and Emergency Notifications); fire safety policies and procedures; programs to prevent dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking; the procedures the University will follow when one of these crimes is reported; and other matters of importance related to security on campus. The report also contains information about crime statistics for the three most recent calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in On-Campus Student Housing Facilities; in Noncampus buildings or property owned or controlled by the University or a recognized student organization; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus.  The report also contains fire statistics for any fires occurring in an On-Campus Student Housing Facility during the three most recent calendar years.  

Access to the reports is available at:

UAA: (Addresses Anchorage campus, Aviation Technology Complex, JBER - Elmendorf Extension, JBER - Richardson Extension, Kenai Peninsula College - Kachemak Bay campus, Kenai Peninsula College - Kenai River campus, Kodiak College, Kodiak High School Extension, Matanuska-Susitna College, Prince William Sound College, and Prince William Sound College - Cordova Extension) Online: https://www.uaa.alaska.edu/students/safety. Request a paper copy in person: UAA Police Department Office at Room 114 of Eugene Short Hall on the Anchorage campus / UAA Dean of Students Office at Room 122 of Rasmuson Hall on the Anchorage campus. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-786-1120 or police@uaa.alaska.edu / 907-786-1214 or uaa_deanofstudents@alaska.edu. 

UAF: (Addresses Fairbanks Campus, Bristol Bay Campus, Chukchi Campus, Community and Technical College, Kasitsna Bay Campus, Seward Marine Center, Tok Campus, Kuskokwim Campus, and Northwest Campus) Online: https://www.uaf.edu/orca/files/ASFSR.pdf. Request a paper copy in person: UAF Office of Rights, Compliance and Accountability on the 3rd Floor of Constitution Hall. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-474-7300 or uaf-orca@alaska.edu.

UAS: (Addresses the Juneau Auke Bay Campus, Juneau Technical Education Center, Sitka Campus, & Ketchikan Campus) Online: https://uas.alaska.edu/equity-and-compliance/docs/clery/UAS_ASFSR.pdf. Request a paper copy in person: Hendrickson Building, Suite 202 on the Juneau campus. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-796-6371 or emailing uas.clery@alaska.edu.