Job Description:
The College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment at Auburn University is seeking a qualified individual for a research associate/fellow position to work on climate‐smart forestry topics at Auburn University, in Auburn, Alabama. This is a joint research and outreach program initiated by the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment and forest sector partners.
Carbon released into the atmosphere is becoming more influential to global climate change as population grows and the use of fossil fuels increases. Forestry can mitigate warming by managing for carbon sequestration through forest management and forest products utilization. As interest in forest‐based natural climate solutions expands rapidly, we need to scientifically define the parameters of climate‐smart forestry, understanding the range of management practices that lead to positive climate outcomes. This joint research program is designed to utilize and establish the fundamental science needed to answer critical questions regarding the adaptation of desired forest management schemes and the use of forest products to mitigate global climate changes. The contribution of forests and forest‐based products to mitigate global climate changes will be comprehensively investigated.
The research associate/fellow will be responsible for (1) conducting a comprehensive literature review of the science to summarize where the science is presently and identify gaps and needs regarding forest management schemes towards climate mitigation, contribution of forests and forests–based products to mitigating climate change, Life cycle analysis (LCA) based carbon stocks/flows, and carbon markets and incentives in forests of the Southeastern United States. Further, based on identified gaps and needs, the successful candidate will (2) develop applied research to build the scientific knowledge and infrastructure for society, business enterprises, and policymakers to recognize the significance of the forest ecosystem, forest management, and the forest sector supply chain to climate change; (3) better understand how to transfer the credit of carbon sequestration by the forest ecosystems to downstream forest‐based products users, clients, and customers with associated incentives for implementation of beneficial forest practices or positive outcomes towards defined climate/forest carbon sequestration objectives. Drawing on this information, the successful candidate will (4) develop a range of outputs (such as fact sheets, peer reviewed articles, and position papers) for the benefit of forest managers, landowners, business enterprises, and policymakers.
This is a 24‐month, limited‐term non‐tenure track position and is funded by the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment and external sources for up to two years. Continued employment is contingent on the availability of funding and satisfactory performance.
Minimum Qualifications:
Candidates must have a robust understanding of forest ecosystems, private forest management, forestry practices, forest products and their implications for carbon sequestration and storage, especially as they relate to the Southeast United States. A graduate degree (MS and/or PhD) with adequate and relatable experience in forestry science, climate science, sustainability, wood science, or a closely related field at the time appointment begins. The successful applicant will demonstrate commitment to timely completion of deliverables, commitment to the publication of results in highly reputable peer‐reviewed journals, and strong potential to work collaboratively with multiple stakeholders on a highly visible research topic. Excellent written, quantitative, and interpersonal communication skills are required.
In addition, the candidate selected for this position must be able to meet eligibility requirements to work in the United States at the time the appointment is scheduled to begin and continue working legally for the proposed term of employment.
Desired Qualifications:
Previous experience with forest management, life cycle assessment, carbon measurement and sequestration, forest economics and policy, and climate change is desirable.
Special Instructions to Applicants: Applicants must complete the online application at this link:
https://www.auemployment.com/postings/24913 to include a letter of interest, Curriculum vitae, names and contact information of three professional references and transcript (transcript should show conferral of MS or PhD degree and date of conferral.)
Review of applications will begin November 15, 2021, and continue until the position is filled.
More information about the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment can be found at https://cfwe.auburn.edu/. Further questions about the position should be addressed to Dr. Daowei Zhang (zhangd1@auburn.edu or 334‐ 844‐1067) and Yucheng Peng (yzp0027@auburn.edu; 334‐844‐1089).