The Hynson Lab at the University of Hawaii Manoa is now accepting applications for a postdoc position focused on mycorrhizal ecology and forest restoration. The recruit will work with an interdisciplinary team of ecologists on a recently funded NSF study aimed at assessing ecological feedbacks across trophic levels, their effects on alternative stable states and restoration of tropical forests. The goals of this project are: 1) advance our understanding of alternative stable state theory as it applies to restoration, 2) evaluate how ecosystem condition is affected by priority effects, multiple potential feedbacks and the presence/loss of key species, and 3) determine whether all potential feedbacks must be addressed simultaneously, or whether manipulation of individual state variables can drive change. Collaborators include Dr. Stephanie Yelenik and Dr. Eben Paxton from USGS Hawaii, Dr. Carla D’Antonio from UC Santa Barbara and Dr. Erin Mordecai from Stanford University. Our lab is specifically interested in the role of arbuscular and ericoid mycorrhizal fungi in abetting native plant establishment and the feedbacks between vegetation type, soil environment, and mycorrhizal fungi.
Applicants should have, or be close to receiving, a PhD in one of the following areas: fungal biology and ecology, molecular ecology, and/or plant ecology. Applicants with experience working with arbuscular and/or ericoid mycorrhizal fungi will be given high priority. Additional minimum qualifications include: a minimum of one peer-reviewed publication in a related field, willingness to perform field work at the Hakalau National Wildlife Refuge on Hawaii Island, effective written and oral communication skills, ability to work well independently as well as part of a team, and relevant laboratory skills including experience with molecular techniques. Desired qualifications include experience with next generation sequencing data collection and analysis, ecological experimental design, modeling and statistics such as network analyses, greenhouse and culturing experience, and involvement in mentoring undergraduate and/or graduate students.
The postdoc will be expected to carry out a portion of the work outlined in our grant, but will also have the option of developing studies within his/her specific area of interest as they relate to mycorrhizal ecology. Pay is commensurate with experience, start date is somewhat flexible, and appointment is for one year with the possibility to extend for an additional year provided acceptable progress. Interested parties should email the following to Nicole Hynson
· A brief coverletter outlining how you meet the minimum, and any of the desired qualifications.
· A Current CV with a list of 3 references and their contact info.
Review of applications will begin on February 27th, but the position will remain open until filled. For more information on the Hynson Lab and the University of Hawaii see hynsonlab.com
The University of Hawaiʻi is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of race, sex, gender identity and expression, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, genetic information, marital status, breastfeeding, income assignment for child support, arrest and court record (except as permissible under State law), sexual orientation, domestic or sexual violence victim status, national guard absence, or status as a covered veteran.
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