Biosphere 2 at the University of Arizona (UA) is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to conduct quality assessment and analysis in the Biosphere 2 tropical rainforest. The Biosphere 2 tropical rainforest (B2_TRF) is a model rainforest ecosystem in the Sonoran desert of Arizona, USA. It's canopy is the hottest rainforest canopy on Earth. As such the B2_TRF is the only place where we can research how tropical forest canopies and individual leaves might respond to climate change. The B2_TRF is monitored by a large array of sensors throughout the mesocosm that keep track of changes in light, temperature, relative humidity, wind, and CO2 concentration.

Current research includes investigations in how tree leaves might acclimate to increased temperature and we are planning future drought experiments to further investigate tree responses to induced water stress.

The mission of Biosphere 2 is to advance our understanding of the natural and human-made environment through unique research and experimentation, interdisciplinary science training and education, and leadership in initiatives that address the grand challenges to sustaining Earth systems and quality of life. The duty post for this position is Biosphere 2, Oracle, Arizona.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please .

Duties and Responsibilities:

• The candidate will conduct quality assessment and control of rainforest environmental data and process data into usable ecosystem products such as net ecosystem productivity.
• The candidate will develop their own research direction based on discussions with the Biosphere 2 rainforest research director.
• The candidate will help coordinate research with non-Biosphere 2 scientists and oversee graduate and undergraduate research inside Biosphere 2.
• Additional duties may be assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrate excellent communication skills, ability to work in a team environment and supervise undergraduate students, and enhance our communications/interface with the general public
• Strong analytical background, with expertise in handling large datasets in R software, an established record of research
• Scholarly publication in ecosystem/tree physiology and/or forest demography.
• Demonstrate strong communication skills, ability to work in a team environment, supervise undergraduate students, and interface with the general public.

• Candidates should hold a PhD in forest ecology, plant physiology, hydrology, or environmental science or engineering upon hire.
• Expertise in technical field measurements, the use of dataloggers, and instruments for monitoring dynamic physiological and environmental conditions.

• Experience in publishing in peer reviewed literature.
• Candidates with empirical, theoretical, or modeling backgrounds are encouraged to apply.