Point Blue Conservation Science invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in terrestrial biogeochemistry and soil science who will work to advance climate change mitigation and soil health efforts on rangelands in California and beyond.
Desired Position Start Date: April 15, 2021 (some flexibility)
Position End Date: December 31, 2023
Application Deadline: February 19, 2021, or until filled
Position Summary: We seek a postdoctoral researcher to join a dynamic and high-impact multi-institute research team working to better understand rangeland management effects on carbon sequestration and soil organic matter dynamics. The successful candidate will help to develop a carbon monitoring framework to track how above and belowground carbon changes in response to commonly recommended rangeland management practices. The candidate will also be responsible for coordinating a statewide cross-sectional study aimed at estimating above and belowground carbon changes over time with riparian restoration, silvopasture, and range seeding, differentiating between forms of soil organic matter to estimate permanence and associated contribution to near-term fertility versus climate change mitigation. As part of the study, the candidate will conduct modeling exercises that integrate field data with process-based biogeochemical models.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
The successful candidate will work closely with the Principal Investigator, Dr. Chelsea Carey (Point Blue), and other collaborators on the project, including Drs. Keith Paustian (CSU) and Phil Taylor (Mad Agriculture), to:
Qualifications & Experience:
Required:
Preferred:
Compensation & Benefits: This is a full-time, salaried position with competitive benefits. Salary is $67,000 – $71,000 per year. Benefits include 100% medical and dental premium coverage for employees, and partial coverage (80%) for dependents including domestic partners. Other benefits include long term care insurance, optional vision, life insurance, short term and long term disability, flexible spending account, commuter plan and a 401k plan with an employer discretionary match. Full time employees accrue up to 3 weeks paid vacation, 3 personal days, 12 sick days and 7 holidays each year.
Location: Petaluma, California (Sonoma County); remote negotiable for first 6 months
About Point Blue: Point Blue Conservation Science (Point Blue, formerly PRBO), based in Petaluma, California, is a growing and internationally renowned nonprofit with over 160 staff and scientists. Founded in 1965 and working from California to Antarctica, we advance conservation of nature for wildlife and people through science, partnership, and outreach. Our scientists work closely with ranchers, farmers, other scientists, major conservation groups, and federal, state, and local government agencies. Our highest priority today is to increase the pace, scale, and impact of climate-smart conservation.
The successful candidate will be a part of Point Blue’s Working Lands Group, whose staff and scientists conduct and translate rigorous science and work with land stewards and other partners to ensure agricultural landscapes provide ecosystems services that support the needs of people and wildlife. Learn more about Point Blue’s Working Lands Program here.
How to Apply: Please email the following materials as a single PDF to ccarey@pointblue.org with the subject line “Working Lands Postdoctoral Position”:
We especially encourage applications from groups that have been historically excluded from conservation and STEM fields, including Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and women. Point Blue is deeply committed to the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusivity and our team seeks to create an open and welcoming community for individuals of all backgrounds.