Postdoctoral Research Scholar - Modeling and Scaling Methane Fluxes from Microsite to Landscape

North Carolina State University

Commensurate with Experience

United States, North Carolina, Raleigh

Mar 15, 2025

Position Information

Posting Number	PG191434PD
Position Number	00111334
Position Type	Post Doc
FLSA	Exempt

Departmental Information

Department ID	110801 - Plant & Microbial Biology
Department	110801 - Plant & Microbial Biology
Job City & State	Raleigh, NC

Position Overview

Essential Job Duties

We are seeking a highly motivated and qualified Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join our NSFfunded project investigating methane (CH) dynamics in a sub-boreal forest (Howland Forest, Maine). The successful candidate will focus on integrating ecosystem modeling and geospatial upscaling to understand methane flux variability and transitions between sink and source activity. The research leverages field measurements (chamber and tower fluxes, isotope data), laboratory measurements (microbial community dynamics), and advanced modeling techniques to predict methane flux patterns under current and future climate scenarios.

Key Responsibilities:

Apply process-based models to simulate CH production, oxidation, and transport in forest ecosystems.
Integrate high-resolution field observations, including soil and canopy CH fluxes, microbial community data, and environmental variables, into models for parameterization and validation.
Conduct spatial upscaling of CH fluxes using geostatistical methods such as kriging and machine learning techniques to link microsite-level observations to landscape-level patterns.
Analyze spatial variability of methane fluxes and their controls, including the distribution of methane-consuming (methanotrophs) and methane-producing (methanogens) microbial guilds across upland-to-wetland gradients.
Integrate in-situ and laboratory manipulation experiments with models to evaluate how environmental factors, such as soil moisture and temperature, influence methane production and oxidation.
Use geospatial modeling to assess methane flux patterns under varying environmental conditions and future climate scenarios.
Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at scientific conferences.

This is a full-time position. The initial appointment is for 1-year, with the potential for renewal for an additional year based on the avaliblity of funding.

Appointment Details:

The position will be based at North Carolina State University, with opportunities for collaboration with partner institutions (Woodwell Climate Research Center, University of Maine, Arizona State University, and San Diego State University).

Other Work/Responsibilities

Other duties as assigned.

Requirements and Preferences

Work Schedule	Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm (and as research requires)
Department Required Skills	A Ph.D. in earth system science, ecosystem modeling, biogeochemistry, environmental science, ecology, or a related field. Experience with process-based modeling of ecosystem gas fluxes, including CH or CO Proficiency in geostatistical methods such as kriging, spatial upscaling, and geospatial data analysis, including remote sensing and GIS. Programming skills in Python, R, Fortran, or similar for data analysis and model development. Knowledge of statistical and machine learning approaches for ecological data analysis. Strong quantitative and problem-solving skills, and the ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.
Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education	Experience with data-model integration, including Bayesian or data-assimilation techniques for parameter estimation and uncertainty quantification. Knowledge of methane dynamics across upland-to-wetland gradients and associated microbial processes. Experience working with ecosystem-scale datasets (e.g., eddy covariance fluxes, chamber measurements) and translating them into model applications. Familiarity with microbial community dynamics and their integration into ecosystem models.
Required License or Certification	n/a
Valid NC Driver's License required?	No
Commercial Driver's License Required?	No

Recruitment Details

Anticipated Hiring Range	Commensurate with Experience
If you anticipate multiple hires from this search, please indicate how many

Recruitment Dates

Job Open Date	02/18/2025

Applicant Information

Quick Link

https://jobs.ncsu.edu/postings/215178

AA/EEO

NC State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-515-3148 to speak with a representative at the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

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