The Institute for Ecological Monitoring and Management at San Diego State University is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to join the Connecting Wildlands and Communities Project. https://www.climatesciencealliance.org/cwc
The selected candidate will be part of an interdisciplinary research team that is exploring how an integrated, ecosystem-based approach to planning for connected landscapes can support climate smart and resilient planning in southern California’s ecosystems and local communities. Specifically, this research focuses on reducing wildfire risk, enhancing water sustainability, and land and wildlife conservation to support sustainable ecosystems and local communities in southern California. This research project is funded by an award from the California Strategic Growth Council’s Climate Change Research Program.
Qualifications: A PhD is required as well as training or experience in applied conservation, connectivity planning, and/or decision support. Experience in interdisciplinary and innovative, integrated research approaches is a plus. The candidate must be fluent in R and GIS and should be able to work both independently and in a collaborative setting with project team members and stakeholders. Familiarity with southern California ecosystems is desirable.
Job Description: Start date as soon as possible with position extending approximately 1.5 years. This position will focus on the applied conservation aspects of the project. The research will involve an assessment of climate refugia, validation of a linkage network for a range of species, and integration of other biodiversity metrics into a decision support tool. The selected candidate will also be expected to work collaboratively with the other research teams on this project to evaluate the impact of changing fire and water regimes on connectivity and biodiversity. Experience in evaluating multiple benefits from wildlife conservation efforts would be beneficial, as well as knowledge of conservation and land-use planning processes and strategies.