Pedometrics

Assistant Professor of Landscape Biogeochemistry

University of Florida – Assistant Professor of Landscape Biogeochemistry / Multi-scale Biochemical Modeling

This is a 12-month tenure-accruing position with a 70% research and 30% teaching appointment located in the Soil and Water Science Department, University of Florida. The incumbent in this position will develop a nationally recognized research program on biogeochemical cycles coupled to hydrology and climate change across terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems influenced by anthropogenic and natural stressors. The research focus will be on intrinsic and extrinsic factors (soil, climate, land cover, terrain, geology, hydrology, and human activities) controlling sources and sinks of elements (carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur or other), biophysical feedbacks (soil/vegetation-water-atmosphere interactions) to climate dynamics, coupling of biogeochemical pathways, carbon sequestration strategies, and past and future land use response to climate change. The faculty member will develop models ranging from simple nutrient or carbon budgets, to geostatistical synthesis, to spatio-temporal mechanistic simulations, integrating and interpolating fine-scale processes across broader spatial and temporal scales. Special attention should be given to ecosystem disturbances on elemental cycles along large-scale geographic gradients that threaten resilience and health of ecosystems, including disturbances such as rising greenhouse gas emissions, rapid land use change, or anthropogenically induced pollution. Modeling emphasis should be placed on integrating field-scale biogeochemical processes and stressors into larger scale landscape (and/or global) models to allow scenario assessment across various ecosystem types including agricultural, forest, urban, and aquatic systems in subtropical landscapes, such as Florida.

The successful candidate will engage in scholarly activities related to instruction, including teaching undergraduate and/or graduate courses in on-campus and distance education modes and advising of students. Candidates should have an earned doctorate in Soil and Water Sciences/Geosciences/Environmental Sciences or a closely related field with emphasis in stochastic and/or mechanistic landscape modeling, and biogeochemistry. Training and post-doctoral experience in biogeochemistry at a range of spatial and temporal scales, and modeling are highly desirable. Candidates should have demonstrated skills in verbal and written communication, interpersonal relationships, and procurement of extramural funding. A full job description can be found at: https://jobs.ufl.edu.

This position is available (March 30, 2010), and will be filled as soon thereafter as an acceptable applicant is available. Compensation is commensurate with the education, experience, and qualifications of the selected applicant. Applicants should submit an application online at https://jobs.ufl.edu (Requisition # 0803591) and provide a letter of application, curriculum vitae, and official transcripts showing receipt of the doctoral degree. Four letters of recommendation should be sent to Dr. Sabine Grunwald, Chair Search and Screen Committee, University of Florida, Soil and Water Science Department, 2169 McCarty Hall, P. O. Box. 110290, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611 (352-392-1951 x204; sabgru@ufl.edu).