Waterhouse Lab: Postdoctoral Scholar

The Department of Environmental Studies at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) invites applications for postdoctoral scholar, under the direction of Dr. Hannah Waterhouse to understand how cover crop management (planting/termination timing x species mix x termination method) influences water and nitrogen cycling with the goal of creating best management practice guidelines on how to minimize water use while maximizing water quality protection and nitrogen provisioning in semi-arid environments. The postdoctoral scholar will establish, manage, and coordinate field research examining the balance between cover crop water use by assessing all components of the soil water balance vs. water quality protection and nitrogen provisioning to the cash crop across three years at UCSC's farm, as well as on working farms across the Central Coast Region. the postdoctoral scholar will install moisture sensors and suction lysimeters, collect and analyze soil, soil solution, and plant samples for different nitrogen pools, and measure plot level evapotranspiration with an adapted infrared gas analyzer. Additionally, shorter duration greenhouse experiments will be conducted to examine the rates of organic nitrogen depolymerization and subsequent mineralization using a soil micro-dialysis method and to trace the fate of nitrogen using heavy labeled nitrogen isotopes. The selected candidate will have demonstrated a strong publishing record, deep understanding and successful implementation of field trials, soil and plant analyses of varying nitrogen pools, spectrophotometry and isotopic tracing laboratory methods, as well as statistical analysis, and an ability to successfully mentor a diverse group of students.

Applicants with expertise in soil sciences, biogeochemistry, agroecology, or ecosystem ecology, with a focus on stable isotope chemistry, nitrogen cycling, hydrology, and statistical analyses are strongly encouraged to apply.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

All documents and materials must be submitted as PDFs and should be forwarded to Dr. Hannah Waterhouse at hawaterh@ucsc.edu.

Please refer to Position JPF01813 in all correspondence.

Required Documents/Materials

• Letter of application that briefly summarizes your qualifications and interest in the position.
• Curriculum vitae.
• Writing sample: preferably a pdf of a peer reviewed publication of which you are an author, or another type of relevant publication.
• Contact information for three references
• Statement of contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion: Statement addressing your understanding of the barriers facing traditionally underrepresented groups and your past and/or future contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion through teaching and professional or public service. Candidates are urged to review guidelines on statements (see https://apo.ucsc.edu/diversity.html) before preparing their application (optional).

RECRUITMENT PERIOD

Full consideration will be given to applications completed by September 27th, 2024. Applications received after this date will be considered only if the position has not been filled.

Environmental Studies Department: https://envs.ucsc.edu/index.html

See additional qualifications.

Ph.D. (or equivalent foreign degree) in soil sciences, biogeochemistry, agroecology, or ecosystem ecology. Degree must be in hand at the time of the initial appointment.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. UC Santa Cruz is committed to excellence through diversity and strives to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all students and employees. Inquiries regarding the University's equal employment opportunity policies may be directed to the Equity and Equal Protection Office at the University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064 or by email at equity@ucsc.edu.

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