Purdue University’s Department of Forestry and Natural Resources seeks candidates for 1-2 post-doctoral positions for its annual recurring competition for post-doctoral scholars in natural resources science or management.The department has a broad environmental scope with nationally ranked doctoral programs, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches across a spectrum of research areas including ecology, genetics, forest biology, forest measurement and assessment/GIS, wood products, wildlife, fisheries and aquatic sciences, and natural resources social science (www.ag.purdue.edu/fnr).
Departmental faculty members actively participate in interdisciplinary initiatives including the Center for Advanced Manufacturing, Center for the Environment, Purdue Water Community, Purdue Interdisciplinary Center for Ecological Sustainability, Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center, Center for Global Soundscapes, Center for Regional Development, Purdue Climate Change Research Center, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant, and the Natural Resources Development Institute.
Requirements for the position(s) include a Ph.D. in natural resources or related discipline, evidence of initiative, independence, and productivity, and a commitment to conservation of natural resources. The program is open to U.S. and non-U.S. citizens. Positions will be 2-year appointments at a salary of $45,000, plus benefits and a discretionary fund of $5,000/year in addition to any research funds that are provided by mentors.
Application Process: Before applying, interested individuals should contact prospective postdoctoral mentors in the department to discuss project ideas. A list of faculty mentors is available at https://ag.purdue.edu/fnr/Pages/dirpostdocprgrm.aspx. Mentoring may be sought from individual faculty or by faculty teams, whichever is more appropriate to successfully conduct the proposed work.
To apply to the Natural Resources Scholars program candidates must submit a) names of one or more faculty who have agreed to serve as mentors for the proposed project, b) a curriculum vitae, c) a proposal describing the work to be undertaken, d) two letters of reference, and e) a 1-page statement of support from the proposed mentor(s). Materials should be submitted as PDF files via email to mmann@purdue.edu with the subject line “Application: Postdoc Scholars in Natural Resources”. Letter writers should submit their recommendations directly using the email address above.
The deadline for receiving completed applications is 15 October 2015.
Applicants may propose projects that complement, extend, or synthesize existing efforts and interests of the faculty. The proposal should identify the issue to be addressed, summarize the current level of knowledge as it relates to the issue, describe the objective(s) of the proposed work, provide the study design and methods used to meet the objective(s), explain expected results and deliverables, and highlight their scientific and broader significance.
The proposal is limited to a 300-word summary page and three (3) single-spaced pages, not including references, using one-inch margins and a minimum 11-point standard font. Applications will be judged on overall quality including prior performance, support letters, and the scientific and technical merit and feasibility of the proposal. For additional information, please contact Douglass Jacobs, Fred M. van Eck Professor and Associate Head (djacobs@purdue.edu). Purdue University is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce.