Plant Community Ecologist - R4

University of Minnesota • Full-time • Remote (Minnesota, United States) • 1m ago

Plant Community Ecologist (Researcher 4, 8352R4)

Location
The primary work location will be the St. Paul campus of the University of Minnesota, but hybrid or fully remote work are negotiable depending on experience.

Job Duties
We are recruiting a Researcher 4 who will work on the project titled "Making revegetation as part of buckthorn management feasible in Minnesota." The overarching goals of the project are to develop successful strategies for invasive species (buckthorn) removal and subsequent management, to simultaneously constrain buckthorn recovery and recolonization, and enhance native diversity, composition, and abundance. The initial term of appointment will be for 1 year, with the possibility of renewal contingent on performance and additional funding.

Expertise and experience: Vegetation management, invasion biology, community ecology, ecosystem ecology, or other relevant area.

Main responsibilities will involve overseeing a multi-year research project funded by the Legislative Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) through the Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center at the University of Minnesota, which are aimed at developing strategies for encouraging desired plants to grow vigorously enough to help suppress buckthorn. The overarching goal of this project is to improve management of the invasive shrubs, common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) and glossy buckthorn (Frangula alnus) by developing successful strategies that focus both on initial buckthorn removal and on subsequent management to simultaneously constrain buckthorn recovery and recolonization, and enhance native diversity, composition, and abundance. The successful applicant will collaborate with other researchers in the Department of Forest Resources to analyze existing data of plant community composition, plant performance, and environmental factors from established field experiments. Results will be presented in peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts to be submitted for publication that will be authored by the successful applicant and partnering researchers. The successful applicant may also contribute to planning and writing proposals for new, related lines of
research that support the central goal of improving buckthorn management. The project PI is M. Schuster of the Department of Forest Resources, University of Minnesota. R. Montgomery (University of Minnesota, D. Cariveau (University of Minnesota), and P. Reich (University of Minnesota and University of Michigan) are partners on the grant.

* 85% Lead analyses of plant community data and prepare associated manuscripts
* 15% Collaborate with other researchers and external partners to ensure continued project
success

Required Qualifications
* Master's degree in forest ecology, restoration ecology, ecosystem ecology, grassland ecology or a closely related field and 2 years of related experiences or BS/BA and 4 years of related experience.
* Demonstrated experience applying ecological theories to plant communities
* Demonstrated ability to analyze large datasets to produce publications about ecology and/or invasive plant management
* Proven ability to work in both independent and collaborative settings

Preferred Qualifications
* Ph.D. by time of appointment.
* Demonstrated ability to work successfully with a varied mix of internal and external partners from diverse communities and cultures
* Substantive experience studying invasive plant species found in Minnesota forests and relevant management approaches
* Experience analyzing and publishing findings from citizen science projects

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Applications must include the following: (1) detailed CV/resume that details how the applicant meets each of the required and preferred qualifications of the position; and (2) cover letter that
describes the applicant's interest in the position (1 page). Combine all parts of the application into a single document before uploading. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

In instances where the Search Committee is unable to ascertain from a candidate's application materials whether they meet any of the qualifications, they will be evaluated as not meeting such
qualifications.

This position will remain open until filled.

Application review will begin on October 8, 2024. Interested applicants are encouraged to contact Dr. Schuster (schuster@umn.edu). If you need assistance with the application process, please contact Amber Grupe (argrupe@umn.edu).

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About the U of M

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).