NRRI Postdoc-Forest Ecology

About the Job

About the

Job Summary:

Early-career postdoctoral researcher specializing in forestecology, carbon dynamics, hydrology, and biomass accounting withinmanaged forests with experience working in threatened ecosystems,including peatlands and black ash forests. The primary purpose ofthis position is to evaluate ecosystem resilience, carbon storage,and hydrologic responses to climate change, natural disturbances,and forest management interventions. Key competencies for successinclude field sampling, experimental design, spatial and hydrologicmodeling, statistical analysis, high-impact technical publishing,and collaborative proposal development.

In support of NRRI’smission to deliver applied science and sustainable natural resourcesolutions, this role provides science-backed decision support to optimize forest management prioritization and climate adaptationstrategies across vulnerable landscapes. Decisions are guided bypolicies, procedures, and project frameworks; and receive guidance and oversight from Principal Investigator / Manager.

The primary work location for this position will be Duluth,Minnesota. Hybrid and remote work options are possible depending onthe hire and project needs.

Standard business hours with occasional non-traditional hours,extended days, or weekend work required during intensive fieldsampling seasons or project travel.

1. Develop, Design, and Oversee the Execution of Complex Research Tasks and Projects (50%)

• Design, plan, and lead research tasks examining carbon storage,biomass dynamics, wetland hydrology, and vegetation responses toclimate change and management in peatlands and black ashforests.
• Oversee quality control, integration, and collection of field and laboratory datasets (e.g., tree growth, soil/water chemistry,greenhouse gas fluxes, microclimate).
• Define and execute research tasks in accordance with organizational safety protocols and field safety guidelines.
• Collaborate with regional agencies, tribal partners, and naturalresource managers to provide science-backed performancerecommendations for forest management prioritization.

2. Data Synthesis, Scientific Publication & Product Development(25%)

• Synthesize, analyze, and interpret complex ecological,hydrologic, and carbon accounting datasets using advancedstatistical methods.
• Lead and co-author high-impact manuscripts for submission topeer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Draft comprehensive technical reports, executive summaries, and decision-support products for management agencies and projectcollaborators.
• Translate research findings into accessible communicationproducts, data visualizations, and scientific presentations for dissemination at conferences and sponsor meetings.

3. Applied Sustainability, Climate Resilience & Decision Support (20%)

• Evaluate management strategies for forest climate adaptation,ecosystem resilience, carbon sequestration, and watershedprotection.
• Conduct ecological, hydrologic, or biomass simulations and spatial analyses to model long-term forest dynamics under climatechange scenarios.
• Discuss and plan novel avenues of ecological investigation toaddress emerging climate threats to forest health and ecosystemservices.

4. Field Stewardship, Laboratory Operations & Mentorship(5%)

• Maintain field instrumentation, hydrologic monitoring equipment,and laboratory devices.
• Write and review Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and safety documentation for field crews and laboratory settings.
• Provide guidance, mentorship, and training to undergraduate and graduate student research assistants.

• Terminal degree (PhD) in Forest Ecology, Natural Resource Science, Ecosystem Ecology, Environmental Science, Hydrology, Forestry, or a closely related field (completed prior to startdate).
• Demonstrated research background in forest carbon accounting,biomass assessment, plant community ecology, or foresthydrology.
• Record of peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, and presentations.

• Advanced experience with field data collection in threatenedecosystems, forested wetlands, or peatlands.
• Demonstrated proficiency…