"Postdoctoral Scholar: Forest Disturbance and Landscape Ecology"

The Harvey Lab in the School of Environmental and Forest Sciences at the University of Washington is searching for a full-time (100% FTE) post-doctoral researcher with topical expertise in forest ecology, disturbance ecology, and landscape ecology, and methodological expertise in harmonizing distinct databases (e.g., forest inventory, remote sensing, land cover), GIS, and R-based (or similar) data analysis. The candidate will work closely with an international team led by Dr. Kristin Braziunas and Prof. Brian J. Harvey at the University of Washington and Dr. Judit Lecina-Diaz at the Technical University of Munich and the Centre for Ecological Research and Forestry Applications, as well as a broad network of collaborators including Federal, state, Tribal, and NGO partners across the Western United States. The candidate will contribute to innovative research quantifying the risk of losing key forest ecosystem services (e.g., timber production, carbon storage, recreation, soil erosion control) due to multiple interacting disturbances such as wildfires, drought, and insect outbreaks. The researcher will apply and adapt a spatially explicit multi-hazard risk assessment framework developed by project partners in Europe to Western U.S. landscapes. This position will involve collaboration with a variety of stakeholders to co-develop risk indicators, build spatial datasets, generate risk maps, and evaluate how forest management strategies can mitigate multi-hazard risks. The postdoc will also support project workshops, scientific communication, and the development of management guidelines based on risk modeling outcomes.

This position is for an initial full-time, 12-month appointment, with the possibility for renewal for additional year(s), and the anticipated start date is October 1, 2025.

Responsibilities and opportunities for professional development:

The postdoctoral researcher will play a leading role in the development and implementation of a multi-hazard risk assessment for forest ecosystem services in the Western U.S., with a strong focus on co-production with land managers, scientists, and other stakeholders. The position offers opportunities for high-impact research, interdisciplinary collaboration, applied science that informs management and policy, and travel to Europe to work with project partners.

Key responsibilities include:

• Coordinating and leading meetings with research collaborators and stakeholders to identify, select, and apply risk indicators for forest ecosystem services and disturbances in Western U.S.
• Gathering, processing, and harmonizing large, spatially explicit datasets (e.g., forest inventory, remote sensing, climate data) across Washington, Oregon, and/or California.
• Conducting advanced spatial and statistical analyses using methods implemented in R or similar programming environments.
• Leading and contributing to the preparation of scientific publications.
• Developing and delivering risk maps, including visualizations and written guidance to support forest management strategies under changing disturbance regimes.
• Supporting dissemination and outreach in coordination with project partners and stakeholders.
• Active participation in collaborative lab and project meetings, stakeholder workshops, including conference travel.
• Close coordination with other postdocs and graduate students working across aligned projects in the Harvey Lab and with external partners.

Opportunities for professional development include (but are not limited to):

• Engaging in research about forest disturbance and landscape ecology, with mentorship from a diverse team of scientists at UW, the U.S. Forest Service, Technical University of Munich, and Centre for Ecological Research and Forestry Applications.
• Building skills in stakeholder engagement and science co-production through coordination of workshops and meetings.
• Leading and contributing to high-impact, peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, and outreach materials aimed at scientific, management, and public audiences.
• Presenting research at national and international conferences and stakeholder events to increase visibility and networking opportunities.

Compensation

The salary for this position will be $78,000 per year ($6,500 per month), commensurate with experience and qualifications, or as mandated by a U.S. Department of Labor prevailing wage determination.

About the University of Washington

The University of Washington (UW) is located in the greater Seattle metropolitan area, with a dynamic, multicultural community of 3.7 million people and a range of ecosystems from mountains to ocean. The UW serves a diverse population of 80,000 students, faculty and staff, including 25% first-generation college students, over 25% Pell Grant students, and faculty from over 70 countries. The UW is a recipient of a National Science Foundation ADVANCE Institutional Transformation Award to increase the advancement of women faculty in science, engineering, and math (see http://advance.washington.edu/).

The UW and School of Environmental and Forest Sciences promote diversity and inclusivity among our students, faculty, staff, and public. Thus, we are strongly seeking candidates whose experiences have prepared them to fulfill our commitment to inclusion and have given them the confidence to fully engage audiences from a wide spectrum of backgrounds.

Qualifications

• PhD in ecology, forestry, environmental science, or a closely related field by the start of the appointment and no more than four total years of postdoctoral experience.
• Proficiency in spatial analysis, with working knowledge of GIS concepts and tools (e.g., spatial data structures, raster/vector analysis, spatial statistics).
• Strong programming skills (such as R or Python), including experience with data processing and analysis workflows.
• International publication activity and experience in lead authoring peer-reviewed scientific publications.
• Ability to work in a team.
• Previous experience in landscape and disturbance ecology.
• Experience in communicating scientific outcomes to both scientific and management-oriented audiences.

To apply for this position, please submit an application via Interfolio. Applicants must submit: 1. A cover letter 2. A statement describing your experience and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion 3. Curriculum vitae 4. Contact information for three references. Review of applications will begin in August, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled, with a priority consideration date of August 31, 2025. Please email Kristin (kbraziun@uw.edu) with any questions about the position.