You are here

Home » Education & Opportunities

Employment

Printer-friendly version

Open Positions at Harvard Forest

 

Tenured Professor in Terrestrial Ecology and Director of the Harvard Forest

The Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology (OEB) seeks to appoint a tenured professor in terrestrial ecology to serve as the next director of Harvard Forest. Terrestrial ecology is defined broadly, including studies at the physiological, population, community, or ecosystem level, and encompasses both above- and below-ground terrestrial ecosystems, and all biological kingdoms. We are especially interested in individuals who conduct rigorous observational and/or experimental work on how the structure, composition and functioning of eastern temperate forests are changing as a result of human activities. In addition, we are also interested in individuals who are advancing our understanding of how to conserve biodiversity in natural and human-dominated landscapes, the role of biodiversity in the maintenance of ecosystem services, and the dynamics of coupled human-natural systems.

Both OEB and Harvard Forest value diversity and are committed to building and sustaining culturally diverse intellectual communities on campus and at Harvard Forest. We especially welcome applications from members of groups historically under-represented in STEM and candidates with experience teaching and working with diverse communities and students. The professor will teach and advise at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

  • Harvard Forest and the OEB Department have strong linkages to other allied departments and institutions, including:
  • the Dept. of Earth and Planetary Science,
  • the Arnold Arboretum,
  • the Harvard University Herbaria,
  • the Harvard Museum of Comparative Zoology,
  • the Harvard Center for the Environment,
  • the School of Engineering and
  • Applied Sciences,
  • Harvard’s professional schools, and
  • Harvard’s new Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability.

Harvard Forest, located in central Massachusetts, hosts integrated research, and educational and outreach programs investigating responses of forest dynamics to natural and human disturbances and environmental changes over broad spatial and temporal scales. It has more than 30 full-time staff, including six senior researchers. Its mission is to advance understanding of biological, physical, and social dimensions of terrestrial ecosystems in the forest landscapes of the eastern United States. Harvard Forest practices an open, inclusive, and collaborative approach to addressing local to global environmental challenges.

The Forest’s 4,000-acre land base hosts 100+ active research projects annually by PIs at more than two dozen institutions. Research includes deep engagement with regional stakeholders including conservation and forestry organizations, tribal nations, and state and federal agencies. Harvard Forest is one of the founding Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) sites and plays a major role in LTER leadership, strategic planning, network-wide studies, and public engagement programs. It is also a National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) site and member of the Ameriflux and ForestGEO research networks. Successful candidates will be expected to provide innovative leadership for Harvard Forest’s mission in research and experiential education, particularly in the areas of ecology, ecosystem science, conservation biology, or global climate change. In addition, candidates will be expected to develop creative and impactful programs that leverage Harvard Forest’s unique resources toward the benefit of research and education at the broader University.

Review of applications will begin on January 9th 2023.

For the complete job posting and to apply, please go to: https://academicpositions.harvard.edu/postings/11838

Postdoctoral Research Fellow: Forest Landscape Ecology

Review of applications will begin on February 1, 2023 and will continue until an excellent candidate is found.

The Harvard Forest invites applications for a post-doctoral research fellow focused on analysis of Northern New England forest landscape. The project seeks to understand the impacts of alternative ownership and management structures on forest conditions and evaluate alternative options for future management. The successful candidate will be a member of Dr. Jonathan Thompson’s Landscape Ecology Lab and also work closely with Dr. Valerie Pasquarella. The research is funded, in part, by a Dynamics of Integrated Social Ecological Systems grant and, in part, by the Harvest Forest Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) program. The candidate will conduct retrospective forest disturbance analyses using the Landsat archive within Google Earth Engine and project alternative forest futures using an existing landscape modeling framework. The candidate should be interested in quantifying opportunities and risks associated with the use of forests in climate change mitigation. While there are some sideboards on the research topics, there is also substantial flexibility regarding the exact specification of questions and methods.

Work Environment: The position is based at the Harvard Forest in Petersham, MA. The Lab is a team environment, but the actual research conducted by this post-doc will require substantial independence. Please learn more about our Lab here.

Required Qualifications: Ph.D. (awarded by start date) in ecology, forestry, geography, or related field; Evidence of strong scholarship, including first-authored peer-reviewed publication(s); Proven ability to plan and conduct research projects from beginning to end; Interest in translating and communicating research for land-use policy.

Preferred Experience: Conducting complex spatial analyses (e.g., GIS, remote sensing, spatial statistics); experience with Google Earth Engine and/or using landscape and/or earth system models (LANDIS-II, CLM); analysis of large datasets (e.g., FIA, PADUS, Census, NWOS); skilled at scripting within the R and/or Python programming languages.

Appointment: There is some flexibility around the start date, but sooner is preferable. Initial appointment of one year is renewable based on performance and funding.

Salary and benefits: The position comes with an annual salary of at least $54,840. Outreach/career development opportunities include funding for local and national meetings. Postdocs are entitled to 20 days of vacation per year. This position is eligible for Harvard University’s subsidized comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and other benefits. Most of the benefit plans require a contribution from participants for coverage.

To apply: Apply through ARIeS, the Harvard University applications portal, here. You will need a cover letter, CV, PDFs of relevant publications, and the contact info for three references. Reference letters will be required for the finalists.

Postdoctoral Research Fellow: Ecosystem-Atmosphere Interactions 

Review of applications will begin on March 1, 2023 and will continue until an excellent candidate is found 

The Harvard Forest invites applications for a post-doctoral research fellow focused on ecosystem-atmosphere interactions. The project seeks to understand how ecological dynamics within forests and wetlands interact with climate change to shape the long-term exchange of carbon dioxide, methane, water, and energy at the ecosystem scale. The successful candidate will be a member of Dr. Jackie Matthes’s EcoLab. The candidate will use long-term existing and continually collected data from Harvard Forest to examine the impacts of extreme climatic events and invasive forest pests on ecosystem-atmosphere exchange. The candidate will also collaborate with the Harvard Forest flux team on continued and new field data collection at the longest continually running eddy covariance site in the world. The candidate should be interested in contributing both to field measurements and data analysis/modeling, and there is substantial flexibility regarding the exact specification of questions and methods. There are also opportunities for the candidate to build skills in undergraduate student mentoring through participation on a team project within the Harvard Forest Summer Program in Ecology.  

Work Environment: The position is based at the Harvard Forest in Petersham, MA. The Lab is a team environment, but the actual research conducted by this post-doc will require substantial independence. Please learn more about our Lab. 

Required Qualifications: Ph.D. (awarded by start date) in atmospheric/earth sciences, ecology, environmental science, geography, or a related field; Evidence of strong scholarship, including first-authored peer-reviewed publication(s); Proven ability to plan and conduct research projects from beginning to end; Skills in clear communication while working within a cross-disciplinary team of scientists with diverse areas of expertise. 

Preferred Experience: Previous analyses with eddy covariance data; Collection of eddy covariance or chamber flux measurements; analysis of large datasets (e.g., FLUXNET, long-term weather data); skilled at scripting within the R and/or Python programming languages. 

Appointment: There is some flexibility around the start date, but sooner is preferable. Initial appointment of one year is renewable based on performance and funding. International applicants are welcome and can be supported by a Harvard-sponsored visa. 

Salary and benefits: The position comes with an annual salary of at least $55,000 and includes support for up to $3500 in relocation costs. Career development opportunities include funding for at least one large national meeting per year (e.g., the AGU Annual Meeting). Postdocs are entitled to 20 days of vacation per year. This position is eligible for Harvard University’s subsidized comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and other benefits. Most of the benefit plans require a contribution from participants for coverage. Additional benefits and resources for postdoctoral fellows can be found at the FAS Office of Postdoctoral Affairs.  

To apply: Apply through ARIeS, the Harvard University application portal. You will need a cover letter, CV, PDFs of relevant publications, and the contact info for three references. Reference letters will be required for the finalists. 

ASSISTANT PROGRAM COORDINATOR/RESIDENT ADVISOR 

 2023 SUMMER RESEARCH PROGRAM IN ECOLOGY (13-week position available beginning May 15, 2023) 

Since 1993, the Harvard Forest Summer Research Program in Ecology has been an integral part of Harvard Forest’s research and education mission. In 2023, 21 undergraduate students will join the Harvard Forest community in researching the effects of natural and human disturbances on forest ecosystems.  The Program Assistant works closely with the Summer Program Coordinator to organize the educational components of the program, and to provide the information, advising, support, and management required to create a hospitable academic work environment.  

Duties and Responsibilities  

Working under the supervision of the Summer Program Coordinator, the Assistant Program Coordinator/Resident Advisor will be responsible for the following duties corresponding to both aspects of the role. 

Assistant Program Coordinator 

  • Assist with student arrival and orientation (May 21st – 23rd) 
  • Inform students of Harvard Forest activities, policies, and expectations 
  • Coordinate weekly evening workshops and seminars  
  • Work with Summer Program Coordinator to resolve student issues 
  • Organize Summer Student Symposium in early August 
  • Work on various tasks as needed to facilitate summer research program  

Resident Advisor 

  • Responsible for day-to-day activities related to the successful operation of a student residence 
  • Hold weekly house meetings  
  • Plan, organize, and direct student committees (recycling, social activities, etc.) 
  • Advise students on matters concerning community development, conflict resolution and counseling 

Required Skills, Training and Experience 

  • Excellent listening, negotiation, organizational, and problem-solving skills  
  • Strong communication (verbal and written) and computer skills, comfortable using email and list-serves  
  • Capable of performing a variety of tasks simultaneously 
  • Work independently with moderate supervision 
  • Must have a valid driver’s license 
  • Must have completed undergraduate degree as of Spring 2023

Additional Desired Qualifications 

  • Experience working with ethnically and culturally diverse population preferred 
  • Experience as a Resident Assistant/Advisor preferred 
  • Experience in environmental science work a plus, but note that this is an administrative, not research, position

Time Commitment and Compensation 

Compensation is $18/hour for 40 hours per week for 13 weeks (May 15 to August 11, 2023); start date is firm and must be on-site. The assistant has a private room (room and board provided), shared office space with computer, and access to Harvard Forest vehicles. The position requires on-site residence with weeknight and weekend work. 

Application 

Apply by sending bundled PDF cover letter, resume and contact information for three references to hfapps@fas.harvard.edu   SUBJECT LINE: ASSISTANT PROGRAM COORDINATOR/RESIDENT ADVISOR.  

Application review will begin on March 1, 2023; the position will remain open until filled.  Additional information about Harvard Forest and the summer program is available at http://harvardforest.fas.harvard.edu.   

No phone calls, please. 

 

The Harvard Forest Community

Harvard Forest is committed to establishing and maintaining a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community. We have a Code of Conduct that clearly outlines expected conduct for members of our community, unacceptable conduct, and pathways for support for those who experience or witness misconduct. We have initiated an ongoing series of staff-wide trainings and formed a standing committee to build competence in DEIB in our workplace, improved physical and digital accessibility of our campus resources, and re-examined and replaced harmful artwork. We are working toward including Indigenous knowledge and communities in our research and education, land use, and public programs, improving field safety for at-risk populations, and diversifying our team of investigators and educators. The aim of this work is to collectively support and implement our mission: the investigation, understanding, and communication of the ways in which physical, biological, and human systems interact to change our Earth, while ensuring that all participants should feel that they are critical parts of the Harvard Forest community—whatever their identity groups. We welcome, recruit, develop, and advance talented staff, students, and visiting scholars from diverse backgrounds, and strive to ensure that all are included in our mission. Harvard Forest is also committed to supporting the work-life balance of its staff.

We particularly encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically underrepresented in the sciences (Black, Indigenous, and people of color, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members) and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.

COVID-19

The University requires all Harvard community members, including remote workers, to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as detailed in Harvard’s Vaccine & Booster Requirements. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. More information regarding the University’s COVID vaccination requirement, exemptions, and verification of vaccination status may be found at the University’s “COVID-19 Vaccine Information” webpage: http://www.harvard.edu/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-information/.