UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA - AGRICULTURAL & BIOLOGICAL ENGINEERING DEPT.
POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATE
CLIMATE VARIABILITY AND CHANGE IMPACTS ON AGRICULTURE

RESPONSIBILITIES:  The candidate is expected to conduct research
evaluating the impact of seasonal climate variability and climate
change projections on agriculture with a special focus on plant
diseases and drought. The candidate will interact with a
multidisciplinary team of researchers and extension faculty affiliated
with the Southeast Climate Consortium (SECC, http://SEClimate.org/)
and contribute to the development of climate-based decision support
tools on the AgroClimate web-based information system: http://www.agroclimate.org/
. Specific topics of interest are the evaluation of seasonal climate
forecasts and climate change scenarios on crop production and the
epidemiology of plant diseases affecting important commodities in the
Southeastern USA. The candidate will interact regularly with various
state and federal agencies, stakeholders, and researchers from other
departments/universities.

QUALIFICATIONS:  The candidate must have a Ph.D. in agricultural,
biological, Earth Science or a similar field with a strong interest in
Agrometeorology/Agroclimatology. Strong written and oral communication
skills are required. The candidate should be able to work effectively
in a large interdisciplinary research team and regularly communicate
project results.  A demonstrated background in use of climate data,
statistical software, and GIS is desired, as well as experience in
writing grant proposals for funding.

AVAILABLE: February 1, 2011.  The search will continue until a
suitable candidate is selected. The position is initially for two
years, with continuation possible depending on funding availability.

OPPORTUNITIES OF THIS POSITION:  The mission of the Southeast Climate
Consortium includes the use of advances in climate sciences, including
improved capabilities to forecast seasonal climate and long-term
climate change, to provide scientifically sound information and
decision support tools for agricultural and forest ecosystems. The
candidate will work with a dynamic group of researchers to develop
solutions for the agricultural industry and will have the opportunity
to interact with various federal/state agencies and commodity
associations.

CONTACT: In order to ensure consideration, a curriculum vita, academic
transcripts, and name and contact information of three references
should be sent by November 30, 2010 to:

Dr. Clyde Fraisse
Assistant Professor
Agricultural & Biological Engineering
271 Frazier Rogers Hall
P.O. Box 110570
Gainesville, FL 32611-0570
USA