Research Opportunities:
A USDA-ARS base funded postdoctoral research opportunity is available at the Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center (EOARC) in the research group of Dr. Rory O’Connor, Rangeland Research Ecologist, based in Burns, OR. The O’Connor research group investigates how global and local factors – in particular climate variability, grazing, fire, and invasive species – influence carbon dynamics in rangeland systems. The postdoctoral scientist can choose to conduct research in 1 of 2 following areas:
1) Using eddy covariance flux towers to monitor how carbon fluxes change in sagebrush rangelands with and without livestock present throughout the year. This project is part of a larger research project that is addressing how we can quantify and efficiently manage carbon emissions from livestock on sagebrush rangelands. The postdoc will work in conjunction with cattle nutritionists, plant ecophysiologists, and Oregon State University Extension personnel.
2) Conduct research on above- and below-ground carbon storage in sagebrush rangelands based on different vegetation states and grazing management practices. The postdoc will be part of a larger regional working group that is addressing carbon dynamics in the Sagebrush Steppe, determining best practices for sampling soil carbon on rangelands, and provide guidance to land managers about carbon storage and carbon security for conservation.
Dr. O’Connor will provide research mentorship and training in line with the postdoc’s professional goals, including presenting research at conferences, writing for scientific publications, and communications with various stakeholders. The postdoc will have opportunities to interact with a diverse group of NGO, state and federal scientists, and extension personnel to create a broad network of future collaborators.