Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Montane Ecology & Climate Change

Calling all outdoor enthusiasts! Join the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) in our mission to protect the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Appalachian region, ongoing since 1876. Our values encompass diversity, inclusivity, trust, and respect for the environment. As an employee, you'll gain access to enriching programs, policies, and procedures that enable you to drive real change. If you're ready to explore, protect, and create memories within a dynamic community, apply now be a part of the AMC team! 

Dates & Details: This full-time year-round position is funded for one year with the possibility of extension to two years or longer.

Location: Hybrid with in person meetings based at AMC’s Pinkham Notch Visitor’s Center in New Hampshire, the Fellow will occasionally need to travel to other AMC facilities and locations, which span from Virginia to Maine, and work in the backcountry.

Starting Date: September 1^st, 2024

We seek a postdoctoral research fellow with a specialization in one or more of the following areas: forest ecology, plant ecology, community and/or ecosystem ecology, landscape ecology, soil science, entomology, or wildlife ecology, particularly with a focus on climate change science or its impacts. The Fellow will conduct research in montane systems in the Eastern US, with particular emphasis along the Appalachian Trail Corridor, the broader landscape context including the Appalachian Mountains from Virginia to Maine. Our Research Team, collaborating closely with various academic and NGO partners in the region, oversees a network of alpine and forest phenology plots, forest inventory sites, and climate sensors in the northern Appalachians.

 We engage in ongoing monitoring of lakes and streams and pursue applied research on climate change, habitat connectivity, mountain and alpine ecology, energy infrastructure siting pressures, and forest conservation and silviculture. This role will primarily address our key focus area: climate change and natural resource conservation in the Northeast's mountains and forests. However, there is room for the incumbent to shape a research program that delves deeper into specific facets of this theme. We're seeking a talented scientist with a proven track record of peer-reviewed publications and funded research. Strong field science aptitude, along with expertise in data harmonization and synthesis, will be pivotal, along with leveraging our extensive monitoring datasets and those of our partners.

What You’ll Be Doing At AMC

• Developing an intriguing research agenda consistent with AMC’s values and priorities
• Field data collection
• Management of large datasets
• Data analysis, with a particular emphasis on spatial data
• Training and mentoring seasonal research technicians and volunteers
• Maintaining field equipment
• Writing scientific publications
• Developing research grant proposals
• Presenting research in both formal and informal settings

AMC’s Research Team includes full-time staff and term positions (research fellow, interns) that conduct scientific research, monitoring, and assessment in a range of areas relevant to AMC’s mission, including mountain ecology, climate change, air and water quality, community science, and GIS-based landscape assessments. Research staff also support other AMC staff and departments in multiple ways including providing scientific guidance to the development of AMC public policy positions, supporting facilities and trail management, and developing cartographic products and educational materials.

 What AMC is Looking For 

• Ph.D. in a natural resource-related field; additionally, two or more years of academic, NGO, or agency experience preferred.
• Record of peer-reviewed publications and successful research proposals in the field.
• General knowledge of northeastern ecology.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong quantitative and analytic skills.
• Knowledge of R or other statistical analysis software.
• Experience with spatial software and analytics.
• Experience in working with large data sets.
• Experience in field data and sample collection.
• Valid driver’s license and personal vehicle (mileage reimbursement provided).
• Experience with backcountry navigation and working in remote field settings.
• Supervisory experience (e.g., supervision of interns, assistants, students)
• Ability to work constructively with other AMC staff, volunteers, and partners.
• Passion for conservation of the outdoors and commitment to AMC’s mission.

What AMC Can Offer You

Salary: $55,000

We are committed to equitable compensation practices. The initial salary represents our starting point, and our compensation philosophy is designed to reward and recognize the contributions of our employees as they grow within the organization. External candidates typically begin their journey with us at the starting point of the salary range. The final compensation offer will be based on factors such as experience, education, competencies, and geographic differential relevant to the position, and will be discussed during the interview process.  

Benefits  

• Health Plan: Generous employer contributions through Blue Cross Blue Shield Massachusetts with optional vision and dental.   

• Other Insurance: 100% employer paid life insurance, AD&D insurance, long-term disability.  

• Career Progression: The potential to have annual compensation reviews commensurate with performance and effort.   

• Retirement: 403(b) with 4% matching employer contributions and a vesting schedule. This benefit increases with tenure.  

• Paid Time Off: up to 4 weeks of Paid Time Off and up to 11 paid company holidays at hire. This benefit increases with tenure.  

• Other Team Member Perks:   

• 30% discount on AMC Merchandise Free Annual AMC Membership  

• 10 Free nights at AMC locations  

• Educational Assistance  

• Pro deal discounts on equipment & gear and more!  

To Apply: 

Please include a 2-page CV, 2-page Research Statement, and cover letter. No phone calls please. Review of applications to begin July 15.

AMC welcomes all qualified candidates to apply, and we invite the full participation of all individuals currently underrepresented in the outdoor community. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals from racially and/or ethnically diverse communities, individuals with disabilities, individuals from LGBTQ+ communities, and individuals who experience intersectionality with one or more of these identities. 

Staff will be required to show proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. The AMC will consider an exemption from the vaccine requirement if they are unable to get vaccinated due to a qualifying medical disability or a sincerely held religious objection. An accommodation or exemption from the vaccine requirement will be considered if one is available that would not pose a direct threat to others in the workplace and would not create an undue hardship for the organization.

The Appalachian Mountain Club has zero tolerance for child abuse or placing children in danger. The AMC requires all employees who work in a program or facility which serves children, disabled persons, or the elderly to have a criminal background record check performed on their name annually with employment contingent upon satisfactory results.