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Applications are invited for the position of post-doctoral researcher to study soil carbon cycling at broad spatial scales and coordinate activities of the National Soil Carbon Network (NSCN). This position is jointly funded by the USDA Forest Service, US Geological Survey, and Northern Institute of Applied Carbon Science. General responsibilities will include: 1) Database development: Support the development of a coherent, searchable, and expandable database with an advanced analysis environment. This database will be oriented to a wide range of individual investigators, small networks, and national agencies interested in spatially explicit soil C information. 2) Data synthesis: Test the efficacy of the database and interface by combining data from multiple large datasets and individual users, comparing multiple data input forms (isotopes, spectral analysis, etc), and producing a distinct synthesis product related to soil C distribution and vulnerability. 3) Community organization: Support NSCN workshops focused on data-sharing, protocol-development, and advanced website engineering for database interaction and community discussion; disseminate Network products and draw increased participation and collaboration through the web and NACP activities. A PhD in soil science, biogeochemistry, ecology, environmental engineering, or related field is required, as is a proven capacity to modify and run models and to design and manipulate large databases. The candidate should have strong interpersonal and organizational capabilities related to multi-investigator and large-scale studies. Experience with any of the following will be an asset: GIS, ecosystem modeling (CLM, CLM-CN, CASA, IBIS, DayCENT, etc), uncertainty analysis, or software engineering. This position will be located with the Northern Institute of Applied Carbon Science (NIACS) at Michigan Technological University in Houghton, Michigan, on the scenic Keweenaw Peninsula. Proximity to beautiful Lake Superior and extensive forests, lakes and rivers provides opportunities for a range of recreational activities, including hiking, canoeing and kayaking, fishing and cross-country skiing. Houghton has been ranked as one of the 100 best places to live. Funding is available for two years of support with possibility of a third, renewable annually. Salary is $36,000/yr plus benefits and the post-doc would be funded through Michigan Tech.  Funding is available now, and the position is open until filled. Start date is negotiable, but will ideally occur in Fall 2009. Interested candidates should send CV, letter of interest and experience (two pages maximum), and contact information for three references by e-mail to Dr. Chris Swanston (cswanston@fs.fed.us); all files should include the candidate’s name in the file name.  Michigan Tech is an equal opportunity employer.