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Auburn University’s College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment is currently seeking a postdoctoral fellow to advance research in the assessment and advancement of forest carbon markets in the United States and elsewhere, including compliance, voluntary, and in-house (internal to a corporation or organization) markets.

As forests store (sequester) carbon as they grow and produce wood, and as up to one-third of the carbon reductions needed can come from or be offset by forestry activities – afforestation, reforestation, and improved forest management, many efforts have been made to establish carbon offset markets that allow legitimate carbon emitters to offset their emissions by obtaining equivalent reductions from sources of forest-based carbon sinks. Various programs/protocols have been proposed and implemented.

In order for these programs/protocols to succeed and have an impact on sustainable forest management, research is needed to address concerns with the credibility of these programs, as well as the length of commitment by, and monetary benefits to, private forest owners. Research is also needed to address concerns with the permanence, additionality and non-leakage of carbon stored under the programs/protocols.

The applicant hired to fill this position will develop methods and conduct comparative studies on compliance markets, examine existing programs/protocols in voluntary markets (including perceptions and acceptability, and determinants of prices, which include both supply and demand factors) and in-house markets, and explore the possibility of establishing a rating and price reporting system of forest-carbon programs/protocols, which all lead to high-quality publications. Depending on the availability of time and the interest of the hired person, there will be opportunities for him/her to work on other forest economics and policy matters. This project is part of a large, interdisciplinary collaboration, with research and outreach in interrelated areas of forest carbon—Markets, Measurements, and Management and income. The successfully candidate will be expected to effectively communicate across disciplines and maintain a strong record of scholarly publications.

This is a limited term, three-year position, renewable after successful review each year.

At the time employment begins, A PhD in Forest Economics, Agricultural Economics, Environmental Economics, Public Policy, or a similar field, with a strong background in forestry, economics, and econometrics are required.

Strong communication and analytical (both qualitative and quantitative) skills and demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Publication record.

 

The successful candidate must meet eligibility requirements for work in the United States at the time the appointment is scheduled to begin and continue working legally for the term of employment.

Previous experience with forest management, life cycle assessment, carbon measurement and sequestration, forest economics and policy, and climate change is desirable.

Applicants must complete the online application at this link: https://www.auemployment.com/postings/32536.
Applications must include a letter of interest, Curriculum vitae, names and contact information of three professional references and transcript (transcript should show conferral of Doctorate degree and date of conferral). Review of applications will begin February 7, 2023 and continue until the position is filled.