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Institute of Marine Sciences: Project Scientist, Ecology (Open until filled. Initial review 5/17/17)

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Position description

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SANTA CRUZ
Institute of Marine Sciences
Project scientist, Ecology

The Institute of Marine Sciences at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) invites applications for the position of Project Scientist to conduct original research on the response of anadromous salmonid populations to climate change, under the direction of Dr. Benjamin Martin at the National Marine Fisheries Service.

Predicting how species will respond to climate change is a central challenge in ecology. For highly migratory species, such as Pacific salmon and other anadromous fishes, such predictions are especially challenging, as individuals of these species move through a sequence of dynamic environments over the course of their life cycle. A common way to deal with such complexity has been to reduce it, for example by evaluating the effect of riverine conditions (e.g. temperature and flow) at specific points in time and space on particular populations or life-stages. This project will take a different approach by considering the entirety of the abiotic landscape in space and time over which anadromous salmonid populations must complete their lifecycles. The overarching question motivating this work is, what are the abiotic conditions required in space and time for various anadromous salmonid life histories to persist? Furthermore, how have changes in spatial-temporal signature of abiotic conditions due to anthropogenic and climatic influences affected the status anadromous salmonid populations?

To address these questions the Project Scientist, in collaboration with scientists at UCSC and the National Marine Fisheries Service will construct spatial-temporal maps of abiotic conditions in streams throughout North America’s western coast. The Project Scientist will use these maps as the basis for phenomenological (e.g. image analysis/machine learning) and/or process-based (e.g. dynamic programming) models to identify the conditions required in space and time for salmonid populations to complete their life cycles. Duties include compiling and analyzing data, developing statistical and/or process based models, and disseminating results in the form of refereed journal publications and/or meeting presentations and seminars. Preferred qualifications include experience in data compilation and management of large datasets; performing meta-analysis/macroecological analysis or quantitative synthetic analyses; familiarity with geographic information systems and stream temperature modeling; and a strong quantitative background with a demonstrated ability to learn and apply new computational, statistical, and mathematical skills as needed.

RANK: Assistant-Associate Project Scientist

SALARY: $55,000 minimum starting salary, commensurate with qualifications and experience

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
-Ph.D. or foreign equivalent in Quantitative Ecology, Fisheries, Macroecology, Ecophysiology or a related field
-Documented experience writing scientific manuscripts
-Documented experience programming in R, Python or MATLAB

POSITION AVAILABLE: As soon as possible

TERM OF APPOINTMENT: The appointment is for two years, with funding expiring July 2019. Should the hiring unit propose reappointment; a review to assess performance will be conducted. Reappointment is also contingent upon availability of funding.

TO APPLY: Applications are accepted via the UCSC Academic Recruit online system, and must include the following items: 1) letter of application that addresses how you meet the qualifications; 2) Curriculum Vitae; 3) a summary of your research; 4) one to two representative scientific manuscripts (drafts of manuscripts in review are also acceptable); and 5) the names and email addresses for three professional references (confidential letters of recommendation* will be sought for applicants who are under serious consideration). Documents/materials must be submitted as PDF files.

APPLY AT https://recruit.ucsc.edu/apply/JPF00446
Refer to Position #JPF00446-17T in all correspondence.

*All letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. For any reference letter provided via a third party (i.e., dossier service, career center), direct the author to UCSC’s confidentiality statement at http://apo.ucsc.edu/confstm.htm.

CLOSING DATE: Review of applications will begin on May 17, 2017. To ensure full consideration, applications should be complete and letters of recommendation received by this date. The position will remain open until filled, but not later than 6/30/2018.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. UC Santa Cruz is committed to excellence through diversity and strives to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all students and employees. Inquiries regarding the University’s equal employment opportunity policies may be directed to: Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064; (831) 459-2686.

Under Federal law, the University of California may employ only individuals who are legally able to work in the United States as established by providing documents as specified in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Certain UCSC positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check. More information is available here or from the Academic Personnel Office (APO) at (831) 459-4300.

UCSC is a smoke & tobacco-free campus.

If you need accommodation due to a disability, please contact the Academic Personnel Office at apo@ucsc.edu (831) 459-4300.

VISIT THE APO WEB SITE AT: http://apo.ucsc.edu 4/17/17

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Cover Letter - Letter of application that addresses how you meet the qualifications

  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  • Statement of Research - A summary of your research

  • Representative scientific manuscript (can be published or in review) - Slot for required scientific manuscript

  • Representative scientific manuscript (can be published or in review) - Slot for additional, optional, scientific manuscript
    (Optional)

Reference requirements
  • 3 required (contact information only)

Job location

Santa Cruz, CA