Postdoctoral Scholar to research current and anticipate future threats to salmon in the Chehalis River Basin

Description

Subject: Postdoctoral Scholar to research current and anticipate future threats to salmon in the Chehalis River Basin

The Freshwater Ecology Lab at the University of Washington seeks to hire an enthusiastic and self-motivated Postdoctoral Scholar in the School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences. The successful applicant will be advised by Dr. Julian Olden and will work closely with staff at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) to better understand current and anticipate future threats to salmon in the Chehalis River Basin, WA. The Freshwater Ecology Lab contains a cohesive mix of undergraduate students, graduate students, post-docs and visiting international scholars. We play hard and work even harder and are looking for the same in the applicant. 

Responsibilities

We seek a highly motivated postdoctoral scholar for an ongoing project that aims to elucidate the challenges facing Pacific salmon in the Chehalis River Basin arising from invasive species and ongoing climate change. Working closely with WDFW collaborators, the postdoctoral scholar will generate novel scientific questions and publish and communicate use-inspired research that leverages a wealth of biological and environmental data already collected in support of the Aquatic Species Restoration Plan of the Chehalis Basin Strategy.

The position will be in-person at the School of Aquatic and Fishery Science (SAFS) at the University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.  The University of Washington is the largest publicly funded university in North America and is a recognized leader in science, engineering, and technology. The School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences is the top-ranked fisheries program in the US (and top-five globally). It is recognized for contributions to aquatic ecology, natural resource management, molecular ecology, fisheries management, and acts as a primary source of balanced scientific advice in relation to the management and conservation of marine and freshwater ecosystems.  Faculty, staff and students have access to myriad aquatic habitats and rich biological resources and are involved in interdisciplinary partnerships with other academic programs, as well as public and private organizations and environmental and regulatory agencies. Seattle is a vibrant and progressive city with ample opportunities for recreation and city-living.  Julian values the fact that science is a social expertise, and that true creativity and authentic collaborations arise from face-to-face interactions. For this reason, this an in-person position, and fully remote working will not be considered.

Potential questions include:

• What are the independent and combined risks of predation associated with a suite of native and non-native predatory fish species as juvenile salmonids outmigrate from headwaters to estuary/nearshore environments?

·        What are the estimated predation impacts of multiple predators using a combination of molecular techniques, DNA mixture modeling, and stable isotope analyses?

• Where are thermal refuges in the Chehalis River Basin, and how does refuge availability and characteristics affect salmon and nonnative fish population abundance and persistence under projected climate change?
• How can physiology be better incorporated into individual-based and species distribution models to help assess the impacts of warming on salmon and nonnative fishes across broad spatial extents?

These are just a few questions of potential interest. Considerable scope exists to further personal scientific interests within the broader context of salmon conservation, invasive species management, climate change, hydrology and stream temperature dynamics.

The base salary range for this position will be $5,705 - $5,772 per month, commensurate with experience and qualifications, or as mandated by a U.S. Department of Labor prevailing wage determination. 

Postdoctoral scholars are represented by UAW 4121 and are subject to the collective bargaining agreement, unless agreed exclusion criteria apply. For more information, please visit the University of Washington Labor Relations website.

Qualifications

Mandatory Qualifications:

The candidate will have a PhD in ecology, fisheries, environmental sciences or some related discipline at the time of appointment

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will:

• have a high degree of statistical fluency (e.g., general and generalized linear models, mixed effects models, Bayesian statistics)
• have considerable experience programming in R and familiarity with Python and ArcGIS
• adopt a rigorous and scholarly approach to their science, with a strong track record of presentations and publications
• be a respectful, professional, and reliable team player who values creating and maintains strong collegial bonds
• have excellent time management skills; accomplish research goals by creating realistic but ambitious plans and initiating open communication when plans must be modified
• have the willingness and the courage to discuss issues openly (i.e., to give and receive feedback, to celebrate successes, and to discuss ways to confront challenges).

Application Instructions

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, but those received by February 12, 2024, will be considered as a priority in the first screening. The ideal start date is March 1, 2024 but can possibility be negotiated. The initial appointment will be 100% FTE for 18 months, with potential renewal for 6 or more months depending on performance and funding. University of Washington Postdoctoral Scholar appointments are for a temporary, defined period not to exceed five years/60 months, including any previous postdoctoral experience.

Application Instructions:

All applications should be submitted through Interfolio. To apply for this position, please include the following in your application:

·        A cover letter that addresses your interest, experience (in response to the requirements stated) and future career goals

·        A current CV

·        Three most relevant publications (PDF)

·        Contact information for at least three references in order of importance

For any queries about the position, please reach out to Dr. Julian Olden at olden@uw.edu. 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, gender identity or expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status.

Benefits Information

A summary of benefits associated with this title/rank can be found at https://hr.uw.edu/benefits/benefits-orientation/benefit-summary-pdfs/. Appointees solely employed and paid directly by a non-UW entity are not UW employees and are not eligible for UW or Washington State employee benefits.

Commitment to Diversity

The University of Washington is committed to building diversity among its faculty, librarian, staff, and student communities, and articulates that commitment in the UW Diversity Blueprint (http://www.washington.edu/diversity/diversity-blueprint/). Additionally, the University’s Faculty Code recognizes faculty efforts in research, teaching and/or service that address diversity and equal opportunity as important contributions to a faculty member’s academic profile and responsibilities (https://www.washington.edu/admin/rules/policies/FCG/FCCH24.html#2432).

Privacy Notice

Review the University of Washington Privacy Notice for Demographic Data of Job Applicants and University Personnel to learn how your demographic data are protected, when the data may be used, and your rights.

Disability Services

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.