Postdoc (Chemical diversity of organic matter in river networks), University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria

The Fluvial Ecosystem Ecology group at the University of Innsbruck is looking for an Aquatic Biogeochemist to add to our team of river ecologists. A full position description is available here: https://www.uibk.ac.at/ecology/flee/files/postdoc_ms2.pdf

We offer a minimum 2-year postdoc position performing ultra-high resolution mass-spectrometric analysis of natural dissolved organic matter from samples collected in river networks across Europe as well as in laboratory-based artificial systems. Research tasks most importantly include developing measurement and data processing routines for non-targeted screening as well as for targeted analysis of specific DOM compounds on an Orbitrap-MS/MS system, which is available in a dedicated metabolomics laboratory with various LC and IC front ends. The candidate should also be ready to contribute to diverse biogeochemical field work during sampling expeditions to various European river networks in Austria, Hungary, Croatia and Albania. Planned publications revolve around characterization and dynamics of dissolved organic matter in river networks. Other contributions to the team’s research depend on expertise.

Requirements:

– doctoral degree in relevant disciplines (Ecology, Limnology, Environmental Sciences, Ecohydrology, Geochemistry)

– Excellent written/spoken English

– Expertise in river ecology, ultra-high resolution mass spectrometry, microbial ecology, molecular biology methods

The position can be filled anytime from November 2020 onwards. Salary will be according to standard remuneration of the Austrian Science Fund. The position will be filled upon identification of a strong candidate. UIBK is an equal opportunity employer.

For more information and to apply contact Dr. Gabriel Singer at UIBK (gabriel.singer@uibk.ac.at). Feel free to contact anyone in the team (https://www.uibk.ac.at/ecology/flee/) to learn about (y)our work atmosphere. Submit your application via email including a CV, a brief letter of motivation indicating experience and research interests/ideas, contact details of two referees and copies of pertinent degree certificates.

Postdoc (Aquatic Ecology of Floating Solar), USA

Link to job flyer: http://www.stevegrodsky.com/opportunities

Background: The postdoctoral scholar will engage in exciting, cutting-edge research that addresses the aquatic ecology of floating photovoltaic solar energy (floatovoltaics). The concept of floatovoltaics was covered in our recent publication in Sustainability. The aim of this position is to: 1) produce field-based and computational-based ecological data; 2) disseminate research findings in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals; 3) write and prepare timely reports that address management and policy implications of floatovoltaics; 4) participate in the Wild Energy Initiative’s broad, interdisciplinary research program; 5) mentor graduate students and undergraduate researchers; and 6) contribute to the Wild Energy community.

The postdoctoral scholar will be based in the Wild Energy Initiative of the John Muir Institute of the Environment (JMIE) at the University of California, Davis. UC Davis’s ecology program currently is ranked 2nd in the United States by the U.S. News and World Report. Comprised of a collaborative, inclusive group of interdisciplinary researchers, Wild Energy embodies the vigor, nimbleness, creativity, and productivity necessary to disseminate science-based solutions to pressing global energy problems. The postdoctoral scholar will be co-advised by the Co-directors of the Wild Energy Initiative; Dr. Steven M. Grodsky (Assistant Research Ecologist, JMIE), Dr. Rebecca R. Hernandez (Assistant Professor, Dept. of Land, Air & Water Resources), and the Wild Energy’s collaborators. The postdoctoral scholar will work independently and in teams to develop, conduct, and publish research. The postdoctoral scholar will have additional opportunities to interact with a world-class cadre of scientists at UC Davis and with governmental, industry, and NGO partners.

Research: Establishment of floating photovoltaics (FPVs) on water bodies may facilitate novel changes and opportunities in aquatic ecosystems, which, in turn, may affect FPV deployment scenarios globally. Research on the physical and ecological relationships between FPVs and aquatic ecosystems is necessary to understand these changes as they relate to FPV deployment specifically and sustainability broadly throughout the world.

The postdoctoral researcher will study interactions between abiotic and biotic factors influenced by the presence of FPVs in aquatic ecosystems. The core objectives of the study center on better understanding interactions among aquatic plants and invertebrates (native/invasive; food webs), birds, ecosystem services, and FPV facilities in California, Colorado, and Florida. The postdoctoral researcher will have the freedom to develop their own research questions to expand upon these objectives. This research is part of a comprehensive study on FPVs, including, but not limited to, limnology, water quality, FPV performance, land sparing, and techno-ecological synergies, in addition to aquatic ecology. We will leverage these interdisciplinary datasets to generate creative, holistic research products and management recommendations.

Travel: The postdoctoral scholar is required to travel within the United States to conduct and manage field work at FPV facilities in California, Colorado, and Florida adhering to UC Davis’s COVID-19 safety standards for research travel and lodging.

Terms: The position should begin no later than 15 December 2020. The initial appointment is one year, with funding for at least an additional year contingent on satisfactory performance and progress. Competitive applicants will be committed to the minimum project duration of two years. UC Davis offers postdoctoral scholars a competitive salary and excellent benefits, as negotiated by the University of California’s Union of Postdocs and Academic Researchers.

Desired expertise and interests: aquatic ecology, camera trapping, disturbance ecology, ecological modeling, entomology, field measurements, invasive species, limnology, renewable energy, sustainability, wildlife ecology and management, urban pond ecology

Qualifications: The desired candidate will:
– Have a strong record of peer-reviewed publication, data products, and commitment to scholarship
– Demonstrate a proven capacity to conduct quantitative analyses and ecological modeling
– Embody independence, leadership, honesty, motivation, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
– Publish high-impact peer-reviewed publications
– Prepare project reports ahead of deadlines
– Have the ability to effectively communicate research findings
– Create novel and engaging methods to connect Wild Energy research to broad communities
– Demonstrate the capacity to mentor junior Wild Energy team members
– Have earned a PhD in Ecology, Environmental Science, Wildlife Ecology, Entomology, or related fields no later than 1 October 2020

How to apply: Applicants should send the following application materials to Dr. Steve Grodsky (smgrodsky@ucdavis.edu):
1. Cover letter – (two-page maximum, size 12 font, single spaced) describing their
qualifications, research interests, career goals, and vision for the role with the
Wild Energy Initiative.
2. Curriculum vitae
3. Names and contact information for three professional references

Contact information: Contact Dr. Steve Grodsky (smgrodsky@ucdavis.edu) and Dr. Rebecca R. Hernandez (rrhernandez@ucdavis.edu) with questions.

Open until filled: This position will remain open until filled. We will review applications on a continual basis until a sufficient number of qualified candidates is reach, at which point we will invite finalists to interview for the position.

The Wild Energy Initiative is a steadfast promoter of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in research and education.

Graduate Studentship: University of South Carolina – Floating Treatment Wetlands Research

Dr. William Strosnider at the University of South Carolina Baruch Marine Field Laboratory is recruiting a PhD graduate student in applied ecology to start in the summer of 2020.

Research will center on advancing the science and engineering of floating treatment wetlands (FTWs). Specific avenues of inquiry may include the water quality influences, habitat value, microbial community composition, and plant species suitability of various FTW configurations across nutrient and salinity gradients. The selected candidate will also pioneer the development of a new generation of sustainable FTW designs.

The research will include observational, experimental, and modeling components with flexibility for the student to develop their own project. Year-round support (including health benefits & tuition) will be provided through a mixture of teaching and research assistantships. Experimental and observational work will be based at Baruch Marine Field Laboratory, with expectations of substantial periods in residence on-site. Interested individuals should contact Dr. William Strosnider via email (bill@baruch.sc.edu) to discuss their background and research interests.

Post-doc (Wetland ecology), University of Alabama, AL, USA

The Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Alabama seeks a post-doctoral research associate to contribute to projects examining tidal marsh resilience to environmental changes and the recovery of ecosystem function in restored marshes of the Gulf Coast. The position requires a Ph.D. in Ecology, Marine Science, or similar field, and expertise in field-based techniques to assess primary production, organic matter decomposition, marsh surface elevation change, and/or ecosystem responses to disturbance. The successful applicant will contribute to ongoing projects on coastal restoration, ecosystem function in response to climate change, and elevation maintenance in marshes along the northern Gulf of Mexico, and will have the opportunity to co-develop new projects. Highly motivated candidates with a demonstrated record of publishing in peer-reviewed journals and strong data management and statistical analysis skills are encouraged to apply. The post-doc will work closely with, and under the direction of, Dr. Julia Cherry at the Tuscaloosa campus. This is a 12-month position, with the possibility of renewal for additional years. Applications should be submitted via email to Dr. Julia Cherry (julia.cherry@ua.edu) and should include a CV; a statement of research interests; a one-page summary of the Ph.D. dissertation; the names and contact information for at least three references; and a statement of immigration status for non-citizens.

Additional information about the Department of Biological Sciences and Dr. Cherry’s research program can be found at http://bsc.ua.edu and http://cherrylab.ua.edu, respectively. Applications from women and members of traditionally underrepresented groups in Biology are especially encouraged. The University of Alabama is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Employer and actively seeks diversity among its employees.

Graduate studentships: The Aquatic Intermittency effects on Microbiomes in Streams (AIMS), USA

The Aquatic Intermittency effects on Microbiomes in Streams (AIMS) team is seeking enthusiastic, qualified, diverse applicants for 11 graduate student positions across seven different institutions. Students will join a collaborative team of scientists focused on understanding the role of microbiomes and stream intermittency in controlling downstream water quality in the Mountain West, Great Plains, and Southeastern Forest ecosystems. All students will take a cross-institutional Team Science and Collaboration course in their first year, receive support for data science instructor training through The Carpentries Foundation, have opportunities to mentor undergraduate research projects, and will work with an amazing team of scientists (see below). Dr. Amy Burgin at the University of Kansas is the overall contact point for the project; if you have questions about the benefits of working on the AIMS project or how the project will be coordinated, please feel free to contact her at burginam@ku.edu. AIMS is funded by an NSF-EPSCoR Track 2 Collaborative grant, a press release also provides additional details. If interested in joining AIMS, email the contact person listed at a given institution. Please include your CV and short introduction to your research experience and interests.

Institution: University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas; 2 Positions

Mentors & Contact: 

Position 1: Dr. Erin Seybold (erinseybold@ku.edu) and Dr. Amy Burgin (burginam@ku.edu; please include both accounts on inquiry emails), 

Position 2: Dr. Sam Zipper (samzipper@ku.edu)

Master’s/Ph.D. or either: Ph.D. preferred, Master’s considered

Academic Unit(s): Ecology & Evolutionary Biology OR Geology 

Application Deadline: EEB: 1 Dec 2020; GEO: Rolling Admissions 

Application components: Both: 3 Letters of Recommendation, Personal Statement(s), CV, Transcripts; Geology requires GRE but no minimum score; TOEFL for international students

Skills/Interests/Experience:

·         Position 1 (biogeochem focus): biogeochemistry, ecosystem ecology, sensor experience/field methods

·         Position 2 (hydro focus): hydrogeology, hydrology, field methods

Website for more info: EEB: https://eeb.ku.edu/how-apply

                                    Geo: https://geo.ku.edu/graduate-admissions

Institution: Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS

Mentor & Contact: Dr. Lydia Zeglin (lzeglin@ksu.edu)

Master’s/Ph.D. or either: Either

Academic Unit(s): Biology

Application Deadline: 15 Dec 2020

Application components: Personal Statement, 3 Letters of Recommendation, Transcripts, Application Fee, TOEFL for international students

Skills/Interests/Experience: Molecular Microbial Ecology

Website for more info: https://www.k-state.edu/biology/grad/application.html

Institution: University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma; 1 Position

Mentor & Contact: Dr. Daniel Allen (dcallen@ou.edu) 

Master’s/Ph.D. or either: Either

Academic Unit(s): Biology

Application Deadline: 1 Dec 2020

Application components: 3 Letters of Recommendation, Personal Statement, CV, Transcripts; unofficial TOEFL iBT or IELTS exam scores for applicants whose native language is not English.

Skills/Interests/Experience: Stream ecology, Macrosystems ecology, Ecology of aquatic insects/benthic macroinvertebrates, DNA metabarcoding, Biological data science

Website for more info: www.allenlab.org/join,  https://www.ou.edu/cas/biology/graduate-studies/apply, 

Institution: Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID; 3 positions

Mentors & Contact: Dr. Sarah Godsey godsey@isu.edu), Dr. Rebecca Hale (halereb3@isu.edu), Dr. Kathleen Lohse (klohse@isu.edu)  

Master’s/Ph.D. or either: Either

Academic Unit(s): Geosciences OR Biological Sciences 

Application Deadline: January 15th, 2021 

Application components: Both: 3 Letters of Recommendation, Personal Statement, CV, Transcripts; GRE*; TOEFL for international students 

Skills/Interests/Experience: hydrology, sensor experience, data science, biogeochemistry, ecosystem ecology, MS preferred

Website for more info: Geosciences: https://www.isu.edu/geosciences/graduate/

            Biological Sciences*: https://www.isu.edu/biology/degree-programs/graduate-degrees/

(*due to testing availability, the Bio subject GRE requirement is waived this year for PhD applicants; inquire about GEO GRE if accessing testing is an issue) 

Institution: University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama; 2 Positions

Mentors & Contact: Dr. Nate Jones (cnjones7@ua.edu), Dr. Jon Benstead (jbenstead@ua.edu)  

Master’s/Ph.D. or either: Ph.D.

Academic Unit(s): Department of Biological Sciences

Application Deadline: 10 Dec 2020

Application components: Both: 3 Letters of Recommendation, Personal Statement(s), CV, Transcripts; TOEFL for international students

Skills/Interests/Experience: hydrology, biogeochemistry, and stream ecosystem ecology

Website for more info: https://bsc.ua.edu/degree-programs/graduate-program-overview/how-to-apply/

Institution: University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS; 1 Position

Mentor & Contact: Dr. Colin Jackson (cjackson@olemiss.edu)

Master’s/Ph.D. or either: Ph.D.

Academic Unit(s): Department of Biology

Application Deadline: 1 Feb 2021

Application components: Application, Statement of Purpose, 2 Letters of Recommendation, Transcripts, GRE, TOEFL or IELTS for international students

Skills/Interests/Experience: Microbial Ecology

Website for more info: https://biology.olemiss.edu/graduate/

Institution: University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi; 1 Position

Mentor & Contact: Dr. Kevin A. Kuehn (kevin.kuehn@usm.edu)

Master’s/Ph.D. or either: Ph.D. 

Academic Unit(s): Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences (BEES)

Application Deadline: Fall admission – February 15^th, Spring admission – October 15^th Application components: 3 Letters of Recommendation, Personal Statement, CV, Transcripts, and scores from the verbal and quantitative tests of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), and TOEFL for international students. 

Skills/Interest/Experience: A Master’s degree in biology, microbiology, ecology, or closely related field is required. Applicants having prior experience in molecular techniques for determining microbial community structure would be considered a plus.

Websites for more information:

Kevin A. Kuehn: (http://www.usm.edu/faculty-directory/profile.php?id=1936667)

            BEES: https://www.usm.edu/graduate-programs/biological-sciences.php

            USM: https://www.usm.edu/graduate-admissions/index.php

Characterization of sedimentary phosphorus in Lake Erie and on-site quantification of internal phosphorus loading

Authors

Y.T.Wang, T.Q. Zhang; Y.C. Zhao, J.J.H. Ciborowski, Y.M. Zhao, I.P. O’Halloran, Z.M. Qi, C.S. Tan

Lake Erie harmful algal blooms and hypoxia are two major environmental problems, and have severe impacts on human health, aquatic ecosystems, and the economy. However, little is known about internal loading of phosphorus (P) from sediments, which pose a challenge for assessing the efficacy of current conservation measures on the improvement of lake water quality. A modified Hedley’s extraction procedure was employed to analyze representative sediment samples collected from the Lake Erie basin for assessing sedimentary P stock, potential availability for release into lake water, and internal P loading. Inorganic and organic P in the sediments were characterized by sequential extractions in H₂O, 0.5 M NaHCO₃, 0.1 M NaOH, and 1.0 M HCl, respectively. In the 0 – 10 cm sediment, total P stock was 172, 191, and 170 metric tons km⁻² in the western, central, and eastern basins, respectively. Sedimentary P seems unlikely to contribute to internal P loading in the western basin, while in the eastern basin it can potentially contribute to an internal loading of 359 metric tons P yr⁻¹. In the central basin, 41% of organic P, 15% of non-HCl extractable inorganic P, and 9.7% of residual P in the 0 – 10 cm sediment is potentially available for release into lake water; in the 10 – 20 cm sediment, organic P extracted by NaHCO₃ and NaOH is also partially available. The central basin potentially contributes to internal P loading at a total amount of 10,599 metric tons yr⁻¹. Internal P loading may not contribute to HABs in the western basin, but it can cause and maintain hypoxia in the central basin and delay the recovery of lake water quality for a lengthy time period in response to external P reduction measures.

Improved Understanding of Dissolved Organic Matter Processing in Freshwater Using Complementary Experimental and Machine Learning Approaches

Authors

Peter Herzsprung, Valerie Wentzky, Norbert Kamjunke, Wolf von Tümpling, Christin Wilske, Kurt Friese, Bertram Boehrer, Thorsten Reemtsma, Karsten Rinke, and Oliver J. Lechtenfeld

Dissolved organic matter plays an important role in aquatic ecosystems and poses a major problem for drinking water production. However, our understanding of DOM reactivity in natural systems is hampered by its complex molecular composition. Here, we used Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR-MS) and data from two independent studies to disentangle DOM reactivity based on photochemical and microbial-induced transformations. Robust correlations of FT-ICR-MS peak intensities with chlorophyll a and solar irradiation were used to define 9 reactivity classes for 1277 common molecular formulas. Germany’s largest drinking water reservoir was sampled for 1 year, and DOM processing in stratified surface waters could be attributed to photochemical transformations during summer months. Microbial DOM alterations could be distinguished based on correlation coefficients with chlorophyll a and often shared molecular features (elemental ratios and mass) with photoreactive compounds. In particular, many photoproducts and some microbial products were identified as potential precursors of disinfection byproducts. Molecular DOM features were used to further predict molecular reactivity for the remaining compounds in the data set based on a random forest model. Our method offers an expandable classification approach to integrate the reactivity of DOM from specific environments and link it to molecular properties and chemistry.

Organic matter and sediment properties determine in-lake variability of sediment CO2 and CH4 production and emissions of a small and shallow lake

Authors

Leandra Stephanie Emilia Praetzel, Nora Plenter, Sabrina Schilling, Marcel Schmiedeskamp, Gabriele Broll, and Klaus-Holger Knorr

Inland waters, particularly small and shallow lakes, are significant sources of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane (CH₄) to the atmosphere. However, the spatial in-lake heterogeneity of CO₂ and CH₄ production processes and their drivers in the sediment remain poorly studied. We measured potential CO₂ and CH₄ production in slurry incubations from 12 sites within the small and shallow crater lake Windsborn in Germany, as well as fluxes at the water–atmosphere interface of intact sediment core incubations from four sites. Production rates were highly variable and ranged from 7.2 to 38.5 µmol CO₂ gC⁻¹ d⁻¹ and from 5.4 to 33.5 µmol CH₄ gC⁻¹ d⁻¹. Fluxes ranged from 4.5 to 26.9 mmol CO₂ m⁻² d⁻¹ and from 0 to 9.8 mmol CH₄ m⁻² d⁻¹. Both CO₂ and CH₄ production rates and the CH₄ fluxes exhibited a significant and negative correlation (p<0.05, ρ<−0.6) with a prevalence of recalcitrant organic matter (OM) compounds in the sediment as identified by Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy. The carbon / nitrogen ratio exhibited a significant negative correlation (p<0.01, ρ=−0.88) with CH₄ fluxes but not with production rates or CO₂ fluxes. The availability of inorganic (nitrate, sulfate, ferric iron) and organic (humic acids) electron acceptors failed to explain differences in CH₄ production rates, assuming a competitive suppression, but observed non-methanogenic CO₂ production could be explained up to 91 % by prevalent electron acceptors. We did not find clear relationships between OM quality, the thermodynamics of methanogenic pathways (acetoclastic vs. hydrogenotrophic) and electron-accepting capacity of the OM. Differences in CH₄ fluxes were interestingly to a large part explained by grain size distribution (p<0.05, ρ=±0.65). Surprisingly though, sediment gas storage, potential production rates and water–atmosphere fluxes were decoupled from each other and did not show any correlations. Our results show that within a small lake, sediment CO₂ and CH₄ production shows significant spatial variability which is mainly driven by spatial differences in the degradability of the sediment OM. We highlight that studies on production rates and sediment quality need to be interpreted with care, though, in terms of deducing emission rates and patterns as approaches based on production rates only neglect physical sediment properties and production and oxidation processes in the water column as major controls on actual emissions.

Postdoc and PhD Student Positions (Remote Sensing of Lake Drawdowns and Cyanobacteria Blooms), University of Massachusetts Amherst, MA, USA

Postdoctoral Researcher & Graduate Student Positions
Remote Sensing of Lake Drawdowns and Cyanobacteria Blooms
University of Massachusetts Amherst

Full advertisement: https://eco.umass.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Lake-Drawdown-Postdoc-PhD-advertisement.pdf
Application deadline: 30 Nov 2020
Start date: Summer/Fall 2021

Overview
We are seeking applications for a postdoctoral researcher and a PhD-level graduate student to work on a new project investigating sensitivity of lake ecosystems to winter water level drawdowns and implications for lake management under future climate. The project uses remote sensing data, validated with on-the-ground water level and cyanobacteria data collected by partner organizations and citizen scientists, to identify winter drawdown lakes and prevalence of cyanobacteria blooms throughout the Northeast and Upper Midwest US. In addition, we will use continuous hydrologic data from a subset of drawdown lakes to build a hydrologic model to examine sensitivity of lake drawdowns and vulnerability of cyanobacteria blooms to future climate and precipitation. A brief summary of the project, which is funded by the Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center, is available here.

Project Leaders:
Dr. Allison Roy (aroy@eco.umass.edu), U.S. Geological Survey, Massachusetts Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Environmental Conservation, University of Massachusetts Amherst; UMass website; Coop Unit website.
Dr. Konstantinos Andreadis (kandread@umass.edu), Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst; website.
Dr. Caitlyn Butler (csbutler@engin@umass.edu), Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst; website.
Dr. Colin Gleason (cjgleason@umass.edu), Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst; website.

Postdoctoral Position
Key Responsibilities: The postdoctoral researcher will work directly with state and federal partners to compile existing hydrology and cyanobacteria data and facilitate collection of new data by citizen scientists, and work with the PhD student on analysis of these data. They will lead a synthesis paper on winter drawdown guidelines and practices across the regions and ecological impacts of not meeting winter drawdown targets and develop website content on impacts of winter drawdowns and cyanobacteria blooms on fish and wildlife. The postdoc will also be responsible for managing data, drafting annual reports, leading quarterly meetings with partners, and conducting cross-region webinars and regional workshops with partners to share models and solicit feedback.

Qualifications: Competitive candidates will have a background and interest in freshwater science, experience working on collaborative research projects, strong coordination and communication skills, and an interest in working with stakeholders. Experience managing large datasets, knowledge of Python or R (or equivalent), and experience in cloud computing is preferred. Applicants are expected to have earned a PhD in a relevant discipline prior to the start date.

Affiliation and Timing: The postdoctoral researcher will be part of the Massachusetts Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit in the Department of Environmental Conservation. The position will begin on or around July 1, 2021 and is for up to 2 years, pending productivity and success in the first year.

Salary/Benefits: Salary is $56,000 in the first year and $58,000 in the second year and includes health insurance and other benefits through UMass as described here. Funding is also available for travel to meet with partners and attend professional conferences.

Graduate Student Position
Key Responsibilities: The PhD student will use remote sensing in conjunction with field data compiled by the postdoctoral scientist to characterize winter drawdowns and cyanobacteria blooms in lakes. The student will use the integrated hydrology model SWAT-MODFLOW to simulate hydrology of watersheds and validate the model with continuous water level data available at a subset of lakes. They will develop an empirical model of bloom vulnerability based on remotely-sensed data and hydrology models. Finally, the student will conduct a sensitivity analysis to assess the effects of warming temperature and increased precipitation on winter drawdowns and cyanobacteria blooms. The results will be shared at scientific conferences, workshops with partner organizations, and in peer-reviewed journal publications.

Qualifications: Competitive candidates will have an interest in remote sensing and freshwater science. Experience running a large physically-based model and data analysis skills are required. Applicants should have a strong mathematical background, but do not need an engineering degree. Undergraduate (and graduate, if applicable) GPA and coursework, writing and speaking ability, and ability to work independently and in teams will all be considered.
Affiliation and Timing: The PhD student would begin the graduate program in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering in Fall 2021 (with potential to start in summer 2021). A description of the graduate program, course requirements, and dissertation requirements, are available here. The successful candidate will have the apply to the UMass Graduate School by February 2021.

Salary/Benefits: The student will be supported on a research assistantship (20 hours/week) for 2.5 years and is expected to work with the Project Leaders to identify additional funding sources as needed, which may include a teaching assistantship. The research assistantship has a stipend of ~$32,000 per year, a tuition waiver, and benefits through the UMass Graduate Employee Organization. Funding for travel to professional conferences is also provided.

Application
To apply for any of the positions, send 1) a cover letter describing your background and experiences as they relate to the position you are applying for, 2) a CV, 3) names and contact information for 3 references, and 4) unofficial transcripts (graduate position only) to Allison Roy (aroy@eco.umass.edu). Review of applications will begin on 1 December 2020.

We especially encourage applications from groups that have been historically excluded from STEM fields. Our team is deeply committed to the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusiveness and seeks to create a pluralistic community. Black Indigenous People of Color, women, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. If you are interested in the project, but have additional questions about the proposed work or desired qualifications, please reach out to any of the Project Leaders.

Wetland and Aquatic Scientist, Four Peaks Environmental Science and Data Solutions, Wenatchee, WA, USA

To apply:
https://www.fourpeaksenv.com/open-positions/
https://fourpeaks.bamboohr.com/jobs/view.php?id=11

Wetland and Aquatic Scientist 1-2

About Us

Four Peaks Environmental Science & Data Solutions, LLC (Four Peaks) is a growing environmental science and engineering firm serving public and private entities nationwide. We help clients solve challenges in the aquatic environment requiring expertise in aquatic research, water resource management, data science, and regulatory compliance. Our work environment is fast-paced and dynamic with opportunities for career growth. Our mission is to provide data-driven, cost-effective solutions, while providing the highest level of customer service to our clients. People are who we are and collaboration, trust, and personal and professional growth are core values that the Four Peaks team shares.

The Opportunity

Four Peaks has an opening for a wetland and aquatic scientist with fluvial geomorphology and hydrology experience to support their growing wetland, riparian, and aquatic habitat practices. The position will be based out of Wenatchee or North Bonneville, Washington. The wetland and aquatic scientist will support environmental data collection and analyses around wetlands, floodplain physical habitat, hydrologic monitoring, and fish and aquatic ecology, and environmental compliance tasks on projects throughout the Pacific Northwest and U.S. This role will initially support field data collection for the National Wetland Condition Assessment for Oregon and Idaho (2021). In subsequent years, the successful applicant will have diverse opportunities to work on analysis and GIS, reporting, and fieldwork that support Four Peaks’ many wetland, floodplain, and aquatic habitat monitoring and restoration projects. The successful applicant will serve as a lead for up to two seasonal technicians and will work closely with scientists of all levels and rapidly grow into an increasingly responsible position within the firm.

We expect to fill this vacancy as a staff-level scientist who operates under the direction of project managers and senior or principal scientists, but exhibits a high degree of independence and self-direction. We will prioritize candidates with sound technical skills, experience in diverse aquatic and floodplain monitoring and restoration projects, and an enthusiasm for taking on new challenges. Initially, this position will be primarily field based (80%) with a modest office component (20%) that reflects seasonal, companywide project needs.

Summary of Duties

Successfully implement field campaigns as a part of the Environmental Protection Agency’s National Wetland Condition Assessment for Idaho, Oregon, and northern California in 2021
Lead and perform botany, soils, hydrology, water quality, and wetland and riparian habitat monitoring and evaluations
Perform wetland delineations using standardized sampling techniques including U.S. Army Corps of Engineers wetland delineation methods and Washington State Department of Ecology wetland rating methods
Plans field campaigns, including staffing, equipment, access, logistics, landowner coordination, vehicles, and accommodations
Provides field data quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) on field loggers and paper forms and secondary QA/QC in office setting
Perform GIS and remote sensing tasks associated with multiple field-based projects, including desktop geomorphic assessments and hydrologic analyses using USGS stream gages
Works with a peer colleague and Senior Scientist to coordinate field season logistics across multiple field projects
Mentors and manages junior technicians
Serves as a liaison between senior staff and junior field staff

Required Qualifications

B.S./B.A. degree or higher in a natural science related to natural resources, ecology, environmental science, fisheries, or a related field and 3 years of experience
or
M.S. degree and 1 year of post-graduate experience, preferably in a field environment
Experience performing U.S. Army Corps of Engineers wetland delineations under guidance from the Arid West and Western Mountains, Valleys, and Coasts regional supplements
Experience with botanical or forestry surveys and plant identification using dichotomous keys
Familiarity with the regional flora of at least one of Idaho, Oregon, or northern California
Experience performing soil classification and using Munsell color charts for identification of hydric soil types in the field
Knowledge of Pacific Northwest wetland types and stream ecology of the Pacific Northwest ecoregion
Experience with ESRI ArcGIS, including basic spatial analyses and cartography
Experience managing field projects and coordinating field staff
Strong verbal and written communication and problem-solving skills
Proficiency in communicating via email, phone, and online tools like Slack, Trello, and Skype
High level of motivation and willingness to take on a wide range of tasks
Safe driving record, ability to trailer a boat or ATV, and ability to operate watercraft in lake and river environments

Desired Experience

Knowledge of the watersheds, rivers and fish, and forests and trees of the Pacific Northwest and northern Rocky Mountain ecoregions
Background in fluvial geomorphology and hydrology, including both field (discharge and topographic measurements) and desktop methods (hydrologic models, DEM creation and differencing)
Past experience creating digital topography, performing raster analyses, installing, programming, and downloading environmental data loggers, performing statistical analysis (R or Python software preferred)
Knowledge of the principles of QA/QC using data visualization and statistical software (R or Python preferred)
Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness First Aid certifications and willingness to maintain/renew
Training in the principles of swiftwater safety
Experience diplomatically working with landowners and clients to negotiate site access and field campaign timing

Summary of Employee Benefits

Performance-based incentive compensation
Annual profit-based bonus reflecting companywide performance
Employer sponsored health insurance
401k program with employer match
8 paid holidays and a generous paid time off program
Cell phone allowance
Opportunities for professional development including society membership, conference attendance, and professional certifications

Fine Print

If you are interested in joining our dynamic, growing team please consider applying today by submitting your resume and one-page cover letter. We will accept applications until November 9, 2020, or until the position is filled. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so early applications are encouraged.

Four Peaks is committed to ensuring a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community. Through this commitment we hope to positively impact our local, regional, national, and global communities”those same communities in which we operate. We live our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion at Four Peaks as core values through how we hire, promote, and develop our team. We are determined to pursue these values to build a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive day-to-day workplace and company culture.