Jobs:Job-00476

From CSDMS
Postdoctoral Scholar - Data synthesis and visualization of climate-driven risk to estuarine food webs
University of California, Berkeley, California, United States
Apply before: 24 September 2021


We are inviting applications for a postdoctoral scholar to synthesize and visualize geospatial data on climate-driven risk to estuarine food-web dynamics. This position is part of the project Climate-driven food-web mismatches in the San Francisco Estuary, funded by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (Proposition 1, Agreement # Q2196006). The postdoc will be responsible for:
  1. Conducting a literature review to collate existing evidence for climate-driven phenological mismatches in estuarine food webs globally, identifying support for putative mechanisms and main sources of uncertainty;
  2. Synthesizing outputs from time series models aimed at identifying situations that historically caused, or could cause in the future, spatio-temporal mismatches across the San Francisco Bay; and
  3. Investigating ways to visualize and map climate risk and uncertainty to estuarine food-web dynamics. A primary goal of the project is to forecast responses of the different trophic levels under a range of climate scenarios, and communicate risk of mismatches via spatially-explicit maps and an interactive Shiny app in R. The expected products include two peer-reviewed publications and accompanying data products.


The successful candidate will work with an interdisciplinary team of researchers led by Drs. Albert Ruhi and Stephanie Carlson at the University of California, Berkeley, including postdoc Dr. Denise Colombano and partners at CDFW (Dr. James Hobbs) and USGS (Drs. Noah Knowles and Lisa Lucas). There will be opportunities to pursue independent lines of inquiry related to aquatic food-web responses to climate variability, and to co-author publications led by other team members. There will also be opportunities to interact with other UC Berkeley freshwater science labs and conservation partners.


BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Advanced degree or enrolled in advanced degree program at the time of application.


ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
PhD (or equivalent international degree) required by the start date.


PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS (by start date)
Strong quantitative skills and experience with analysis, synthesis, and visualization of geospatial data. Proficiency in at least one programming language (e.g., R, Python) and GIS. Research interests in climate change ecology, physical geography, and/or data visualization. Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills, ability to think critically and innovatively, and experience leading scientific publications.


APPOINTMENT
The targeted start date for this position is January 3rd, 2022. The initial appointment is for one year, with possible annual renewal for another year based on performance and funding availability. This is a full- time appointment and the postdoc will be supervised by Drs. Albert Ruhi and Stephanie Carlson.


SALARY AND BENEFITS
Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience level and based on UC Berkeley salary scales: https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/2021/2021-postdoc-salary- scales/t23.pdf. Generous benefits are included: https://vspa.berkeley.edu/postdoc-health-insurance-and- benefits


TO APPLY
Interested individuals should include a 1-2 page cover letter outlining research experience, a current CV, and the names and contact information of three references. Letters of reference may be requested for finalists. The total duration of an individual’s postdoctoral service may not exceed five years, including postdoctoral service at other institutions.

Please send applications to Dr. Albert Ruhi (albert.ruhi@berkeley.edu) by September 24th, 2021.


All letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. Please refer potential referees, including when letters are provided via a third party (i.e. dossier service or career center) to the UC Berkeley Statement of Confidentiality http://apo.berkeley.edu/evalltr.html prior to submitting their letters.

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. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/NondiscrimAffirmAct

The Department and PIs are especially interested in candidates who will contribute to diversity and equal opportunity in higher education through their research, mentoring, or service.

The University of California, Berkeley has an excellent benefits package as well as a number of policies and programs in place to support employees as they balance work and family.

Of interest for:
  • Terrestrial Working Group
  • Coastal Working Group