Job postings

Research Associate-Fixed Term

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Work type: Faculty/Academic Staff

Major Administrative Unit / College:College Of Agriculture And Nat Resources

Department:Fisheries And Wildlife 10002344

Sub Area:FAS- Fac./Acad Staff

Salary:Salary Commensurate with Experience

Location: East Lansing

Categories: Research/Scientific, Fixed Term Academic Staff, Full Time (90-100%), Non-Union, Remote-Friendly

Position Summary

The research associate will have two sets of responsibilities:

(1)Apply innovative approaches to integrate hydrologic science and aquatic landscape ecology. Stream flow is a key determinant of watershed health, influencing habitat, stream fishes, other aquatic organisms, and numerous ecological processes. Previous efforts to characterize the condition of streams across the US have relied largely on datasets summarizing landscape factors to approximate condition, but they have not directly accounted for stream flows or the degree to which flows may be altered by various stressors. Integrating multiple dimensions of stream flow regimes into an assessment context is a critical step towards understanding the degree to which flow regimes may be impacted by current stressors and are likely to be affected in the future. In support of this need, the research associate will conduct an evaluation of stream flow data that may be available over large regions and a literature review of aquatic habitat assessment approaches. Based on characteristics of data available, the research associate will work collaboratively with a national group of stakeholders to integrate stream flow information into a large-scale assessment of streams and rivers. Depending on interest and available funding, a secondary responsibility of the research associate will be to contribute to other aspects of the assessment, including supporting efforts outside the conterminous US and contributing to previously developed analytical approaches to associate stream conditions with landscape factors.

(2) Contribute to efforts to decouple relationships between water withdrawals and stream flows in watersheds across Michigan. Efficient management of water withdrawals can help to support human uses of water while also meeting ecosystem needs. The research associate will lead an investigation to decouple relationships between water withdrawals and stream flows in select Michigan watersheds, with objectives including attempting to identify watersheds where relationships may be strongest, factors that contribute to strength in relationships, and effects of cumulative withdrawals occurring throughout watersheds. Regional stakeholders will be engaged in this process, including colleagues from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Doctorate -Hydrology and Environmental Assessment

Minimum Requirements

PhD in hydrology, hydrogeology, earth science, freshwater ecology, and/or related field within the last 5 years. Applicants must have a demonstrable understanding of watershed hydrology, evidenced by previous research outputs, as well as substantial knowledge of landscape influences on aquatic habitats and organisms. Expertise in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), developing and working with hydrological models, data analysis and visualization, writing and modifying scientific code in Python and/or R are required. Applicants must be able to work independently and in collaboration with other researchers; publish findings in peer-reviewed journals; and write proposals and reports. This is a one-year position renewed annually with extension contingent on funding and performance. The job will involve travel and coordination among various stakeholders. The successful applicant will be supervised by Dr. Dana Infante.

Required Application Materials

Submit a cover letter, statement of research interests and career goals, CV, relevant publications, and contact information for three references.

Review of Applications Begins On

05/15/2024

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

Website

https://www.canr.msu.edu/fw/

Department Statement

The Department of Fisheries and Wildlife is a vibrant community of scholars comprising of about 40 core faculty (tenure stream and fixed-term faculty, and academic specialists), 80 graduate and 240 undergraduate students, and about 30 research associates. Our Mission is to build local, national, and international capacities to conserve ecosystems that support fish, wildlife, and society through integrated programs in research, education and engagement. We are committed to the integrative nature of natural resources conservation and management, with our expertise ranging from disciplinary areas with a long-standing history in the domain of fisheries and wildlife to those emerging more recently. For more information about the Department, please visit our website :https://www.canr.msu.edu/fw/

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.

Advertised: May 7, 2024 Eastern Daylight Time