The Department of Environmental Sciences at the University of Virginia (UVA) seeks a highly-motivated postdoctoral research associate to contribute to studies of the population and community ecology of kelp forest ecosystems in southern California.
The position will focus on the analysis of long-term ecological and oceanographic data from observational and experimental studies associated with the Santa Barbara Coastal Long Term Ecological Research Project (SBC LTER), which has been funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation since 2000. Research will contribute towards the overarching goal of understanding how environmental variation (e.g., climate, disturbance, nutrients) and ecological processes (e.g., competition, predation, dispersal) interact to structure the population dynamics of giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) and the biodiversity of reef fishes, invertebrates, and algae. The specific research activities for the position are intentionally flexible to encourage candidates to bring new and innovative perspectives to the broader research program.
The postdoctoral research associate will be based in Charlottesville, Virginia, and join a dynamic research group led by professor Max Castorani (https://castorani.evsc.virginia.edu/). There will be opportunities to interact with a collaborative team of investigators at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and other institutions. The position has considerable technical support for data management.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: At the time of appointment, the candidate will hold a Ph.D. in ecology, oceanography, marine science, statistics, or a related field. Ideal candidates will have skills in data analysis, statistics, scientific coding/programming, or other quantitative methods. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, and a proven capacity to publish original research in peer-reviewed journals are required. A background in coastal marine ecology is beneficial but not necessary. The Department is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community.
TO APPLY: Apply online at https://uva.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UVAJobs . Include (1) a cover letter describing your motivation, previous relevant experience, and research ideas related to the advertised position; (2) curriculum vitae; and (3) contact information for three individuals who can provide professional reference letters upon request.
Please note that multiple documents can be uploaded in the box.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Review of applications will begin March 16, 2020 and continue until the position is filled. The start date is negotiable. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.
Initial appointment will be for one year, with anticipated funding for two years, conditional upon performance. UVA offers competitive salary and excellent benefits to its community of more than 300 postdoctoral researchers and scholars.
For further information about the position, please contact Dr. Max Castorani, Assistant Professor, at castorani@virginia.edu.
For questions about the application process, please contact Rich Haverstrom, Faculty Search Advisor, at rkh6j@virginia.edu.
For more information on the benefits available to postdoctoral associates at UVA, visit postdoc.virginia.edu and hr.virginia.edu/benefits.
