Opportunity Type:

The Department of Environmental Sciences at the University of Virginia (UVA) seeks a postdoctoral research associate to study the ecology and spatial synchrony of kelp forests in coastal California.

As part of an NSF-funded research project, the postdoctoral research associate will investigate the patterns and causes of synchrony (the tendency for populations in different locations to fluctuate similarly over time) in kelp populations and associated reef communities, and the consequences for coastal ecosystem structure and function. The position will focus on analyzing multiple long-term, large-scale ecological and oceanographic datasets related to California giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) forests and sandy beach ecosystems, including those from biodiversity monitoring programs and remote sensing products.

The postdoctoral research associate will be based in Charlottesville, Virginia, where they will join a dynamic research group led by professor Max Castorani (https://castorani.evsc.virginia.edu/). They will also work closely with a collaborative team of principal investigators, postdocs, and students at the University of Kansas and University of California at Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. The position has considerable technical support for data management. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the position may begin with a remote work arrangement.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
At the time of appointment, the candidate will hold a Ph.D. in ecology, oceanography, marine science, applied statistics, computer science, mathematics, or a related field. Ideal candidates will have interests in population or community ecology and strong quantitative skills, such as data analysis, ecological modeling, or scientific programming. 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/en-US/UVAJobs/job/Charlottesville-VA/Research-Associate-in-the-Spatial-Synchrony-of-Kelp-Forest-Ecosystems_R0019035-1/. 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 November 1, 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 a total of three 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 regarding the application process, contact Rich Haverstrom, Faculty Search Advisor, at rkh6j@virginia.edu.

For more information on the benefits available to postdoctoral associates at UVA, visit https://postdoc.virginia.edu/ and https://hr.virginia.edu/benefits/.

The University of Virginia, including the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician’s Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff.  We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person’s perspectives and lived experiences.  We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.