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; http://sbc.lternet.edu/), which has been funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation since 2000. Research will contribute towards the broad goal of understanding how environmental variation (e.g., nutrients, climate, disturbance) 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 postdoctoral research associate will be based in Charlottesville, Virginia, and join a research group led by professor Max Castorani (https://castorani.evsc.virginia.edu/), but will interact with a collaborative team of investigators at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and several 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, environmental science, statistics, computer science, or a related field. Candidates must have strong skills in data analysis, statistics, scientific coding/programming, or other quantitative methods. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, and a proven capacity to publish in peer-reviewed journals are required. Ideal candidates will have experience working with ecological time series or geospatial data. A background in 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 and attach a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three individuals who can provide professional reference letters.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Review of applications will begin December 6, 2019 and continue until the position is filled. Start date is negotiable, but is anticipated between January and June 2020. 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 more information on the benefits available to postdoctoral associates at UVA, visit postdoc.virginia.edu and hr.virginia.edu/benefits.
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.
The University of Virginia, including the UVA Health System and the University Physician’s Group 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, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.
