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Post doc in urban aquatic ecology and land water interactions

Posted: 
12/03/2022
Expiration Date: 
12/15/2022

The Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) Urban Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) project, funded by the National Science Foundation, is seeking a post-doctoral scientist to join our research team. MSP LTER has a broad focus on understanding how urban nature interacts with human activities and infrastructure in influencing dynamics of urban aquatic systems.  We seek an individual to join the MSP-LTER team in research to understand how urbanization, climate and management interact to influence aquatic ecosystem dynamics, water quality and human interactions with lakes and streams in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area. Specific research areas and projects will depend on alignment of the postdoc’s professional interests and expertise with LTER research. Examples include but are not limited to a) investigation of management, urbanization, and climate drivers of long term change in water quality, b) understanding influences of aquatic and terrestrial vegetation on aquatic element cycles, c) exploration of management and novel chemical or biological drivers of biogeochemical cycles in urban watersheds, and d) research to understand ecosystem services and disservices provided by lakes, ponds and wetlands under varied policy, management, and climate conditions. 

The post doc will lead a combination of data synthesis and new research to advance understanding of urban lake and watershed responses to changing in climate, management and configuration of green and grey infrastructure in cities. The Twin Cities is home to thousands of lakes, ponds, and watersheds, and has a rich history of water-quality monitoring data collection and water management, so there are ample opportunities for comparative work. The position will present opportunities for collaborations within the MSP LTER, as well for engaging with community partners and the wider LTER network. Up to two years of funding is available.  New applications will be reviewed until the position is filled, but application before Dec. 15 is encouraged to ensure full consideration. To apply, submit a CV, statement of research interests, and contact information for three references at https://humanresources.umn.edu/jobs

(ID 352692). For more information, please contact Jacques Finlay (jfinlay@umn.edu).

Required Qualifications:  

  • PhD (or similiar experience) in aquatic ecology, limnology, hydrology, or related fields
  • Experience with synthesis and analysis of large water quality datasets
  • Ability to work independently, and effectively work with a large team
  • Commitment to broad engagement with the LTER, external partners and the public

Preferred Qualifications include one or more of the following:

  • Experience with urban watershed, or lake systems models
  • Experience with limnological or aquatic field methods
  • Experience with urban ecology or watershed biogeochemical processes
  • Strong writing skills
  • Proficiency with GIS

Duties:

  •    50% lead lake and watershed water quality data analyses and manuscript preparation
  •    25% develop and implement new data collections
  •    5% work with the LTER Information Manager and GIS Specialist on database construction and management
  •    20% coordinate and participate in LTER activities including partner engagement