Position: Post-doctoral Researcher
Affiliation: Oklahoma State University
Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management
Freshwater Community Ecology Lab
Location: Stillwater, OK
Salary: DOE
Start Date: 10/01/2022 (negotiable)
Last Day to Apply: 08/31/2022, Applications will be reviewed as received.
Description: State and federal agencies will soon begin negotiating water-supply agreements that will govern water supply and storage in the Colorado River basin through 2046. To date, large-scale water supply management decisions in the Colorado River basin have not considered the implications for river ecosystems or the recovery of federally listed fish species. In part, failure to consider these ecological implications is because scientists have not synthesized their assessment of the implications of significant changes in flow regime, river temperature, and other ecosystem drivers caused by changes in how much water is stored and released from the large reservoirs of the Colorado River basin.
We have begun such a synthesis and seek a highly motivated post-doctoral scientist to continue efforts to quantitatively link physical drivers and fish populations, identify uncertainties, and develop predictive models to support decision makers. This project will build on existing demographic models predicting responses of native and non-native fish to future water supply and climate scenarios. The qualified applicant will be expected to expand the spatial scope of existing models across the Colorado River basin. For more background on the project see https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/1752- 1688.13020 , https://qcnr.usu.edu/coloradoriver/futures , and
https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/eap.2279 .
While the selected candidate will be stationed at Oklahoma State University, they will work on an interdisciplinary team with researchers at the US Geological Survey at Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center, Utah State University, and Colorado State University. The candidate will also interact with various experts working in the Colorado River basin for state, federal, academic and tribal organizations.
The Bruckerhoff Freshwater Community Ecology Lab and OKCFWRU is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are committed to fostering an environment where diversity of background and thought is accepted and encouraged. We encourage all interested people to apply despite preconceived notions of their own experience as it relates to this project’s objectives. For more information about the lab and OKCFWRU, see https://freshwaterecolab.wixsite.com/my-site and
https://www1.usgs.gov/coopunits/unit/Oklahoma .
Minimum Qualifications:
- PhD. in ecology, fisheries, natural resources, or a closely related discipline
- Highly motivated with a strong work ethic
- A valid US driver’s license (without restrictions)
Desired Qualifications:
- Excellent oral communication and technical writing skills.
- Experience in population modelling, structured decision making or related fields • Experience working in interdisciplinary teams, on water issues, or specifically in the Colorado River Basin
To Apply: Interested applicants should send a CV and cover letter to lindsey.bruckerhoff@okstate.edu. Please note that applications may be reviewed as they are received and a candidate may be selected before the closing date. Please feel free to reach out to lindsey.bruckerhoff@okstate.edu with questions about the position.
Oklahoma State University (OSU) is located in Stillwater, Oklahoma, which is within an hour of both Tulsa and Oklahoma City. OSU is a land-grant institution with an enrollment of ~25,000 students, and it is located on the ancestral lands of the Kickapoo, Osage, Kiowa, and Quapaw peoples. Indigenous people from other Native nations also reside here, many of whom were forcibly removed from their ancestral lands. They all contribute to the history and current vitality of our region. The Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management is part of the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources and conducts interdisciplinary research, instruction, and extension education to address the sustainable management and conservation of the wildlife, forest, rangeland, and fishery resources of Oklahoma and beyond. The Department is a source of cutting-edge research, quality instruction, and effective outreach to students, landowners, managers, and public agencies.
Any offer of employment is contingent on the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to a criminal background check. Oklahoma State University, as an equal opportunity employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. Oklahoma State University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all individuals and does not discriminate based on race, religion, age, sex, color, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, or veteran status with regard to employment, educational programs and activities, and/or admissions.