We are inviting applications for a postdoctoral scholar to investigate the responses of invertebrate metacommunities to seasonal and supra-seasonal drought in California streams, as part of the project StreamClimes - Scaling Climate, Connectivity, and Communities in Streams (NSF MSB-FRA # 1802714). The candidate will be responsible for deploying sensors and collecting invertebrate samples in intermittent streams in Pinnacles National Park, California; and for modeling hydro-ecological dynamics in stream networks based on existing data from the system. A primary goal is to quantify the relative effects of dynamic connectivity, dispersal, and biotic interactions on spatial synchrony of aquatic invertebrates.
The successful candidate will work with a team of researchers, including Michael Bogan at the University of Arizona, Meryl Mims at Virginia Tech, Katie Costigan at the University of Louisiana Lafayette, Ben Ruddell and Abe Springer at Northern Arizona University, Robert Pastel at Michigan Tech University, and Dan Allen, Tom Neeson, and Yang Hong at the University of Oklahoma. There will be opportunities to pursue independent lines of inquiry; and to build on ongoing experiments testing the effects of flow regime change on stream food webs (using artificial channels), and the interaction between drying disturbance and habitat connectivity on stream invertebrate communities (via a dispersal experiment). There will also be opportunities to interact with other UC Berkeley freshwater science labs and conservation partners.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Advanced degree or enrolled in advanced degree program at the time of application.
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
PhD (or equivalent international degree) required by the start date.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS (by start date)
Strong quantitative skills and experience with ecological data analysis, including time-series analyses of multivariate data, ecological applications of graph theory, and Spatial Stream Network models. Proficiency in several computer programming languages (e.g., R, Python, MatLab). Research interests in metapopulation or metacommunity ecology. Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills, ability to think critically and innovatively, leadership capacity, and experience contributing to scientific publications are desirable.
APPOINTMENT
The targeted start date for this position is December 2019 or January 2020. The initial appointment is for one year, with possible annual renewal for another year based on performance and funding availability. This is a full-time appointment and will be supervised by Dr. Albert Ruhi.
SALARY AND BENEFITS
Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience level and based on UC Berkeley salary scales. Generous benefits are included: https://vspa.berkeley.edu/postdoc-health-insurance-and-benefits
TO APPLY
Interested individuals should include a 1-2 page cover letter outlining research experience, a current CV, and the names and contact information of three references. Letters of reference may be requested for finalists. The total duration of an individual’s postdoctoral service may not exceed five years, including postdoctoral service at other institutions.
Please send applications to Dr. Albert Ruhi (albert.ruhi@berkeley.edu) by September 6th.
All letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. Please refer potential referees, including when letters are provided via a third party (i.e. dossier service or career center) to the UC Berkeley Statement of Confidentiality http://apo.berkeley.edu/evalltr.html prior to submitting their letters.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/NondiscrimAffirmAct
The Department is interested in candidates who will contribute to diversity and equal opportunity in higher education through their research or teaching.
The University of California, Berkeley has an excellent benefits package as well as a number of policies and programs in place to support employees as they balance work and family.