Stroud Water Research Center seeks a Postdoctoral Associate to conduct spatio-temporal analyses of environmental data from streams and rivers in the mid-Atlantic of the US. The Postdoctoral Associate will work under the direction of scientists at Stroud Water Research Center and collaborate closely with scientists and staff at the National Park Service’s (NPS) National Capital Region Inventory and Monitoring Network (NCRN). This is a 2.5-year position based at the Stroud Water Research Center in Avondale, PA with a start date in May or June of 2022.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The Postdoctoral Associate will lead a critical assessment and update of the NPS NCRN stream water monitoring scientific protocol and will evaluate, develop, and refine associated data workflows and data quality assessment procedures, in close collaboration with the needs of the NPS NCRN. This effort will require occasional week-long travel from Stroud Water Research Center to the Washington DC metro area to work in-person and in the field to conduct site visits with NPS NCRN staff. Through these in person and virtual meetings, the Postdoctoral Associate will also play a liaison role between scientists at the Stroud Center and NPS NCRN staff throughout the duration of the project. The Postdoctoral Associate will also lead a quantitative analysis of 15+ years of stream biological, physical and chemical data, with the goal of improving management of water resources in National Parks in the DC area. The analysis will include exploratory analysis and presentations that lead to formal statistical analysis, report preparation, and manuscript development. The successful candidate will work collaboratively as part of a team of scientists, postdocs, technical staff, graduate students, as well as with external partners and colleagues (e.g., NCRN) at Stroud Water Research Center. Some weekends and early/late working hours may be occasionally necessary.
QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate will (1) have a Ph.D. in aquatic ecology, biogeochemistry, environmental sciences or similar discipline; (2) have strong proficiency in data workflow creation, development, and long-term environmental data management and analysis (3); be highly proficient in the programming language R and have experience using GitHub for code version control; (4) have excellent oral and written communication skills; (5) have experience managing complex, collaborative projects that requiring working effectively with a multidisciplinary team. The successful candidate will have excellent time management skills for delivering presentations, reports, and data products on deadlines.
SALARY AND EMPLOYMENT
Salary will be commensurate with education and experience. This is a full-time position including a comprehensive employee benefit plan. The position is dependent on external funding and is currently funded for 2.5 years.
EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS AND PROCESS
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Application reviews will start mid-February 2022. Applicants with approved work permits in the USA will be given priority. To apply, please scroll to the application form below and upload a cover letter, curriculum vitae/resume, and the names and contact details for three professional references as a SINGLE ATTACHMENT. The name of the attached file should start with the applicant’s last name (e.g., LASTNAME_RESUME.PDF). Finalists will be interviewed in person or by video conference.
ABOUT STROUD WATER RESEARCH CENTER
Stroud Water Research Center seeks to advance knowledge and stewardship of fresh water through global research, education, and watershed restoration and to help businesses, landowners, policymakers, and individuals make informed decisions that affect water quality and availability around the world. Since its creation in 1967, teams of scientists have conducted pioneering research on streams and rivers locally, regionally, and throughout the world. Today, the Stroud Center’s research team blends its talents in chemistry, microbiology, aquatic entomology (insects and other invertebrates), ichthyology (fish), hydrology, fluvial geomorphology, and ecosystem modeling in collaborative studies of the physical, chemical, and biological processes of streams and rivers. The Stroud Center’s education staff helps to interpret our research findings and builds education programs about freshwater ecology, management, and stewardship for a wide audience. The Stroud Center’s Watershed Restoration Group develops and implements watershed restoration programs that connect landowners, stakeholders, and the general public with best management practices for conserving, restoring, and protecting watersheds. While we work in watersheds all over the world, most of our ideas are generated and pilot tested at the Stroud Center’s main campus in the White Clay Creek experimental watershed where the Stroud Center has a 50-year research and monitoring record within a unique facility that includes indoor “wet” labs and streamside flumes fed by flowing water pumped in from the creek on our property. In 2012, the Stroud Center expanded its campus to 50 acres and constructed a LEED Platinum-certified building for education and public outreach, the Moorhead Environmental Complex. Learn more at www.stroudcenter.org/mec.
Stroud Water Research Center is an independent, non-advocacy 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.