USGS South Carolina Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit
Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation, Clemson University, Clemson, SC
Project overview:
The natural flow regime (i.e. magnitude, frequency, duration, timing and rate of change of flow events) is crucial for maintaining freshwater biodiversity and ecosystem services. Each flow regime component helps define a unique physical template that acts as an ecological filter and a selective force to differentially shape the ecological and evolutionary characteristics of freshwater systems. Protecting the natural flow regime from anthropogenic alterations first requires an understanding of the relationship between aquatic organisms and the flow regime. South Carolina is a water-rich state, with a diversity of resources and stakeholders. As human population density increases, demands for the state’s water resources are inevitable, and will present unique challenges and opportunities for maintaining aquatic ecosystem services. Therefore, the goal of the project is to identify key relationships between flow metrics and biotic response to inform water withdrawal permitting and to use these relationships to predict the response of aquatic organisms to changes in stream flow and water withdrawals.
Position Description:
Dr. Luke Bower and Dr. Brandon Peoples are recruiting a postdoctoral researcher who will lead research to 1) determine key relationships between instream flow and aquatic assemblages across South Carolina; and 2) predict the biological response of aquatic organisms to estimated changes of instream flows due to water withdrawals; 3) disseminate findings through peer-reviewed publications and presentations to various stakeholders; and 4) explore additional questions related to aquatic ecology. We highly encourage people from historically underrepresented groups to apply.
Eligibility:
- PhD in ecology, biology, fisheries, statistics, or related field
- PhD must be acquired by June 2022 (Ideal start date is Summer/Fall 2022) • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to work with a wide variety of stakeholders
- Expertise in statistical tools and methods used in freshwater ecology
Preferred qualifications:
- Expertise in environmental flows and freshwater ecology
- Experience with statistical software, including R and GIS
- Experience working with stakeholders, including individuals from state/federal agencies, nongovernmental conservation organizations, local user groups, etc.
- Strong publication record for the professional stage of the applicant
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Salary/Benefits The postdoctoral researcher will be provided:
- Annual salary of $ 47,476 plus benefits and raise
- Travel funds for scientific conferences
- A supportive network of professionals who encourage work-life balance, promote mental health well-being, and help with achieving career goals
- Professional development experiences with federal and state agencies
To apply:
Email a cover letter outlining interests and qualifications, CV, and names and contact information for three potential references as a single pdf document to Luke Bower (lmbower@clemson.edu). Review will on March 1st, 2022 and continued until filled. Please direct all questions to Luke Bower (lmbower@clemson.edu).