Future of Aquatic Flows Postdoctoral Scholar

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Position Overview

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School / Campus / College: College of the Environment

Organization: EarthLab

Title: Future of Aquatic Flows Postdoctoral Scholar

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Position Details

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Position Description

The Northwest Climate Adaptation Science Center (NW CASC), a member organization of EarthLab, at the University of Washington (UW) seeks a postdoctoral researcher as part of the National and Regional Climate Adaptation Science Center’s Climate Adaptation Postdoctoral (CAP) Fellows Program. The CAP postdoctoral researcher will be based at Boise State University but will be supervised and mentored from the NW CASC at the University of Washington. The CAP scholar will lead regionally focused research projects related to low and no-flow modeling. In addition, the CAP scholar will collaborate with other CAP scholars from across the country on national-scale research and synthesis on how climate change will impact aquatic flows and how this information can be integrated into aquatic ecosystem management. Finally, the CAP scholar will participate in regular training and professional development opportunities, including training on the co-production of actionable science with natural resource decision-makers, as well as interdisciplinary collaboration across academic disciplines.

 

This post-doctoral position is supported through the Climate Adaptation Postdoctoral (CAP) Fellows Program established by the National and Regional Climate Adaptation Science Centers (NRCASC). The CAP program is established to support management-relevant research and scientific synthesis of emerging research needs related to climate impacts on fish, wildlife and ecosystems. The objective of the CAP Program is to provide regional-to-national syntheses of climate change impacts on a given theme (this year Future of Aquatic flows), focusing on the management challenges experienced by resource stewards in those areas with the goal of providing scientific research to help managers adapt to a changing climate. More information about the CAP program is available here: https://www.usgs.gov/ecosystems/climate-adaptation-science-centers/science/casc-network-climate-adaptation-scholars. 

 

The Northwest Climate Adaptation Center is housed in the Climate Impacts Group at the University of Washington.  The Climate Impacts Group is a member of EarthLab.  EarthLab is a visionary institute that pushes boundaries to address our most pressing environmental challenges, with a current focus on climate and its intersection with social justice. EarthLab does this by connecting the University of Washington to communities, businesses, non-profits, public agencies, Tribal nations and others to co-produce actionable research that generates solutions and strategies for local and global impact. EarthLab’s vision, an equitable, just and sustainable world where people and planet thrive, supports one of the University’s biggest goals. As a Carnegie-classified Community Engagement University, the UW aspires to be the #1 university in the world as measured by impact. EarthLab is inspired by and committed to this challenge.

 

REGIONALLY RELEVANT RESEARCH:

The CAP scholar will conduct research related to low and no flow modeling and associated natural resource management in the Northwestern US. The objectives of this post-doctoral research are to: 1) synthesize how low flows and streamflow intermittency is represented across a suite of modeling tools and how flow/no flow observations can be used to benchmark physically-based models, 2) compare structural uncertainties in a few commonly used hydrologic models that may hinder their use for managing streamflow intermittency and low flows and 3) co-produce a manager's guide to choosing and using modeling tools for managing intermittent streams.

 

Examples of regionally relevant research topics are described in the actionable science priorities identified by the NW CASC’s Deep Dive on managing Stream Permanence in a changing climate: https://nwcasc.uw.edu/resources/actionable-science-deep-dives/stream-permanence-deep-dive/

 

We are looking for a talented scientist with a passion for delivering research that informs decision-making, whose interests broadly align with those of the PIs and the NW CASC.

 

NATIONAL-SCALE RESEARCH:

As part of a national cohort of postdoctoral Scholars, the CAP scholar will also engage in national-scale research. This will include participation in a national synthesis research effort, where Scholars will collaborate with members of the NRCASC network to produce national synthesis products.

 

TRAINING:

As part of the CAP program, and through work with mentors at the NW CASC, the CAP scholar will also engage in training, professional development and mentoring activities in topics like translational ecology and the co-production of actionable science with natural resource decision-makers, team science and interdisciplinary collaboration across academic disciplines, creativity in research, science facilitation, traditional ecological knowledge and science communication.

 

In addition to research duties, collaborations with the CAP cohort, and interactions with natural resource, water, or other managers, the successful candidate must manage data and metadata for the project following USGS protocols, document research status through regular reporting, and complete other organizational duties as assigned in a professional and timely manner. 

 

TERMS:

This two-year, full-time position will start as soon as possible. It will be based at Boise State University with limited travel to the NW CASC at the University of Washington. The salary is $61,900 per year with second-year funding contingent on satisfactory completion of responsibilities and continuation of funding. The position includes competitive benefits and funding for supplies and travel.

 

Postdoctoral scholars are represented by UAW 4121 and are subject to the collective bargaining agreement, unless agreed exclusion criteria apply. For more information, please visit the University of Washington Labor Relations website: https://hr.uw.edu/labor/.

 

UNIVERSITY AND COMMUNITY:

The University of Washington (UW) is located in the greater Seattle metropolitan area, with a dynamic, multicultural community of 3.7 million people and a range of ecosystems from mountains to ocean. The UW serves a diverse population of 80,000 students, faculty and staff, including 25% first-generation college students, over 25% Pell Grant students, and faculty from over 70 countries. The UW is a recipient of a National Science Foundation ADVANCE Institutional Transformation Award to increase the advancement of women faculty in science, engineering, and math (see http://advance.washington.edu/).

 

Boise State University is a public, metropolitan research university providing leadership in academics, research, and civic engagement. Boise State University, powered by creativity and innovation, stands uniquely positioned in the Northwest as a metropolitan research university of distinction. Learn more about Boise State and the City of Boise at https://www.boisestate.edu/about/.

 

Boise State University is building an inclusive community of faculty and staff whose unique skills, cultural contributions, work history, and perspectives create a rich and rewarding academic experience for our students. Research demonstrates that people thrive when they feel welcome, respected, and inspired. We seek applicants who are committed to helping us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.

 

The Northwest Climate Adaptation Science Center is a federal-university partnership that produces accessible science on climate change impacts and adaptation actions for Northwest natural resource managers and decision makers. The NW CASC is hosted by the Climate Impacts Group on behalf of a multi-university consortium that includes Boise State University, University of Montana, Oregon State University, Washington State University and Western Washington University. Both the NW CASC and the Climate Impacts Group are member organizations of UW EarthLab.

 

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION:

EarthLab acknowledges the systemic racism that exists in the environmental field and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment for all our employees where all voices are considered and valued. Thus, we are seeking candidates whose experiences have prepared them to fulfill our commitment to equity and justice and have given them the confidence to fully engage audiences from a wide spectrum of backgrounds.

Qualifications

Competitive candidates will have:

 

REQUIRED:

1. A PhD in a relevant discipline including hydrology, climate science, geography, or other relevant earth sciences.
2. A strong record of relevant peer-reviewed publications, data products, and commitment to scholarship.
3. Demonstrated capacity to conduct quantitative analysis with geo-spatial data including (but not limited to) experience with modern data analytics using R or Python, machine-learning techniques, numerical simulation approaches, and experience with physical process-based models.
4. The ability to effectively communicate research findings with scientists and practitioners alike.
5. Experience (or a demonstrated interest in) working with decision-makers to produce actionable science for informing natural resource management.

 

DESIRED:

1. Experience with physically-based hydrologic models.
2. Experience evaluating model output from WRF-Hydro, Parflow or VIC.
3. Experience with github and reproducible workflows.
4. A track record of independence, leadership, motivation, and problem-solving skills.

Instructions

All applications should be submitted through Interfolio. Application packages should include the following:

1. Cover letter (3-page max) outlining interest in the position and how it aligns with career goals, research interests, and interest and/or experience in the coproduction of actionable science.
2. CV
3. Two relevant publications
4. List of three references

Applicants with inquiries regarding this position should contact: Dr. Kendra Kaiser (kendrakaiser@boisestate.edu) and Dr. Guillaume Mauger (gmauger@uw.edu). Applicants requiring disability accommodations during the application process should contact Mary Dwyer (mrdwyer@uw.edu). 

 

This position will remain open until a sufficient number of qualified candidates have applied at which point we will invite finalists to interview for the position. The position will be filled as soon as possible.  Applications received by August 19th, 2022 will be prioritized.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, gender identity or expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status.

Commitment to Diversity

The University of Washington is committed to building diversity among its faculty, librarian, staff, and student communities, and articulates that commitment in the UW Diversity Blueprint (http://www.washington.edu/diversity/diversity-blueprint/). Additionally, the University’s Faculty Code recognizes faculty efforts in research, teaching and/or service that address diversity and equal opportunity as important contributions to a faculty member’s academic profile and responsibilities (https://www.washington.edu/admin/rules/policies/FCG/FCCH24.html#2432).

COVID-19 Vaccine Requirements and Information

Under Washington State Governor Inslee’s Proclamation 21-14.1, University of Washington (UW) workers must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide proof thereof, or receive a UW-approved medical or religious exemption. This requirement will be a condition of any offer associated with this recruitment. For more information, please visit https://www.washington.edu/coronavirus/vaccination-requirement/.