Postdoctoral Scholar: Evaluating the role of salmon hatchery straying on natural abundance and carrying capacity in Alaska Position
Position Overview
Organization: Aquatic and Fishery Sciences
Title: Postdoctoral Scholar: Evaluating the role of salmon hatchery straying on natural abundance and carrying capacity in Alaska Position
Position Details
Position Description
In Alaska, coastal national parks which naturally support populations of anadromous salmon, including pink and chum salmon, may be influenced by hatchery-produced fish that stray from their natal origins into park streams. For example, the Indian River bisects Sitka National Historical Park and supports diverse biological and riparian communities typical of a small coastal river ecosystem including populations of resident and anadromous rainbow trout (steelhead), Dolly Varden charr, cutthroat trout, and other common coastal fish species. The river also naturally supports populations of a suite of anadromous salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.), including native runs of pink, coho, and chum salmon. Salmon are considered a keystone species in small coastal streams in Alaska, naturally influencing stream geomorphology, water chemistry, and a myriad of trophic dynamics both in the stream and in adjacent riparian areas. However, the population of pink salmon returning to spawn in the Indian River has grown exponentially over the past several decades.
Several lines of evidence suggest that the operations of a salmon hatchery have contributed to the contemporary abundances of pink salmon. First, the hatchery is located immediately adjacent to the park boundary and has produced large numbers of pink salmon since 1975. From 1990-2000, when pink salmon abundance in the Indian River increased dramatically, the hatchery released over 60 million pink salmon fry. Second, the hatchery diverts water for salmon rearing directly from the Indian River just upstream from the park boundary, which increases the likelihood that juvenile pink salmon produced in the hatchery and released into the ocean will stray into the Indian River when returning to spawn as adults. Third, the original individuals whose gametes were extracted to begin hatchery production were taken predominantly from the Indian River. Finally, otolith data from salmon carcasses collected from the Indian River indicate that the proportion of hatchery fish sampled varies from 3% to >50% depending upon timing.
The School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences (SAFS) at the University of Washington (UW) seeks a postdoctoral scholar to contribute to a study focused on understanding the contribution of hatchery fish to the abundance of salmon in the Indian River, and identifying a possible range of “natural abundance” of pink salmon based on quantitative models. The scholar will further participate in discussions that will help inform National Park Service policy related to implications of changing species portfolios in a rapidly changing world. This project includes the opportunity to travel to Sitka to work closely with park personnel and utilize an extensive habitat and peak abundance database.
The anticipated start date is November 1, 2022, but this is negotiable. The initial appointment will be for one year, with the possibility of a reappointment extending another year to pending performance review. Applications submitted by September 15, 2022, will be given preference, but the position will remain open until filled. This is a full-time position located at the University of Washington in Seattle. The post-doc will be supervised by Dr. Mark Scheuerell (University of Washington) and will primarily collaborate with Dr. Scott Gende (National Park Service), Dr. Thom Quinn (University of Washington), and Dr. Noble Hendrix (QEDA Consulting).
Responsibilities Include:
- Conduct analyses of abundance of pink salmon using population dynamic models that allow for estimation of the production and straying of pink salmon from the nearby hatchery. Report results to collaborators, partners, and stakeholders.
- Amalgamate existing datasets on peak abundance counts, and watershed, stream, and stream reach habitat data, and use them to explore relationships between habitat and peak abundance such that application to streams with high straying rates can be contrasted.
- Help identify management targets for abundance of pink salmon in the Indian River for park managers, and mechanisms by which those targets can be achieved.
- Contribute to the presentation of results at conferences and stakeholder meetings and publication of findings in peer-reviewed journals.
The base salary range for this position will between $5,459 and $7500 per month, commensurate with experience and qualifications, or as mandated by a U.S. Department of Labor prevailing wage determination.
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.
Qualifications
Required:
- earned Ph.D. in Ecology, Fisheries Science, Quantitative Ecology, Applied Statistics or a related field; and
- proficiency in the R programming language;
Desirable:
- knowledge of, or experience with: GitHub for project collaboration, using Markdown to create reproducible workflows;
- knowledge of, or experience with: the Stan probabilistic programming language, GLMMs, spatiotemporal models, ecological survey design, life-cycle models;
- knowledge of Pacific salmon ecology, life history, and abundance.
- Knowledge of National Park Service policy
Instructions
To apply please submit your application through Interfolio with the following: (1) A letter of interest detailing your skills and experience. (2) A curriculum-vitae including publications. (3) Three letters of recommendation. Priority will be given to applications received by September 15, 2022
For questions about this position, including potential disability accommodations, please contact Kenyon Foxworthy at kenyonf@uw.edu.
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.
Benefits Information
A summary of benefits associated with this title/rank can be found at https://hr.uw.edu/benefits/benefits-orientation/benefit-summary-pdfs/. Appointees solely employed and paid directly by a non-UW entity are not UW employees and are not eligible for UW or Washington State employee benefits.
Commitment to Diversity
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Disability Services
To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.
COVID-19 Vaccine Requirements and Information
Under University of Washington (UW) Policy, University-compensated personnel 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/.