Post doc: Trawling impact on seabed carbon

The Aquatic Ecology and Global Change Lab at Utah State University is recruiting a postdoctoral fellow to develop uncertainty and sensitivity analyses on the impact of trawling on seabed carbon.

Host organisation

The Aquatic Ecology and Global Change Lab is a powerhouse in the science of ‘wet’ ecosystems, including rivers, lakes, wetlands, reservoirs, and the watersheds that feed them. They are deeply committed to making that science useful for wise planning, management, and restoration, and are well-positioned to study and solve complex, interdisciplinary problems with our cadre of ecologists, hydrologists, geomorphologists, biogeochemists, and others.

As one of the most productive research entities at Utah State University, they are engaged in a wide variety of fundamental and applied projects. Their research spans some of the most remote and wildest parts of the world to densely populated urban areas. While much of their research is focused on specific watershed systems, they are informing policy and management at the scale of some of the largest and most charismatic resources in the world, including the Mississippi, Columbia, and Colorado rivers, the Mekong Delta, and the Great Barrier Reef.

Position description

The postdoctoral fellow will design and lead research that quantifies uncertainty and variation in parameters of Sala et al.’s model and examine their impacts on estimates of trawling-induced CO2 emissions. The postdoc will relate these results to scientists and policymakers through published manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals, whitepapers/policy papers, and presentations to mixed audiences.

Profile and skills

• PhD in ecology, environmental science, computer science, geospatial studies, environmental engineering, or a closely related discipline;
• Demonstrated expertise in geospatial analysis using ArcGIS, QGIS, R, or similar software;
• Extensive experience scripting in R, MatLab, and/or Python;
• Experience developing, managing, manipulating, and processing large datasets;
• A background in carbon cycling or biogeochemistry is ideal, but not required;
• Excellent time management skills and the proven ability to meet project deadlines;
• Fluency in English (reading, speaking and writing).

Professional skills

• Adaptability
• Teamwork
• Autonomy
• Good communication (written and spoken)
• Writing skills
• Passion et enthusiasm

Contract type

Fixed term contract, 1.5 years

Location

Logan, Utah, United States