2012_05: Postdoctoral Research Associate Position, University of Washington, School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences

Responsibilities:  The overall objective of this project is to link ecosystem function to distributional and community shifts that occur in response to hypoxia in a temperate fjord. This project will combine seasonal acoustic and net sampling of fish and zooplankton through a hypoxic cycle with energetic-based ecosystem modeling.  We are interested in examining how hypoxia affects energy flow from mesozooplankton to pelagic fish.  The post-doc will lead the acoustic-midwater sampling in Hood Canal, WA to investigate seasonal composition, abundance, and distribution shifts in the pelagic fish community.  The successful applicant will review recent literature, plan and execute pelagic fish sampling trips, and process and analyze acoustic-midwater trawl data. The post-doc will be responsible for field planning logistics, sampling design, and data archiving.  The post-doc will analyze results, and summarize them in the form of reports, refereed journal publications, and/or meeting presentations and seminars.

Qualifications:  Ph.D. in quantitative fisheries, biology, zoology, or a closely related field.
Essential: experience in fisheries acoustics (survey design, data acquisition, data processing), statistical methods, ability to effectively communicate in both written and oral formats, and the ability to work well both collaboratively and independently. 
Desirable: Familiarity with bioenergetics modeling, coastal oceanography principles, experience exploring and analyzing biological/ecological time series data, and familiarity with basic biological, ecological and fisheries-oceanography and marine science principles.

This is a two year position.  Preferred starting date May 2012, but position will remain open until filled.

Interested persons should send CV, letter of intent including names and contact information for 3 references via email to Dr. John Horne, University of Washington, School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences: jhorne@uw.edu.