Ph.D. position in fisheries/aquatic ecology. The U.S. Geological Survey, Southwest Biological Science Center, is seeking an outstanding Ph.D. candidate to investigate climate change impacts on big river aquatic resources in the Southern Rockies Landscape Conservation Cooperative (LCC). Funding for salary and research is associated with the position. This LCC extends from central Utah to central Colorado and from southern Wyoming to central Arizona and New Mexico. The purpose of the LCC is to provide scientific and technical support to inform landscape-scale conservation using adaptive management principles. A fisheries/aquatic ecologist is needed to support the LCC with investigation of anticipated climate change impacts on the Colorado River. Research topics may include, but are not limited to: 1) evaluating potential impacts of changes in water quality/quantity on Colorado River ecosystem processes; 2) forecasting the specific effects of climate change and prolonged drought on native fish populations throughout the Colorado River Basin, and in particular those populations associated with major restoration and recovery programs for the Colorado River (i.e., Upper Basin and San Juan River Recovery Programs, the Glen Canyon Dam Adaptive Management Program); 3) developing science-based adaptive strategies for managing the Colorado River ecosystem and its native fish populations in the face of climate change. Students can be at any university, though greater weight will be given to institutions and USGS Cooperative Units in the Colorado River Basin states. The selected student would be expected to begin their program as early as fall 2010. Matthew E. Andersen is the contact for questions and applications of interest (mander...@usgs.gov, 928.556.7379). To indicate interest, send the following information electronically to Andersen by May 17, 2010: 1) A 2-page (max) C.V. including your most recent and/or relevant publications; 2) a 2-page (max) statement of interest in climate change issues and the experience you would bring to this position; and 3) the name of the university and primary faculty members with whom you are (or would be) affiliated, if available. Applicants are strongly encouraged to communicate with the primary faculty member in advance of submitting application materials, but unaffiliated applicants will also be considered.
This position will be associated with the U.S. Geological Survey Southwest Biological Science Center (SBSC). With headquarters in Flagstaff, Arizona and research stations in Flagstaff, Tucson, and Moab, Utah, SBSC has a staff of approximately 60 Federal employees and more than 40 university and contract employees. The mission of the SBSC is to provide quality scientific information needed to conserve and manage natural and biological resources, with an emphasis on the species and ecosystems of the southwestern United States. SBSC research includes water use, aridland ecology and land-use, wild land fire ecology, invasive species, environmental contaminants, declining populations of native species, Colorado River ecosystem dynamics and restoration, and urban development in the Southwest region. For more information on research as SBSC, see http://sbsc.wr.usgs.gov.
