We are seeking a highly motivated scholar to join a multi-disciplinary research team at the University of Central Florida (Orlando, FL) to participate in an NSF Coupled Human-Natural Systems award entitled, “Restoration and Resilience in Coupled Human-Natural Systems: Reciprocal Dynamics of a Coastal Lagoon” (NSF Award #1617374). The project is focused on the impact of community-based oyster reef restoration and living shoreline stabilization on the broader ecosystem and the people of the Indian River Lagoon (IRL). Research is located along the east coast of central Florida in Canaveral National Seashore and directly north of the park boundaries in Mosquito Lagoon Aquatic Preserve. Although the IRL is federally listed as an “estuary of national significance”, many now refer to it as an “estuary in peril” due to recent harmful algal blooms, fish kills, and habitat loss. The research team consists of biologists, biogeochemists, engineers, social scientists, and GIS experts collaboratively seeking to understand of the mechanisms by which human engagement in ecosystem restoration promotes beneficial feedbacks within CNH systems to enhance resilience. *Position Description*
Applicants should be willing and able to work across traditional scientific boundaries to address coastal questions with intertidal oyster reefs and estuarine shorelines on some or all of the following: integrating system- wide impacts of restoration on the estuary, the role of sea level rise in restoration success, local invasive species and harmful algal bloom ecology, and the impact of restoration on threatened and endangered wading birds and their prey. There is also significant scope for novel, related project ideas. Outreach is essential to the success of this project and it is hoped that applicant is willing to engage with community members at restoration events and preK – 12 educators to share information on the project as well as other aspects of estuaries and restoration significance/success. Examples of community engagement events can be found on Facebook at: UCF Coastal and Estuarine Ecology Lab. Individual should be available to start by November 1, 2017. Funding sources are NSF CNH program plus the new UCF Preeminent Postdoctoral Program. Term of appointment will be for two years, contingent upon continued NSF support and above satisfactory performance and productivity metrics. Stipend will be commensurate with experience and based on available funding. The postdoctoral fellow will devote most of his/her time to collaborative, interdisciplinary research. If desired, a teaching opportunity may be possible later in the postdoctoral appointment (though not required). *Qualifications* Postdoctoral scholar must have PhD in relevant field (e.g. Biology, Environmental Science, Conservation, etc.) at time of hire as well as excellent quantitative, organizational, communication (written and oral), GIS and field skills. Applicant must be knowledgeable or willing to learn small boat handling skills, and be willing to work collaboratively with faculty, other post-docs, graduate students and undergraduates supported on this award. *How to Apply* Please send the following information to Dr. Linda Walters via email at linda.walt...@ucf.edu as a single pdf document: 1) brief cover letter describing interests, motivations and career goals, 2) CV, 3) names and email addresses of 3 references, and copies of 2-3 peer-reviewed publications. Please include “Postdoctoral Scholar Opportunity” in the subject line and include the applicant’s last name in the file name. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, with strongest consideration given to candidates that submit applications by 5 PM EST on August 31, 2017. UCF is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply, including minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities.
