Position Announcements
POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATE, ECOSYSTEM MODELING
The project: “Development of Decision Support Tools for the California Current” We are developing ecosystem simulation models for the California Current and the Central California Coast. The models will be used for simulation testing of alternative ecosystem-based management strategies for this region. Our research includes: -Testing options for monitoring and assessment of nearshore fisheries and marine protected areas (MPAs) -Considering spatial management options and nearshore habitat effects on ecosystem services -Considering tradeoffs or benefits of the interrelated policies of multiple state and federal agencies In collaboration with researchers at CSIRO in Australia, we have adopted a modeling framework (Atlantis) in which ecosystem dynamics are represented by spatially-explicit sub-models that simulate hydrographic processes, biogeochemical factors driving primary production, and food web relations among functional groups. The model represents key exploited species at the level of detail necessary to evaluate direct effects of fishing, and it also represents other anthropogenic and climate impacts on the ecosystem as a whole. Postdoctoral responsibilities The postdoctoral associate’s primary responsibility will be the development of an Atlantis ecosystem model of the Central California Coast. This will benefit from an existing parameterization for the biological model. Additional model building will involve synthesis of new biological data and parameterization, incorporation of fisheries data, multiple meetings with biologists and data managers, calibration, running scenarios, and documenting and publishing the results. The postdoc will also be involved in meetings with stakeholders and managers, identification of management strategies (e.g,. changes in quotas, MPAs, or gear type), and use of the models as decision support tools to evaluate these strategies. Deliverables include both peer-reviewed publications and white papers for use in management. About our team http://www.nwfsc.noaa.gov We are part of NOAA’s Northwest Fisheries Science Center in Seattle. Our team’s goal is to research the ecological interactions and processes necessary to sustain ecosystem composition, structure and function in the environments in which fish and fisheries exist. We draw upon expertise from within and outside the NWFSC to address the following five research foci: - Interactions of target fish stocks with predators, competitors and prey - The effects of weather and climate on target species and their ecological communities - The effects of fishing on marine ecosystems and fish habitat - Interactions between fishes and their habitat - Marine Protected Areas as a fisheries conservation and management tool Current members include 5 research scientists and 3 postdocs, with projects ranging from experimental ecology to ecosystem modeling. Term: June 2008-May 2009 Location: Seattle, Washington, USA Qualifications: Ph.D. in ecology, fisheries science, or similar discipline. The candidate should also have a proven track record of publications and collaborative research, and a strong quantitative background in statistics and computing (languages such as R, Matlab, or Visual Basic). Experience with food web modeling and C/C++ preferred. Salary and Benefits: $45,000/year plus health insurance We will begin reviewing applications May 1, 2008. Contact: Please email a cover letter, curriculum vitae, all university transcripts, and 3 letters of recommendation to Dr. Phil Levin Phil.Levin@noaa.gov