Project Scientist - Otolith Geochemistry & Fish Ecology Laboratory (JPF06670)

The Project Scientist makes significant and creative contributions to a research or creative project in his/her academic discipline. The appointee possesses the subject matter expertise and the creative energy necessary to function at a high level of competence. The appointee will participate in activities to increase, improve, or upgrade competency. Appointees with Project (e.g., Scientist) titles may engage in University and public service. They do not have teaching responsibilities. Although the Project Scientist is expected to work independently under the general guidance of an academic member with an independent research program (i.e., Professor, Professional Researcher, Specialist in Cooperative Extension, etc), he/she is not required to develop an independent research program or reputation. He/she will carry out research or creative programs with supervision by an individual in an academic title that carries with it automatic Principal Investigator status. The Project Scientist does not usually serve as a Principal Investigator but may do so by exception.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

I. RESEARCH (90%)
This candidate is required to make creative contributions to the ecology and conservation of fishes in the San Francisco Estuary, with an emphasis in the design and execution of field surveys to describe spatiotemporal variation in the distributions for larval and adult age classes, the use of otoliths to reconstruct daily and annual ages and growth histories, and analysis of otolith geochemistry (trace elements and isotopes) to reconstruct past movement patterns and habitat use.

The candidate will be expected to:

1. Devise and conduct studies to determine:
   • The relative distribution, abundance, habitat use of fishes and invertebrates throughout the San Francisco Estuary in relation to environmental conditions, variation in climate, operations of dams and water export facilities, operation of wastewater treatment facilities, and on-going wetland restoration efforts. Studies are to employ well-designed field surveys that can be linked synergistically with long-term monitoring efforts to expand upon existing models of habitat use and suitability for numerous aquatic organisms in the San Francisco Estuary.
   • The age structure and growth history of larval and adult fishes in the San Francisco Estuary; data which can be used to parameterized stock-recruitment models, individual-based models, structured decision making models, and risk-assessment models that inform fisheries management, operation of dams and water export facilities in the Sacramento River Delta, and habitat restoration and conservation efforts throughout the San Francisco Estuary. Studies are to employ detailed analysis of otoliths using macrostructure and microstructure imaging techniques, as well as controlled laboratory studies to calibrate and validate these approaches.
   • Advance the field of fish otolith geochemical research and its application. The movement patterns, life-history complexity, and condition (e.g., feeding and
   reproduction) of fishes in the San Francisco Estuary to inform operation of dams and water export facilities, as well as conservation and habitat restoration efforts. Studies are to use laboratory-based approaches, specifically laser-ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry to examine concentrations of elements and their ratios in otoliths and other bony parts of fishes.
2. Collect, summarize, and analyze data.
   • The candidate will use standard analytical approaches including generalized linear and additive mixed effects models, multivariate approaches, time-series clustering, etc., using R statistical software.
3. Publishing.
   • The candidate will publish research results in prestigious peer-reviewed journals as lead and senior author. Leading journals might include Ecology, Fisheries, Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, Marine Ecology Progress Series, and Journal of Fish Biology.
4. Reporting.
   • The candidate will prepare and assist in the preparation of progress reports and technical reports to grant sponsors to satisfy contract requirements.
5. Grant Acquisition & Management.
   • Under guidance from the PI, the candidate will assist in writing proposals and acquiring state and federal funding to support the lab’s research program in fisheries science and conservation.

Other research duties include:
• Manage research projects and budgets according to sound management principles
• Lead and mentor students and employees paid to work on funded researcher projects.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5%)
The candidate will participate in professional societies and conferences appropriate to his/her specific field and will serve as a reviewer of research proposals and scientific publications as appropriate. The candidate will attend seminars to present research results and give research presentations at national and international scientific meetings. When appropriate, the candidate may be requested to coordinate seminars and laboratory meetings.

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5%)
University and Public Service is required for the Associate and Full Title ranks. The candidate will engage in University service activities such as guest lecturing and committee service.
Teaching full classroom courses is not an expectation of this position. The candidate will also engage in public outreach activities that include presenting scientific research results to the general public and providing relevant advice to individuals or public agencies.

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

Ph.D. in fisheries, conservation, aquatic ecology, oceanography, limnology, or related field. 10+ years of work experience post PhD.

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

Demonstrated ability to write and publish manuscripts in prominent peer-reviewed science journals
Demonstrated ability to construct parametric and non-parametric statistical models to analyze multivariate patterns in water quality, fish distributions, and geochemical data.
Demonstrated willingness and ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively across disciplines and with multiple academic and agency partners
Demonstrated ability to develop and execute innovative and insightful research.
Demonstrated ability to train and mentor student researchers and staff researchers

Preferred qualifications (other preferred, but not required, qualifications for the position)

· Familiarity with managing large datasets using Access and R, including QAQC
· Experience in fish dissection and otolith preparation and analysis for age and chemistry
· Experience conducting otolith image analyses for annual and daily age and growth
· Experience conducting trace element and stable isotope analysis of calcified structures
· Knowledge of the taxonomy, biology, and conservation status of California native fishes
· MOTC Boating Certification and experience piloting small water craft in tidal estuaries
· Experience with managing teams in the laboratory and field
· Experience in handling and conducting laboratory experiments with sensitive fish spp.

• 4-5 required (contact information only)

Apply link: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF06670