Postdoctoral Research Associate

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Description

INHS is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to assist with the Long Term Resource Monitoring element of the USACE Upper Mississippi River Restoration Program.  The successful candidate will conduct research projects taking advantage of our 25+ years of standardized monitoring data on fish communities and water quality collected from six reaches of the Upper Mississippi River System.

The associate will work under the direction of John Chick and work closely with the INHS Great Rivers Field Station, other INHS/UIUC researchers and faculty, and scientists within the UMRR partnership. The position is based at the Great Rivers Field Station in Alton, Illinois, where the applicant will join an interdisciplinary community of researchers and graduate students. Funding for the position is available for two years pending successful performance with the possibility of extension to further years.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist with field work for the fish and water quality components of the Long Term Resource Monitoring project
• Lead field sampling crews on the Mississippi and Illinois rivers
• Conduct research projects taking advantage of the 25+ year data on fish and water quality in the UMRS
• Analyze data and write manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed scientific journals
• Disseminate research findings to management agencies, the scientific community, and general public through presentations at professional meetings, written reports, and public outreach activities
• Compile the results into annual technical reports and multiple peer-reviewed manuscripts, and give presentations at state, regional, and national conferences.
• Participate in community outreach and service events, and mentor hourly staff
• Keep abreast of developments in this discipline
• Perform other duties as needed in order to further the mission and goals of the Survey, PRI, and the University of Illinois

Qualifications

Applicants should have a Ph.D. with extensive experience conducting research and leading field crews on projects related to large rivers or other large aquatic ecosystems. Alternate degree fields will be considered depending on the nature and depth of the experience at it relates to this position.                                       

Experience

A minimum of three years conducting field and laboratory research on large rivers or other large aquatic systems. Have the ability to write clearly and scientifically, with evidence of successful prior publications. Must possess excellent organizational, interpersonal, oral and written communication skills. Ability to apply analytical/scientific thinking to define and solve problems. Ability to work independently, collect and analyze field data, and coherently translate findings both verbally and in writing to granting agencies and to scientific and public communities. Effective communication, personal relations, collaboration, organizational, teamwork, and leadership skills.  Demonstrated ability to perform effectively in a diverse and fast-paced work environment consisting of multiple and changing priorities with stringent deadlines, under minimal supervision.  Attention to detail, sound judgment, and strong conflict resolution skills.  Proficiency in commonly-employed software and databases.  Must have valid driver's license and experience driving boats on rivers or other large bodies of water.