The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) has an immediate opening for a postdoctoral research fellow. The fellow will develop geographic and statistical models that relate estuarine responses (especially the presence and abundance of submerged aquatic vegetation [SAV]) to the watershed and estuarine characteristics of Chesapeake Bay subestuaries. The resulting models will be used to identify spatial correlates of estuarine responses, quantify predictor-response relationships, and help guide management decisions. Applicants should have a Ph.D. in ecology or geography, peer-reviewed publications, and professional presentations. Applicants also need experience with geographic information system (GIS) analysis and multivariate statistical analysis and should have a strong background in landscape ecology, ecosystem ecology, or estuarine ecology. Expertise in SAV ecology, advanced statistical analyses (such as structural equation modeling or Bayesian networks), or Python automation of GIS analyses could be especially helpful. Available modeling tools will include ArcGIS, R and SAS statistical software, and other packages. The position is funded for 1.5 years as part of a multi-institution, multi-investigator project supported by a research grant from NOAA (see http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2009/20091030_chesapeake.html). Stipend $45,000/year in 2014, 47,500/year in 2015. For best consideration, send letter of application, resume, graduate and undergraduate transcripts (photocopies are fine), and names of three references (with telephone numbers and e-mail addresses) by Sept 15, 2014 to Dr. Donald Weller ([email protected]), SERC, P.O. Box 28, Edgewater, MD 21037-0028. For more information on SERC visit http://www.serc.si.edu. EOE.
