POSTDOCTORAL OPPORTUNITY IN STREAM RESTORATION STUDIES (review begins 1
December 2016, open until filled)
The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) has an
immediate opening for a postdoctoral research fellow to study the effects of
stream restoration on removal of nutrients and suspended sediments from stream
water. We are currently monitoring three restorations using Regenerative
Stormwater Conveyances (RSCs). The RSC approach involves filling deeply eroded
stream channels with a mixture of sand and organic matter and placing rock
weirs across the stream channel at intervals to create a series of pools. We
are particularly interested in the ability of RSCs to modulate stream flow and
remove nitrogen, phosphorus and suspended sediments from stream water under a
wide range of flow conditions. We use a combination of in-stream sensors and
automated sampling to measure flow of stream water, suspended sediments,
nitrogen, phosphorus, and organic matter through the RSCs. We are also
monitoring groundwater chemistry and hydrology at one RSC on SERC property. We
have data extending before the restorations at two sites and are monitoring
control streams without RSCs for comparison. This presents an ideal
opportunity to learn more about the benefits and design considerations of a
restoration method that is widely accepted but not well studied.
The fellow will investigate the effects of the RSCs by
assisting with the ongoing research and synthesizing data on nitrogen and
phosphorus fluxes through the RSCs. Applicants should have a Ph.D. in
environmental science or engineering, peer-reviewed publications, and
professional presentations. Applicants should also have knowledge of hydrology
and the biogeochemistry of N and P. Skills in data management, analysis and
modeling, as well as analytical chemistry and the use of automated systems for
in situ sensing and water sampling would also be desirable. The position is
initially funded for 1 year with possibility of extension. The stipend is
$48,000/year plus health insurance allowance. The Fellow will work closely
with Dr. Thomas Jordan and will be based at the campus of the Smithsonian
Environmental Research Center (www.serc.si.edu<http://www.serc.si.edu>), which
has 100+ full-time employees and is set in a 1,072 hectare field site within
commuting distance of Annapolis, MD and Washington, DC.
For best consideration, email a letter of application, full CV
with publications list, graduate and undergraduate transcripts (unofficial
copies are fine), and contact information for three references (with telephone
numbers and e-mail addresses) by November 30, 2016 to Dr. Thomas Jordan
([email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>), SERC, 647 Contees Wharf Road,
Edgewater, MD 21037-0028. For more information on SERC visit
http://www.serc.si.edu. EOE.
