Postdoctoral Opportunity in Fisheries Oceanography and Eastern Boundary Upwelling Ecosystems

The University of South Carolina (Columbia, South Carolina, USA) and the Belle W. Baruch Institute for Marine and Coastal Sciences is seeking a postdoctoral fellow, funded by the Nippon Foundation‐Nereus Program, to join our interdisciplinary team of researchers to explore the responses of forage fish populations in eastern boundary upwelling ecosystems to physical and biogeochemical variability associated with future climate change. The goal of the project is estimation of fisheries productivity given projected changes in upwelling intensity and seasonality, nutrient stoichiometry, acidification, and plankton production and composition. The postdoctoral fellow will be responsible for (1) developing models linking hydrographic, biogeochemical, and lower‐trophic level projections with forage‐fish populations; (2) considering the consequences of changing forage fish availability for higher‐trophic‐level populations; and (3) collaborating with researchers exploring economic and management implications of changes in fisheries productivity, distribution, and demand. Development and pursuit of personal research interests within fisheries oceanography will be encouraged and supported.

Candidates must possess a Ph.D. in marine science or biological oceanography. Preferred qualifications include the following: Proficiency in quantitative modeling and fluency in one or more computer programming languages. Knowledge in atmospheric circulation and natural resource management is a plus. Interests in global ocean governance and policy, aquaculture, economics, biodiversity, and social issues. Candidates should have: demonstrated written and oral communication skills and be able to work in an interdisciplinary team with oceanographers, biologists, economists and social scientists; detailed knowledge of climate influence on marine ecosystems in upwelling areas; knowledge of the dynamics of small pelagic, planktivorous fish populations; knowledge of standard research‐related statistical, graphing, and presentation software.

The expected start date for the position is January 1, 2017 and will be based in at the University of South Carolina‐Columbia campus. The initial appointment is for 1 year, with the possibility of extension for an additional year. Some international traveling for meetings with Nereus Program partners and for attending conferences is expected. Salary is commensurate with qualifications. Benefits include health insurance, retirement, annual and sick leave.

Applicants should apply at uscjobs.sc.edu (requisition #010998) and are required to submit a cover letter, CV, statement of research experience and interests, and names of at least 3 references with the application. Questions about the position can be directed to Dr. Ryan Rykaczewski ([email protected]). Review of applications will begin as soon as they are received and continue until the position is filled.

The University of South Carolina is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.