Post-Doctoral Modeling Fish Productivity

The University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia seeks a Post-Doctoral Associate in Modeling Fish Productivity to develop a decision tool for predicting fish productivity effects in the Great Lakes region. This role involves quantitative research, stakeholder collaboration, and impacts modeling to aid in fish passage decisions in ecological restoration efforts.

Qualifications

• Strong background in quantitative methods.
• Experience in individual-based modeling and fish production modeling.
• Desire to work with stakeholders and agency personnel.

Responsibilities

• Identify streams for research and determine data availability (10% of time).
• Update existing modeling framework for climate impacts (45% of time).
• Prepare reports and present findings at meetings (10% of time).

Skills

Quantitative modeling

Collaboration

Stakeholder engagement

Education

PhD in fisheries science or related discipline

Job description

Posting Number:

G/R29564P

Working Title:

Post-Doctoral Modeling Fish Productivity

Department:

Warnell-Research

About the University of Georgia:

Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia’s oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly formed School of Medicine.

Employment Type:

Employee

Anticipated Start Date:

06/01/2025

Posting Date:

05/14/2025

Open Until Filled:

Yes

Location of Vacancy:

Athens Area

EOO Statement:

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ([e-mail]).

USG Core Values Statement:

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Work directly with agency and other researchers or interested parties to identify streams for research and determine data availability

Percentage of time:

10

Duties/Responsibilities:

Compile existing databases of environmental and fisheries data for relevant streams and the broader region

Percentage of time:

10

Duties/Responsibilities:

Update existing individual-based modeling framework for application to case study streams, integrate climate change into predictive model

Percentage of time:

45

Duties/Responsibilities:

Prepare reports, articles, and manuscripts for publication; give oral presentations at scientific and technical meetings

Percentage of time:

10

Duties/Responsibilities:

Co-lead / participate in research team meetings and case study group meetings

Percentage of time:

10

Duties/Responsibilities:

Trainings, contribution to the operation of the GA CRU

Percentage of time:

5

Duties/Responsibilities:

Conduct literature review to identify methods for integrating environmental change into fish production modeling

Percentage of time:

10

Classification Title:

Post-Doctoral Associate AD

FLSA:

Exempt

FTE:

1.00

Position Summary:

We seek a postdoctoral research associate with a strong background in quantitative modeling to participate in a project to aid in developing a decision tool to project effects of increased fish passage on productivity of fish species in streams in the Great Lakes region. Terminal barrier removal in the Great Lakes region requires considering tradeoffs for native fish passage, needs for increased sea lamprey control, and passage of other potentially undesirable species (e.g., Pacific salmonids). Therefore, decision makers need a modeling framework to enable them to understand the potential changes in fish production as novel habitats are opened through barrier removal or remediation. The hired associate will work closely with a technical working group comprised of a mixture of highly-engaged federal, state, and university biologists to identify case study streams in collaboration with local rightsholders, NGOs, and stakeholders, update an existing individual-based model to expand its utility from one stream to many and incorporate the effects of climate change into fish production projections, and help devise a framework for development of a basin-wide decision support tool to predict fish production under different levels of fish passage. Additional responsibilities include presenting research to partners, technical committees, and at scientific conferences, as well as preparing manuscripts and reports. The hired associate will be part of the Georgia Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, located at the University of Georgia, in Athens, GA. Other related duties may also be assigned as needs arise (e.g., trainings, contribution to general operation of the research unit). Further, lab members will help maintain a supportive collegiate environment.

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification in Position:

Qualified candidates will have a PhD in fisheries science, wildlife science, or related discipline with a strong quantitative background and record of research productivity in quantitative methods. Experience in individual-based modeling, fish production modeling, and structured decision making is desirable, as well as experience or desire to work with stakeholders, rights holders, and agency personnel

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies :

PhD in fisheries science, wildlife science, or related discipline with a strong quantitative background

Physical Demands:

Conducting work at a computer for up to 8 hours per day. Occasional travel for meetings and conferences.

Is this a Position of Trust?:

No

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? :

No

Does this position require a P-Card? :

No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? :

No

Is driving a requirement of this position?:

No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?:

No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications):

No

Background Investigation Policy:

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Contact Details:

For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.

Recruitment Contact Name:

Kelly Robinson

Recruitment Contact Email:

[e-mail]