Research Associate in Environmental Sciences

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Marine Population Dynamics and Larval Connectivity

The Department of Environmental Sciences at the University of Virginia (UVA) invites applications for a postdoctoral Research Associate position focused on modeling marine population dynamics and larval connectivity. The position is part of an NSF CAREER award project investigating oyster larval dispersal and metapopulation dynamics among restored and natural reefs in coastal Virginia. The postdoctoral research associate will work under the supervision of lead-PI Max Castorani (UVA) and in collaboration with co-investigators Will White (Oregon State University, OSU), Patricia Wiberg (UVA), and Rachel Smith (University of California, Santa Barbara).

With mentorship and training from this interdisciplinary team of researchers, the research associate will:

- Develop oceanographic simulations and data-model comparisons to estimate and validate demographic connectivity among oyster populations.

- Use mathematical models to assess the effects of connectivity on oyster population growth and stability.

- Predict the impact of reef restoration scenarios and climate change on oyster population dynamics.

- Prepare and submit manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.

- Present research findings at scientific conferences, workshops with restoration practitioners, and public outreach events.

- Assist in mentoring graduate students engaged in related research.

The postdoctoral research associate will join a collaborative team of PIs, postdocs, and students working at the NSF-funded Virginia Coast Reserve Long Term Ecological Research site (VCR LTER). The position will be based at UVA with Dr. Castorani (Charlottesville, Virginia), at OSU with Dr. White (Corvallis, OR), or in a remote location (with periodic travel to UVA). There is substantial technical support for data analysis and management.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: A Ph.D. in ecology, environmental sciences, fisheries biology, oceanography, applied mathematics/statistics, or a related field is required by the start date. The candidate must have demonstrated quantitative skills, especially in population or oceanographic modeling, and proficiency in scientific programming (e.g., R or Matlab). The candidate should be creative and highly motivated, with an ability to work both independently and in collaborative settings. Ideal candidates will have experience with larval transport models; age - , stage - , or size - structured population models; or integral projection models. Competitive candidates will also have an interest in interfacing with restoration practitioners and marine resource managers. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, and a proven ability to publish original research in peer-reviewed journals are required.

TO APPLY: Apply online at https://jobs.virginia.edu/us/en/job/R0068841 . Include (1) a cover letter describing your motivation, academic experience and qualifications, and interest in the advertised position; (2) curriculum vitae; and (3) contact information for three individuals who can provide professional reference letters upon request.

Please note that multiple documents can be uploaded in the box.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to apply by March 1, 2025. The start date is negotiable. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.

Initial appointment will be for one year, with anticipated funding for at least two years, conditional upon performance. UVA offers competitive salary and excellent benefits to its community of more than 300 postdoctoral researchers and scholars.

For further information about the position, please contact Dr. Max Castorani, Associate Professor, at castorani@virginia.edu .

For questions regarding the application process, contact Rich Haverstrom, Academic Recruiter, at rkh6j@virginia.edu .

For more information on the benefits available to postdoctoral associates at UVA, visit postdoc.virginia.edu and hr.virginia.edu/benefits .

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Click here to read more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.