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Now hiring! - Research Associate Position in Fisheries Ecology

May 27, 2014

Now hiring! - Research Associate Position in Fisheries Ecology

 
Ohio Department of Natural Resources—Division of Wildlife
The Ohio State University—Aquatic Ecology Laboratory
 
Description: Drs. Joseph D. Conroy (Ohio DNR-Division of Wildlife, ODNR-DOW), Richard D. Zweifel (ODNR-DOW), and Stuart A. Ludsin  (Ohio State University-Aquatic Ecology Laboratory, OSU-AEL) seek to hire a Research Associate to manage and coordinate a research project. The incumbent would use a spatially-explicit, bioenergetics-based modeling approach to characterize habitat quality for several popular sportfishes (including, but not limited to, largemouth bass, walleye, saugeye, hybrid striped bass) in Ohio reservoirs that vary in terms of temperature, dissolved oxygen availability, prey availability, and ecosystem productivity. Model output will be used to assess the capacity of Ohio reservoirs to support multiple predators, which in turn can guide stocking and harvest.
The Research Associate’s primary responsibilities will include: 1) developing spatially explicit models of reservoir habitat quality for sportfishes, using existing data collected by the ODNR-DOW during the past decade; 2) coordinating day-to-day project activities and meetings; and 3) helping generate peer-reviewed scientific articles, professional society presentations, and internal reports. While this project is primarily a computer modeling effort, opportunities to collect data in the field to calibrate and test model predictions are expected to emerge. Opportunities to help in the field on other projects also will exist.
 
Location: The incumbent would join an experienced fisheries research group at the ODNR-DOW’s Inland Fisheries Research Unit (located in Hebron, OH), but also have ample opportunity to interact with faculty, post-docs, and students at the OSU-AEL (www.ael.osu.edu/; located in Columbus).
 
Qualifications: The successful applicant must be creative, motivated, and capable of working well both independently and cooperatively with ODNR-DOW and OSU-AEL staff/personnel. Minimum qualifications include a M.S. degree in the fisheries, aquatic sciences, biological sciences, or a related field. Strong quantitative and communication skills are required. While not required, ideal candidates will have ecological modeling experience and some knowledge of fisheries acoustics, Geographic Information Systems, and statistical analysis. 
Compensation: $29,536 - $34,590, depending on experience, and a very strong benefits package through OSU 
How to apply: Electronically submit a cover letter, CV, and names/contact information of three (3) references to Joe Conroy at JOSEPH.CONROY@DNR.STATE.OH.US (please put “Research Associate” somewhere in the subject line). Application review will begin on June 1 and will continue until a suitable candidate is found. An ideal start date would be summer 2014, with funding available to begin on July 1 2014. Feel free to direct questions to Dr. Conroy.