Research Associate (Cumulative Effects Modelling For Recovery Of Endangered Fish)

Academic

Job Category

Faculty Non Bargaining

Job Title

Research Associate (Cumulative Effects Modelling for Recoveryof Endangered Fish)

Department

Research | Rosenfeld | Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries | Faculty of Science (Jordan Rosenfeld)

Posting End Date

March 22, 2024

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the Posting End Date above.

Job End Date

Mar 31, 2026

The expected pay for this position is $6,583.33/month.

This is a 2-year position in the Institute for Oceans and Fisheries at the University of British Columbia. The Research Associate will lead a project focused on Cumulative Effects science and modelling in support of recovery planning for Nooksack Dace and Salish Sucker, two federally Endangered Fish species in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia. The project represents a collaboration between the University of British Columbia, the Province of B.C., the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, and ESSA Technologies (please contact Principle Investigator Jordan Rosenfeld (j.rosenfeld@oceans.ubc.ca) for additional information). Specific responsibilities are:

i) Developing and calibrating stressor-response functions for primary threats (eutrophication, hypoxia, thermal stress, habitat loss, landuse, low flows);

ii) Obtaining stressor data throughout the species range;

iii) Developing and modelling alternate recovery scenarios using the Cumulative Effects Model for Prioritizing Recovery Action (R Shiny App; see https://essa.shinyapps.io/CEMPRAShiny/ );

iv) Holding model training workshops for empowering stakeholders; and

v) Data analysis, writing, and submission of primary publications.

Associated tasks include:

- Analysis of relationships between stressors and ecological responses;

- Complex data analyses and visualizations

- Collating information on the costs and effectiveness of different recovery/management interventions

- Consultative workshops to elicit expert opinion on stressor levels and stressor-response functions, as well as interactive teaching workshop to train stakeholders in model application

Minimum requirements:

- A PhD degree in aquatic ecology, fisheries science, Cumulative Effects Modelling in natural resource management, or a related field

- Research experience in freshwater ecology, stream habitats, or general ecology of habitat use

- Data management and modelling experience

- Experience in data analysis and visualization using R or other platforms

- Excellent written and spoken English, and good communication skills in interactive settings

- A proven record of collaborative research, and skills in qualitative and quantitative analysis

- A publication record in peer reviewed scientific journals.

Desirable skills and attributes:

- Understanding pathways of effect for habitat threats in stream ecosystems

- A solid understanding of freshwater habitat requirements of fishes

- Experience developing R Shiny Apps and programming in R

- Experience in landscape or scenario modelling

- Experience in analyzing environmental data

- Strong interest in conservation, applied management, as well as fundamental ecology

This is a full-time, two-year appointment based in Vancouver, with some scope for working remotely.