Research Associate: Ecosystem Modeling and Data Analysis

The National Science Foundation Science and Technology Center for Coastal Margin Observation and Prediction (CMOP) seeks candidates for Research Associate to do ecosystem modeling and data analysis. The mission of CMOP is to achieve a better understanding of physical, chemical, and biological processes regulating river-to-ocean ecosystems.

Description

The Center for Coastal Margin Observation & Prediction seeks a full time Research Associate to join the modeling team. The primary duties of this position will be to conduct integrative numerical modeling and data analysis in support of CMOP cross-disciplinary research and CMOP outreach. Modeling scope extends to circulation and ecological simulations, most typically using unstructured grid codes and associated pre- and post-processing tools. Research will be conducted in a cross-disciplinary team environment.

Examples of duties include, but are not limited to:

• Maintain, extend and improve forecasts and multi-year simulation databases of circulation for estuaries and plumes in the Pacific Northwest, with emphasis on the river-to-ocean Columbia River system.
• Conduct ecological and bio-geochemical simulations for the estuaries and plumes in the Pacific Northwest, with emphasis on the river-to-ocean Columbia River system.
• Process and analyze field observations and model outputs from CMOP’s SATURN observation and prediction system.
• Customize existing software and numerical models, as appropriate.
• Support CMOP research teams and committees, CMOP educators and/or CMOP stakeholders in the generation and/or analysis of scientific information.

This position is a collaborative member of the modeling team and will report primarily to the Center Director and secondarily to the Modeling Program Coordinator.

Qualifications:

• Masters degree in a relevant field, Ph.D. degree preferred
• Minimum 4 years of related experience
• Background in biogeochemistry, environmental microbiology or related area highly preferred
• Advanced computer skills in modeling, preferably in ecosystem modeling
• Demonstrated success in prioritizing, organizing and handling multiple tasks and deadlines
• Demonstrated success working independently and as a member of a collaborative team

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Led by Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), CMOP is one of only 17 National Science Foundation Science and Technology Centers. CMOP conducts interdisciplinary research, technology development, education, and knowledge transfer in order to achieve a better understanding of physical, chemical, and biological processes regulating river-to-ocean ecosystems.

Coastal margins – which are among the most densely populated, productive, and economically developed regions in the United States – are subject to complex and intense stresses from natural events and human activities.

Our vision is to enable a nearly ubiquitous, river-to-ocean observation of physical and ecological processes and to further our understanding of these processes in order to manage, operate, and sustain coastal resources and ecosystems effectively – while fostering technological innovation, and training a diverse, scientifically literate and technologically savvy workforce.

The Columbia River and the adjacent Pacific Northwest (PNW) estuaries and coasts, serve as testbed to develop understanding, approaches and tools applicable across the country and worldwide.

Apply for position number IRC26102 online at www.ohsu.edu/hr/irc/.  Direct questions to Amy Johnson, Managing Director, at johnsamy@ohsu.edu.