Post-doctoral Scientist in Aquatic Ecology The Ohio State University - Aquatic Ecology Laboratory (OSU-AEL) (Physical-biological modeling approach to understanding Lake Erie walleye recruitment mechanisms) Description: Dr. Stuart A. Ludsin (OSU-AEL) has two (2) years of support for a post-doctoral scientist to use a coupled physical-biological modeling approach to explore the role that physical processes (e.g., water circulation, weather, river discharge) play in driving recruitment variation of Lake Erie walleye, a top predator of great ecological and economic importance. The incumbent also would work closely with other OSU-AEL faculty, post-docs, and graduate students that are collaborating on this and other related projects, as well as researchers and biologists from Central Michigan University (Kevin Pangle), the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (Yingming Zhao), the Ohio Department of Natural Resources-Division of Wildlife (Jeffrey Tyson), and USGS Great Lakes Science Center (Edward Roseman). The successful candidate's primary responsibilities will be to: 1) calibrate and validate an extant 3-D Lake Erie hydrodynamics/lower food web model, using historical (1987-2012) physical, chemical, and biological data; 2) use model output to drive an extant individual-based larval walleye model that can explore questions regarding walleye recruitment, population connectivity, and contributions of discrete stocks to the fishery; and 3) write manuscripts and present papers that synthesize findings. Opportunities to help mentor students, participate in field and lab work, gain experience teaching, and develop research projects consistent with the incumbent's interests will exist (if interested). Location: The incumbent would join a dynamic, interactive group of graduate students, post-docs, visiting scholars, and faculty at The Ohio State University's Aquatic Ecology Laboratory (AEL; http://ael.osu.edu/), which is housed within the Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology (EEOB). At present, Dr. Ludsin is advising seven graduate students (6 PhD, 1 M.S.) and sponsoring 3 post-docs. Qualifications: A successful applicant will be creative, motivated, and capable of working well both independently and cooperatively. Minimum qualifications include a PhD in ecology, aquatic sciences, biology, or a related field. Strong quantitative and written skills are required. Experience developing and/or coding computer models is highly desired, as is an understanding of basic aquatic or fisheries ecology. How to apply: Please electronically submit a cover letter, CV, and names/contact information of three references to Stuart Ludsin at [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>. Application review will begin on June 11, 2012 and will continue until a suitable candidate is found. An ideal start date would be summer or early fall 2012. Feel free to direct questions to Stuart Ludsin at [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>. The Ohio State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, Vietnam-era veterans, disabled veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
