Deadline: Sun, 10/29/2023 - 12:00pm Employer: Massachusetts Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit (MA Coop Unit) Department of Environmental Conservation, University of Job Field: Fisheries Job Type: Assistantship Location: Massachusetts Location Detail: Amherst, Massachusetts Job Description: Rivers and streams provide both habitat and migration corridors to a myriad of species, including plants, fishes, amphibians, birds, mammals, and insects. Beginning in 2003, states in the Northeast started integrating ecological principles in management plans to protect imperiled species and aquatic biodiversity. More recently, states have started considering the impacts of climate change and the role of habitat heterogeneity in an effort to promote biodiversity in the face of a changing climate. However, none of these frameworks define biodiversity metrics, incorporate climate change specifically, nor evaluate alternate management scenarios. Therefore, the DOI Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center (CASC) has funded a project that will incorporate CASC products on climate change and ecosystem responses, along with state data on aquatic biota (e.g., fishes, freshwater mussels, macroinvertebrates), to evaluate protection and restoration options in an effort to protect aquatic biota under future climate scenarios (project page here [https://tinyurl.com/Aquatic-Bio-Project]). We recently received additional funding to expand the CASC project with a focus on identifying environmental drivers and projected impacts of climate change on freshwater mussels. This work is a collaboration among the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Massachusetts Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit (MA Coop Unit), DOI Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center, Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, New Hampshire Dept. of Environmental Services, New Hampshire Department of Fish and Wildlife, Connecticut Dept. of Energy and Environmental Protection, Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife, and Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. Qualifications: We are recruiting a postdoctoral or postmasters researcher who will synthesize results and lead the writing of two papers related to evaluating aquatic biodiversity protection scenarios across four northeastern states. The successful candidate will work closely at the beginning of their appointment (1–2 months) with the current postdoctoral researcher that used multiple biodiversity metrics to identify areas with high biodiversity in order to capture its multidimensionality AND used statistical model to identify abiotic variables that influence aquatic biodiversity (e.g., streamflow, surficial geology, temperature, and land cover). The current postdoctoral research is also working on projecting future aquatic biodiversity based on climate change projections and proposed management scenarios. Salary: The researcher will be provided: • A monthly salary of $4,000–$5,000 per month (depending on experience/level) for 6–8 months, plus benefits • A supportive network of professionals who encourage work-life holism, promote mental health well-being, and foster development towards career goals • Professional development experiences relevant to a career with federal and state agencies • Mentoring, encouragement, and autonomy that promotes an understanding of how diverse perspectives are vital to achieving project goals How to Apply: To apply, please send the following materials in a single PDF with the following document name “YOUR LAST NAME-Aquatic Bio app- 2023.pdf” in an email with the subject “Aquatic Biodiversity application” to Dr. Graziella DiRenzo at gdirenzo@umass.edu : a. A cover letter (see instructions below) b. A curriculum vitae or resume; c. The contact information (name, position, relationship to applicant, email, and phone number) for three references;
