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<br>
The prestigious United States Geological Survey Mendenhall program is<br>
recruiting a post-doctoral scientist in Ecological Flow research area.=20=<br>
<br>
Research under this Opportunity is expected to address the question of ho=<br>
w<br>
to quantify the ecologically relevant spatial and geomorphic features of =<br>
the<br>
coupled natural and human river systems.=20=20<br>
<br>
More description about the opportunity is listed below and can be found a=<br>
t:<br>
<a href="http://geology.usgs.gov/postdoc/opps/2016/S21%20Quan%20Dong.htm" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://geology.usgs.gov/<wbr>postdoc/opps/2016/S21%20Quan%<wbr>20Dong.htm</a><br>
Applicants should contact research advisers to develop a research proposa=<br>
l.=20<br>
<br>
Research Advisors: Quan Dong, <a href="tel:%28970%29%20226-9175" value="+19702269175">(970) 226-9175</a>, <a href="mailto:qdong@usgs.gov">qdong@usgs.gov</a>; Jonathan<br>
Friedman, <a href="tel:%28303%29%20541-3017" value="+13035413017">(303) 541-3017</a>,<a href="mailto:friedmanj@usgs.gov">friedmanj@usgs.gov</a>; Greg Auble, <a href="tel:%28970%29%20226-9448" value="+19702269448">(970) 226-9448</a>,<br>
<a href="mailto:aubleg@usgs.gov">aubleg@usgs.gov</a>; Ellen Wohl (Colorado State U), <a href="tel:%28970%29%20491-5298" value="+19704915298">(970) 491-5298</a>,<br>
<a href="mailto:ellen.wohl@colostate.edu">ellen.wohl@colostate.edu</a>.<br>
To apply, please go to: <a href="https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/445865=" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.usajobs.gov/<wbr>GetJob/ViewDetails/445865=</a><br>
700<br>
Proposed Duty Station: Fort Collins, CO<br>
Application deadline: <span tabindex="0" class=""><span class="">Wednesday 9/7/2016</span></span><br>
quan=20<br>
<br>
QUAN DONG PhD<br>
Chief and Supervisory Ecologist<br>
Aquatic Systems Branch<br>
Fort Collins Science Center<br>
2150 Centre Avenue, Bldg C<br>
Fort Collins, CO 80526-8118<br>
Voice: <a href="tel:970-226-9175" value="+19702269175">970-226-9175</a><br>
<a href="mailto:qdong@usgs.gov">qdong@usgs.gov</a><br>
<a href="http://www.fort.usgs.gov/ASB/" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.fort.usgs.gov/ASB/</a><br>
<br>
<br>
S21. Ecological flows: Assessment of river hydrogeomorphic alteration and=<br>
<br>
ecological impacts<br>
Rivers are inherently dynamic. They vary spatially and temporally in wate=<br>
r<br>
quantity and quality, physical form and composition. Temporally varying<br>
flows interact with the river channel and floodplain to create spatially<br>
heterogeneous habitats that sustain river biota. Such variation in river<br>
flow and form is fundamentally important to ecosystem structure and<br>
function. However, built structures, land cover conversion, and other hum=<br>
an<br>
activities collectively dampen natural hydrogeomorphic variation, in the =<br>
US<br>
and worldwide. The compositions, spatial patterns, and dynamics of riveri=<br>
ne<br>
hydroscapes have been re-configured by these domesticating processes with=<br>
<br>
unintended consequences for aquatic populations, communities, and<br>
ecosystems. River managers have begun to recognize the importance of natu=<br>
ral<br>
flow variability for sustaining riverscapes. Yet, the equally important<br>
roles of river morphology and geomorphic dynamics have been largely<br>
overlooked in management and restoration. Inadequate consideration of<br>
geomorphic dynamics, such as river channel evolution and sediment transpo=<br>
rt,<br>
has frequently limited the success of river restoration.<br>
A vast knowledge gap exists in the quantitative understanding of how rive=<br>
r<br>
flows interact with river geomorphology to sustain ecological integrity, =<br>
as<br>
well as in the nature, spatial distribution, and degree of hydrogeomorphi=<br>
c<br>
alteration in our Nation's rivers. Most ecological studies have focused o=<br>
n<br>
streamflow and a few components of aquatic ecosystems. Few studies have<br>
examined general patterns in the spatial configuration of hydroscapes at<br>
national and regional scales. Better quantitative syntheses and predictiv=<br>
e<br>
models are needed to provide guidance for water management and aquatic<br>
restoration.<br>
We seek a postdoctoral scientist to investigate impacts of water manageme=<br>
nt,<br>
built structures and social-economic activities on water flows, hydroscap=<br>
e<br>
structures, and aquatic ecosystems. Through the analysis and synthesis of=<br>
a<br>
variety of existing datasets, this study will develop data-driven concept=<br>
ual<br>
models and advance scientific understanding of how hydrologic dynamics an=<br>
d<br>
geomorphic form interact to influence the ecological integrity of rivers.=<br>
<br>
Key knowledge gaps that may be explored through research under this<br>
Opportunity include spatial influences of novel, anthropogenic environmen=<br>
ts<br>
on water flows and hydroscape dynamics and how critical parameters of<br>
man-built structures and human activities (i.e., flow alteration) interac=<br>
t<br>
with other physical and biogeochemical processes to impact ecosystem<br>
processes and hydroscape patterns at local, regional and national scales.=<br>
<br>
Questions to be addressed may include:<br>
1.=09What spatial hydroscape metrics are most sensitive to flow alteratio=<br>
n,<br>
geomorphic alteration, and man-built structures?<br>
2.=09How do flow alteration, geomorphic alteration, and built environment=<br>
s<br>
influence spatial heterogeneity and ecological connectivity, other<br>
hydrologic and hydroscape parameters, their interactions, and the consequ=<br>
ent<br>
ecosystem processes and patterns.<br>
3.=09How do parameters of spatial heterogeneity, configuration of hydrosc=<br>
apes<br>
and ecological connectivity influence riverine populations, communities, =<br>
and<br>
ecosystems?<br>
Candidates should have expertise in hydrogeomorphology, landscape ecology=<br>
,<br>
hydrology, ecology, or geography. Strong skills in spatial analysis would=<br>
be<br>
preferred although not required. Top candidates will have demonstrated<br>
success working in interdisciplinary teams of researchers to synthesize<br>
science from different fields. Projects incorporating interdisciplinary<br>
collaboration are encouraged.<br>
Applicants are encouraged to contact the Research Advisors as early as<br>
possible in the process to discuss project ideas.<br>
Proposed Duty Station: Fort Collins, CO.<br>
Areas of Ph.D.: Aquatic ecology, landscape ecology, hydrology,<br>
geomorphology, geography, or related disciplines (candidates holding a Ph=<br>
.D.<br>
in other disciplines but with knowledge and skills relevant to the Resear=<br>
ch<br>
Opportunity will be considered).<br>
Qualifications: Applicants must meet one of the following qualifications:=<br>
<br>
Research Ecologist, Research Hydrologist, Research Biologist, Research<br>
Geologist, Research Geographer.=20<br>
(This type of research is performed by those who have backgrounds for the=<br>
<br>
occupations stated above. However, other titles may be applicable dependi=<br>
ng<br>
on the applicant's background, education, and research proposal. The fina=<br>
l<br>
classification of the position will be made by the Human Resources specia=<br>
list.)<br>
Research Advisors: Quan Dong, <a href="tel:%28970%29%20226-9175" value="+19702269175">(970) 226-9175</a>, <a href="mailto:qdong@usgs.gov">qdong@usgs.gov</a>; Jonathan<br>
Friedman, <a href="tel:%28303%29%20541-3017" value="+13035413017">(303) 541-3017</a>,<a href="mailto:friedmanj@usgs.gov">friedmanj@usgs.gov</a>; Greg Auble, <a href="tel:%28970%29%20226-9448" value="+19702269448">(970) 226-9448</a>,<br>
<a href="mailto:aubleg@usgs.gov">aubleg@usgs.gov</a>; Ellen Wohl (Colorado State U), <a href="tel:%28970%29%20491-5298" value="+19704915298">(970) 491-5298</a>,<br>
<a href="mailto:ellen.wohl@colostate.edu">ellen.wohl@colostate.edu</a>.<br>
Human Resources Office Contact: James Easley, <a href="tel:%28303%29%20236-9557" value="+13032369557">(303) 236-9557</a>, jeasley@usg=<br>
<a href="http://s.gov" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank">s.gov</a>.<br>
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