RESEARCH SPECIALIST LEAD

School of Natural Resources

We seek an individual to be part of an interdisciplinary team that will use an integrated approach to understand how landscape-scale processes and land management activities are affecting instream habitat and associated aquatic communities. The successful candidate will lead the development of a modeling framework that links the effects of land management activities (e.g., Best Management Practices) on river ecohydrology (river discharge and timing) to anticipate responses of associated aquatic biota. This research is focused on the watersheds of Fort Leonard Wood (FLW), with a goal of providing stakeholders with an understanding of the co-benefits of implementing different conservation practices that are primarily designed to reduce sediment loads into streams and rivers.

This position will conduct applied research while working with the Whittier Lab at the University of Missouri (MU) and Dr. Natalja Cerkasova of Texas A&M, as well as collaborating with staff from US Army Corp of Engineers and Fort Leonard Wood. There will be opportunities to develop peer-reviewed manuscripts, attend professional society conferences, and to collaborate with other researchers in the MU School of Natural Resources.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate closely with US Army Corps of Engineers - Engineer Research and Development Center, and Fort Leonard Wood personnel.
• Develop watershed models using SWAT+ to estimate discharge and sediment input for two watersheds that transect a military base.
• Project how implementation of additional or reconstructed management actions would alter water quantity and quality.
• Summarize spatial datasets representing species distributions, natural habitat components, and study area boundaries.
• Present findings at professional society meetings.
• Regularly develop written reports summarizing findings and provide to FLW.
• Draft manuscripts for submission to professional journals.

Monday - Friday

8am - 5pm

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience and at least 1 year of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

PhD in a natural resources or related field; potentially a highly skilled Masters in natural resources or related field

• Ability to work independently with multiple agency and academic team members
• Experienced with developing and using SWAT, SWAT +, and R, Python, or other scripting languages
• Experienced in data analysis methods and techniques, geospatial and ecohydrological computational methods and statistical analysis
• Proficiency in using MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Demonstrated effective verbal and written communication skills
• High level of organization and self-motivation
• Ability to prepare concise written reports

Hiring Range: $51,875 - $73,008.
Salary is determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to, the individual's particular combination of education, skills, and experience, as well as organizational requirements.
Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Missouri provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Grade: GGS -010
University Title: Research Specialist Lead
To review the University of Missouri's Staff Compensation Structure you can view the Job Code detail page. Internal applicants can determine their university title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

MU application

cover letter

a curriculum vitae

unofficial transcripts

resume

contact information including telephone number and email address for 3 professional references including 1 manager/supervisor

Contact: Dr. Jodi Whittier whittierj@missouri.edu, if you have any questions.

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours' drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County's largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen cultural festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Values Commitment

We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person's success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement. This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate.

In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research, and engagement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy applies to all employment decisions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, pay practices, benefits, disciplinary actions and terminations. For more information, visit https://www.umsystem.edu/ums/hr/eeo or call the Director of Employee and Labor Relations at 573-882-2146.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.