The Center for Watershed Sciences (CWS) at University of California Davis seeks a postdoctoral researcher in applied quantitative aquatic ecology. The postdoc will collaborate with CWS researchers, and with scientists and water managers at the US Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation), to design and conduct a research project that addresses high-priority knowledge gaps pertinent to water operations, aquatic ecosystem management, and/or fish conservation in Central California. Candidate topics include: 

1. Routing of Chinook salmon through the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and impacts of fish salvage operations on population dynamics.
2. Zooplankton spatiotemporal dynamics in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and implications for delta smelt prey availability.
3. Developing/improving aquatic food web simulation models to inform water operations. 

The selected topic and research approach will be informed by the expertise and interests of the successful candidate. The research may involve a combination of statistical and mathematical (e.g., simulation) modeling based on existing datasets; new field or lab data collection is not expected of this role. This unique position is part of a multi-year program supported by Reclamation to develop strong candidates for positions in natural resource management agencies and is ideal preparation for someone considering such a career. This role offers extensive opportunities to network with personnel from natural resource management agencies operating in California and to gain experience with the priorities and work culture of such organizations.

The postdoc will be primarily supervised by Dr. Jonathan (Jon) Walter (https://watershed.ucdavis.edu/people/jonathan-walter) and may collaborate substantively with other CWS scientists and Reclamation’s Science Division biologists. The position will be primarily based at the Center for Watershed Sciences at UC Davis and will participate in a quarter-long internship at the Reclamation office in Sacramento, CA as part of this role. Temporary or partial remote work arrangements may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

This is a 2-year position, with a preferred start date in March 2025; support includes salary, benefits and conference travel. Salary is commensurate with experience: minimum salaries for postdocs in the UC system follow the scales published here: https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/2024-25/oct-2024-scales/t23.pdf. Information on benefits for postdocs at UC Davis is available here: https://grad.ucdavis.edu/postdoctoral-scholar-benefits.

To apply, please submit a cover letter (max. 2 pages), CV, and contact information for 3 professional references to Jon Walter via email at jawalter@ucdavis.edu. The position is open until filled; for priority consideration, apply by 10 January 2025. The cover letter should address 

1. Your research background and accomplishments
2. Subject matter expertise relevant to the research topics identified above
3. Expertise with quantitative (e.g., statistical or mathematical modeling) research techniques
4. Your experience contributing to and managing collaborative research projects
5. How this position aligns with your career goals

Highly desired candidates may not have substantial expertise with all of 2-4 but should demonstrate interest in areas in which they have less prior experience.