Post-Doc Research Associate

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities and is among is the top ten research universities in the nation for federal research expenditures as well as for federally funded social and behavioral sciences research and development.

Here at Carolina, our highly skilled postdocs play a vital role in our research enterprise and towards our overall commitment to research excellence. Across many disciplines, postdocs contribute to the intellectual vitality of the University. They provide innovative ideas and perspectives, foster a stimulating research environment and advance knowledge within their fields. Postdocs are crucial members of our scientific research workforce, contributors to our research outputs and an important reason why Carolina is one of the leading public research institutions in the country.

UNC-Chapel Hill offers postdocs comprehensive medical and vision coverage, paid leave, and benefits and services that support professional development and a healthy work/life balance. Chapel Hill regularly ranks as one of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, a reputation guided by the diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

The Department of Earth, Marine and Environmental Sciences ( EMES) and the Institute of Marine Sciences at UNC-CH advances understanding of the earth and ocean processes that govern our planet, shape diverse ecosystems, sustain life, and drive environmental change. We promote exploration and discovery of the natural world by engaging students in research-based learning at all levels. Our graduates are equipped with the strong science foundation, critical thinking skills, and interdisciplinary perspectives required to tackle current and future environmental and resource challenges. We encourage engaged service that translates knowledge for the public good. We support a welcoming and inclusive environment, foster diverse identities and perspectives, and encourage collaboration with all segments of society.

The Nye lab is looking for a postdoctoral associate to conduct forecasts of river herring bycatch in the midwater trawl fishery of the Northeast US. The postdoc will refine existing models to operationalize bycatch forecasts for the Mid-Atlantic midwater trawl fisheries. In Year 1, the postdoc will 1) conduct interviews and hold workshops with fishermen to determine what forecasts would be the most useful in their decision making, 2) examine patterns of bycatch in fisheries observer data, and 3) explore the use of joint species spatial distribution models to predict the areas where river herring are more likely to be caught with mackerel and herring. In Year 2, efforts will be focused on producing maps of areas of high bycatch risk when the midwater trawl fishery is operating, determine if the maps change fishing behavior and reduce bycatch of river herring in the midwater trawl fishery, and publish results.

PhD degree in related field, advanced statistical analysis in R statistical software, and advanced communication skills as evidenced by publications in scientific journals.

Must have valid driver's license.

Experience with species distribution models, spatio-temporal models and/or joint species distribution model, and experience with gridded data sets

For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services click here

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the University's Office of Postdoctoral Affairs at (919) 962-9982 or send an email to opahr@unc.edu.

Please note: The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, race, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.