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CWS - Tidal Hydrodynamics Specialist

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Position description

The position of Specialist has a narrow focus in a specialized area and provides technical or specialized expertise (e.g., with instrumentation and research equipment or with social science research methods) in the planning and execution of a research project. The Specialist stays apprised of emerging issues and problems and maintains technical competence in the designated area(s) of specialization. Within this
defined area and when appropriate, the Specialist is expected to provide leadership, facilitate teamwork,and develop collaborative relationships with colleagues and to participate in the planning of research and educational programs. Normally, Specialists do not have Principal Investigator (PI) status but may obtain permission by exception or collaborate with a PI in preparing research proposals for extramural funding. The Specialist is evaluated for merit and promotion on the basis of three basic criteria outlined below.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE
I. Research in specialized areas (85% effort)
The research objective of this position is to improve understanding of hydrodynamics as they relate to ecosystem function in natural, restored and managed tidal systems in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. Specialized field and data analysis techniques will be utilized to ensure that data are properly collected and analyzed. The specialist will be expected to work independently with limited supervision and to make substantial contributions toward publishable research.

Provide specialized technical expertise at the Center for Watershed Sciences in hydrodynamics,bathymetric modeling, and GIS techniques to understand tidal hydrodynamics.
This position will contribute specialized field expertise in sampling design and execution of bathymetric surveys and other hydrodynamic surveys to support tidal hydrodynamic modeling. Plan and execute bathymetric surveys to support hydrodynamic modeling: design field sampling plan; coordinate logistics and act as field lead for survey; collect data using GPS, Real Time Kinematic (RTK) satellite navigation and similar equipment with adherence to standard QA/QC for collected data types; recommend and arrange for purchase/rental of required survey equipment. Conduct analyses as basis for recommendation of field deployment location of Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCPs) and other in situ field equipment to maximize hydrodynamic data quality.
Contribute specialized field data analysis and ancillary modeling to provide inputs to hydrodynamic models. Incumbent will use Python scripts to manipulate field data time series and to produce boundary condition fields for hydrodynamic modeling; use ArcGIS to develop post-processing workflows and will develop automation scripts to produce Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) and other project products; and calibrate ancillary bathymetric models, perform error checking and uncertainty analysis. In addition to Python and ArcGIS, bathymetric grid generation software such as Janet and Delft DFlowFM will be used to generate hydrodynamic model inputs. Serve as a research coordinator for tidal hydrodynamic projects conducted by PIs in the Center for Watershed Sciences. By using specialized expertise on tidal hydrodynamics, responsible for ensuring uninterrupted communication between laboratory, data management and modeling. Project functions and project output functions including preparation of reports, posters, and participation in manuscript writing. Creative activities include assisting in project design, grant writing, proposal review and data analysis by providing to these endeavors the specialized expertise in tidal hydrodynamics for the PIs in the Center for Watershed Sciences. Responsible for writing grant reports for agencies on projects within the area of expertise as requested by PIs and for writing research methods sections of papers in areas of expertise and reviews/comments on manuscripts.

II. Professional competence and activity (10% effort)
The researcher will present at and contribute to presentations of others for at least one professional meeting or workshop per year. Expected events for participation include at the biennial Bay-Delta Science Conference in Sacramento, biennial State of the Estuary Conference and the Interagency Ecology Program Annual Workshop. Where opportunities allow, the researcher will review proposals or publications related to their areas of scientific expertise and practical experience.

III. University and public service (5% effort)
Act as a technical liaison on issues of tidal hydrodynamics and respond to the needs of federal agencies (e.g., NOAA, USGS), state agencies (e.g., DWR, SWRCB, CVFED), local agencies (e.g.,SCWA), and other external groups. Serve on committees of department, college, campus and other University entities, as appropriate.

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UC Davis is an affirmative action/equal employment opportunity employer and is dedicated to recruiting a diverse faculty community. We welcome all qualified applicants to apply, including women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

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UC Davis recognizes the necessity of supporting faculty with efforts to integrate work, family and other work-life considerations.
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UC Davis is a smoke- and tobacco-free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any property owned or leased by UC Davis-- indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  • Cover Letter

  • Statement of Research - Describe techniques used to improve the understanding of hydrodynamics as they relate to ecosystem function in natural, restored, and managed tidal systems?

  • Statement of Teaching (Optional)

  • Statement of Contributions to Diversity - Diversity contributions documented in the application file will be used to evaluate applicants. Visit http://academicaffairs.ucdavis.edu/diversity/equity_inclusion/index.html for guidelines about writing a diversity statement and why one is requested.

Reference requirements
  • 3 required (contact information only)
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Job location

Davis, CA