Linking Hydrology & Biogeochemistry in Wetland-Dominated Catchments
Hiring for these opportunities has concluded
Funded MSc, PhD, & Research Assistant positions at the University of Alabama, Virginia Tech, & University of Maryland
Position Summary: Drs. Nate Jones (UA), Daniel McLaughlin (VT), Margaret Palmer (UMD), Erin Hotchkiss (VT), and Durelle Scott (VT) seek five graduate students and one field technician to join a collaborative, multi-university project focused on understanding the relationship between wetlandscape hydrology and carbon biogeochemistry. While graduate students will have freedom to develop their own research questions, research could include: measuring or modeling dynamic patterns of water inundation, surface-subsurface exchange, and movement across headwater wetlands and catchments; using high-frequency data to measure and model sources and processes controlling wetland CO2, CH4, and O2 cycling and fate in wetland networks; using hydrologic and organic matter tracers to better understand the movement of water and carbon across catchments; or linking hydrologic measurements and modeling to inform variation in carbon biogeochemistry at wetland and catchment scales.
Project Summary: Worldwide, low-lying areas once rich in forested wetlands have been converted to agricultural production after draining and filling. Prior to their loss, the wetlands reduced flooding through water storage, provided downstream environments with an important energy source in the form of dissolved organic carbon, and played a critical role in regional carbon budgets. This research will test how spatiotemporal changes in surface and subsurface hydrology govern carbon dynamics in wetland-rich landscapes. Using coupled empirical and modeling components, we will quantify: (1) dynamics of surface water connections and surface-subsurface exchange at wetland and catchment scales; and (2) consequent hydrologic influences on wetland- and catchment-scale carbon dynamics. The study sites are on the Delmarva Peninsula of Maryland. Our research will integrate hydrologic sciences, ecosystem ecology, biogeochemistry, and restoration science; and ultimately, help inform wetland restoration and land management across the coastal plain region.
GRADUATE FELLOW APPLICANTS:
Please see below for more information about graduate positions with members of our team. We are looking for applicants to start in January or August 2020. Regardless of a student’s university affiliation, they will be working closely with the full team -- this is a highly interactive, dynamic group.
1. Hydrologic modeling of wetlandscapes and their impacts on downstream waters
MSc or PhD student with Dr. Nate Jones (Biological Sciences, University of Alabama), https://www.floodhydrology.com/
Required Qualifications:
A B.S. or M.S. in ecology, environmental science, engineering, or a closely related discipline. Some hydrologic field work experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
Previous research or course work that may help link hydrologic, biogeochemical, and ecological processes.
Relevant analytical skills: scripting languages (e.g., R, Python, and/or Matlab), geospatial analysis (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS, and/or Whitebox GAT), and hydrologic modeling (e.g., HydroGeoSphere, MIKE-SHE, and/or MODFLOW)
Interested individuals should send their C.V., transcript, and writing sample to cnjones7@ua.edu and put “graduate positions” in the subject title along with your last name.
2. Measuring sources and movement of water across wetlandscapes
PhD student with Dr. Daniel McLaughlin (Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation, Virginia Tech), https://frec.vt.edu/people/McLaughlin.html.html
Required Qualifications:
M.S. in environmental science, civil/environmental engineering, or a closely related discipline. Some hydrologic field work experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
Previous research experiences in conducting hydrologic measurements and analysis.
Relevant analytical skills: scripting languages (e.g., R, Python, and/or Matlab), geospatial analysis (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS, and/or Whitebox GAT), and hydrologic modeling (e.g., HydroGeoSphere, MIKE-SHE, and/or MODFLOW).
Interested individuals should send their C.V., transcript, and GRE scores to mclaugd@vt.edu and put “graduate positions” in the subject title along with your last name.
3. Linking wetland hydrology and carbon biogeochemistry
MSc or PhD student with Dr. Margaret Palmer (Environmental Sciences, University of Maryland), https://palmerlab.umd.edu/
Required Qualifications:
A B.S. or M.S. in environmental science, civil/environmental engineering, or a closely related discipline. Some biogeochemistry or hydrologic field work experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
Previous research or course work that may help link hydrologic, biogeochemical, and ecological processes.
Relevant analytical skills: scripting languages (e.g., R, Python, and/or Matlab), geospatial analysis (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS, and/or Whitebox GAT), and hydrologic modeling (e.g., HydroGeoSphere, MIKE-SHE, and/or MODFLOW)
Interested individuals should send their C.V., transcript, and GRE scores to mpalmer@umd.edu and put “graduate positions” in the subject title along with your last name.
4. Controls on CO2, CH4, and O2 dynamics in wetlands with varying hydrologic regimes
MSc or PhD student with Dr. Erin Hotchkiss (Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech), www.hotchkisslab.com
Please see www.hotchkisslab.com/opportunities for more information about applicant qualifications, benefits of joining the research group, and how to apply. Specify that you are interested in the "Delmarva wetland project" when you contact Dr. Hotchkiss.
5. Identifying role of hydrologic variability on carbon biogeochemistry through wetlandscapes
MSc or PhD student with Dr. Durelle Scott (Biological Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech), https://www.scottlab.bse.vt.edu/
Required Qualifications:
A B.S. or M.S. in biological systems engineering, civil/environmental engineering, environmental science, or a closely related discipline. Some field work experience preferred.
Preferred Qualifications:
Previous research or course work that may help link links hydrologic and biogeochemical processes.
Relevant analytical skills: scripting languages (e.g., R, Python, and/or Matlab) hydrologic modeling (e.g., HEC_RAS, MIKE-SHE, and/or MODFLOW)
Interested individuals should send their C.V., transcript, and GRE scores to dscott@vt.edu and put “graduate positions” in the subject title along with your last name.
RESEARCH ASSISTANT IN AQUATIC ECOLOGY:
Position: Full-time Research Assistant position available to help conduct ongoing research in wetlands and streams of the eastern shore, MD. The focus of the research program is to explore hydrological connectivity and carbon dynamics in seasonally inundated wetlands (Delmarva Bays). Successful applicant would be part of a dynamic team of researchers and students.
Duties: The researcher will conduct field work in wetlands and streams, and laboratory work at the University of Maryland (College Park). Specific duties include but are not limited to: water sample and data collection, stormflow sampling, maintenance and use of environmental sensors, and laboratory analysis of dissolved, particulate, and gas constituents.
Required Qualifications:
An MS degree in environmental science-related field or a BS plus at least one year of work experience in biogeochemistry or hydrology.
Previous experiences conducting field work and is willing to work in harsh weather conditions; must be able to perform physical demanding tasks such as carrying heavy field equipment.
Laboratory experience, particularly with sensitive analytical instruments.
Data management skills including familiarity with QA/QC, Microsoft Office products (i.e., Word, Excel, Access) and, ideally, R statistical software.
Excellent written, oral, and organizational skills.
Willing to occasionally work evenings, early mornings, and weekends; reliable automobile transportation and clean driving license is required.
Desired Qualifications:
Degree in field focused on aquatic ecosystems.
Previous experiences in measuring hydrological parameters, collection and analysis of water and gas chemistry samples, and installing, downloading and maintenance of in situ, environmental sensors.
Salary: The University of Maryland offers a competitive salary dependent upon qualifications. Duration of appointment is for at least one year with the possibility of two additional years contingent upon performance evaluation and continued project funding. A comprehensive fringe benefit package is also available.
To Apply: Send application to Dr. Michael Williams (miwillia@umd.edu). Application materials include: i) letter describing prior work experience as it pertains to above qualifications; ii) resume/CV; and contact information for two references.
The University of Maryland System is an ADA/AA/EOE employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.
