Virginia Sea Grant – NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office Postgraduate Fellowship:

Ecosystem-Based Fisheries Management & Implementation

Deadline: July 19, 2014.

Overview

In partnership with the NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office, Virginia Sea Grant announces the availability of a two-year, postgraduate fellowship in ecosystem-based fisheries management (EBFM). This fellowship seeks to advance EBFM in the Chesapeake Bay by improving the understanding of linkages between fisheries, land-use changes, habitats, and the ecosystem services they provide. The fellow will leverage past EBFM work in the region, conduct literature review and extensive expert consultation, synthesize and integrate available scientific information, and develop decision support materials and conduct outreach to Chesapeake Bay coastal resource managers. While the specific EBFM project to be conducted will be determined in part by the expertise of the selected fellow, we envision a fellow working on a narrowly defined, concise project within one or more of the following thematic areas: climate change impacts on fisheries resources; ecosystem indicators for fishery management; habitat and fisheries linkages; or valuation.

Eligibility and Qualifications

Applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or hold an appropriate visa to work within the U.S. Minimum skills and qualifications include: (1) Recent Ph.D. (within last five years) from a relevant social, natural, or interdisciplinary science program with emphasis in areas such as marine policy, natural resource management, ecosystem service valuation, or socio-environmental systems research; (2) Interdisciplinary background that includes some combination of environmental and natural resource policy, ecology, and fisheries expertise, with experience in coupled human-natural systems; (3) Strong research and analytical skills; (4) Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, including excellent command of English; and (5) Creative, motivated, and capable of working well both independently and cooperatively within an interdisciplinary group.  Preferred skills and qualifications include: (1) Demonstrated interest and experience working at the interface of science and resource management; (2) Demonstrated ability to translate scientific and technical concepts across disciplines and audiences; (3) Familiarity with large ecosystem protection and restoration programs; and (4) Strong quantitative skills for human-natural systems data meta-analysis, synthesis research, or policy studies.

Location, Salary, and Benefits

The fellow will be based at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) and will be paid $42,000/year for two years, with full employee benefits through VIMS and the College of William & Mary. In addition, there are funds available for travel and supplies.

To Apply

Qualified applicants may apply via the College of William & Mary jobs website: http://jobs.wm.edu/postings/17883. Applicants will be asked to submit (via the website): (1) a cover letter, including a statement reflecting their interests and expertise in EBFM and its implementation; (2) a CV that lists all GPAs and relevant graduate coursework; (3) a short writing sample (preferably less than 5-pg) targeting an end-user audience (e.g., manager, policy maker, citizen, stakeholder) and (4) three letters of recommendation submitted by referees. Review of applications will begin July 19, 2014.

Additional Information

Please see attached job announcement for additional information.  Candidates may contact Susan Park (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 804-684-7436) with any questions.