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Postdoctoral Research Associate – Process Coastal Geology

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William and Mary

Job Description


Position Information
Position Information


Present Position Number F0139V
Role Title Postdoctoral Research Associate
Position Title Postdoctoral Research Associate – Process Coastal Geology
Unit Mission Statement
The mission of VIMS is to seek and broadly communicate knowledge in marine and coastal science to the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation, and the world through research, education, and advisory service.

VIMS’ strategic sections are committed to the development of resilient systems through a focus on three grand challenges, ensuring science for stewardship of:
  • Ecosystem Health: connecting physical, chemical, biological, and socioeconomic systems to address environmental and community vulnerabilities
  • Natural Resources: providing translational science for sustainable management of coastal socio-ecological systems, especially fisheries and aquaculture
  • Coastal and Ocean Processes: connecting global trends and local drivers to understand and address environmental change
    		•
    Position Summary
    The Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences (VIMS) at William & Mary is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work with Dr. Christopher Hein and the Coastal Geology Lab as part of a multi-institutional study of coastal change and management along Wallops Island (home to the NASA Wallops Flight Facility) and nearby barrier islands of the Virginia Eastern Shore.
    The chosen candidate will work as part of a team of scientists at VIMS, state and federal agencies, and several academic institutions. This project has goals focused on both management and fundamental coastal science. A primary outcome is to provide beach and nearshore mapping and monitoring information to assist NASA with future stabilization efforts and help predict associated physical habitat impacts. This work scope focuses on collecting shoreline-change, sediment-volume, and habitat-area-change data at high temporal and spatial resolution along Wallops Island and nearby barriers. It uses publicly available historical maps (1850s – modern), satellite imagery (since ca. 1984), and new topographic, shallow bathymetric, and sedimentologic mapping data collected at regular intervals to establish pre-construction baselines and calculate change rates before and during future nourishment activities.
    The project will also allow the Postdoctoral Research Associate to explore basic scientific questions about barrier-island behavior and sensitivities to sea-level rise, changing longshore sediment fluxes, and management activities. Exact topics and questions to be addressed can be developed collaboratively between Hein and the Postdoctoral Research Associate; possible topics include using satellite data to quantify the role of shoreline hardening and inlet dynamics in downdrift barrier growth and/or erosion, exploring how available ‘geomorphic capital’ influences island response to storm events and long-term sediment flux asymmetries, and sedimentation couplings between barrier islands and backbarrier marshes.
    The Postdoctoral Research Associate position is designed for a two-year period. The selected candidate will conduct collection, processing, and analysis of field and remote-sensing mapping data to address fundamental scientific questions and directly inform management. Specific responsibilities include (but are not limited to):
    • Help lead and conduct all regular (seasonal to monthly) mapping, sand sample, and data collection and processing along and near Wallops Island, including from land and the nearshore.
    • This will require regular travel (typically 2–4 days per trip) to Wallops Island (~3 hours from Gloucester Point), with stays at the VIMS Eastern Shore Lab.
    • VIMS will provide the vessel and operator, so while comfort around small vessels is required, a boating license or ability to operate such vessels is not needed.
    • Conduct staff and graduate student training in data collection tools and techniques (AUV surveys, single-beam sonar, etc.)
    • Participate in principal investigator and stakeholder meetings (virtual and at NASA Wallops Flight Facility and elsewhere)
    • Data collection, analysis, and publication(s) of results in peer-reviewed journal(s)
    • Provide mentorship of graduate and undergraduate students


    The ideal candidate will have working knowledge of field data collection and processing techniques, including single-beam and multibeam bathymetry, RTK-GPS, and lidar data. Experience as a drone pilot, or willingness to learn, is strongly preferred. Start date is negotiable, but ideally, the chosen candidate will begin between October 2023 and January 2024.
    Required Qualifications
    EDUCATION:
    • A Ph.D. in geological sciences, coastal physical oceanography, marine science, environmental science, or related discipline at the time of appointment.


    COMPETENCIES/EXPERIENCE:
    • Experience in field data collection in beach and/or nearshore environments.
    • Proven research background with strong writing ability.
    • Strong organizational skills with demonstrated ability to work independently while managing multiple and competing priorities.
    • Effective interpersonal communication skills (written and oral)
    • Ability to obtain a US commercial drone pilot’s license (FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification)
    • Hold a valid US driver’s license
    Preferred Qualifications
    COMPETENCIES/EXPERIENCE:
    • Strong publication record that is commensurate with experience
    • Research experience and interests that align with past, current, or future projects, publications, and/or grants of the VIMS Coastal Geology Lab
    • Strong quantitative skills, including numerical modeling, statistics, and/or GIS/remote sensing, especially in relation to shoreline-change tools.
    • Experience in collecting, processing, and analyzing topographic (lidar, RTK-GPS), shallow bathymetric (single or multibeam), and/or shoreline-change (satellite remote sensing) data.
    • Holds a current commercial drone pilot’s license (FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot certification)
    Conditions of Employment
    This position may require weekend work and travel. This is a restricted position, initially up to 24 months, with any extensions contingent on satisfactory performance and subject to funding availability.
    Department 1P1100 Coastal & Ocean Processes
    Location VIMS - Gloucester
    Job Open Date 09/11/2023
    Review Begin Date 10/31/2023
    Job Close Date
    Open Until Filled Yes
    Job Category Instructional Faculty
    Special Application Instructions
    Application materials for the position should include
  • A 1-2 page statement describing broad research interests as well as potential research ideas related to multi-decadal and shorter barrier-island dynamics
  • A cover letter identifying availability for this position and clearly addressing all required and preferred qualifications (including experience with conducting beach and nearshore surveys [in particular with drone-based operations] and with shoreline-change analyses)
  • A full curriculum vitae
  • A 1 page statement describing how diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice has influenced your past experiences and future goals in research, teaching, and/or scholarship
  •  The names, addresses (including titles and institutions), e-mail addresses and telephone numbers of 3 professional references.


    • For first consideration, applications should be received by the review date, October 31, 2023.
    Background Check Statement

    William & Mary is committed to providing a safe campus community. W&M conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.
    EEO Statement
    William & Mary values diversity and invites applications from underrepresented groups who will enrich the research, teaching and service missions of the university. The university is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and encourages applications from women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.
    Benefits Summary Statement

    William & Mary offers our employees a full array of benefits including retirement, health insurance with options for expanded dental and vision along with group and optional life insurance with coverage for spouse and children, flexible spending accounts, and an EAP (Employee Assistance Program).

    Our employees enjoy additional university benefits such as educational assistance, professional development, wellness benefits, and a robust holiday schedule. All employees have access to fitness facilities on campus. Staff members also have access to the university libraries, and much more. To learn more, go to: https://www.wm.edu/offices/hr/currentemployees/benefits/index.php

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