Research Manager

The River Dynamics Laboratory at Simon Fraser University is currently seeking a Research Manager to work on a project entitled “Landslide Impact on Flow Dynamics, Fish Migration and Genetics of Fraser River Salmon”. Candidates will lead a three-year effort to understand the impacts of the 2018 Big Bar Landslide on channel morphology, flow dynamics, fish migration, and the genetics of Fraser River Salmon (see Executive Project Summary). The landslide blocked the Fraser River to salmon passage, devastating salmon runs to the Northern Basin.  The project is led by a large group of multi-disciplinary investigators from Simon Fraser University, University of Northern British Columbia, University of Victoria, Durham University, and University of Massachusetts-Amherst, working in collaboration with the Hakai Institute, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Canada, Fraser Basin Council, and the Fraser Salmon Management Council.

The research manager will work with a team of researchers, six post-docs, technical staff and graduate students working on i) The chronology of landslides in the Fraser Basin, ii) Linkages between bedrock canyon geometry and landslide susceptibility, iii) Flow dynamics in bedrock canyons, iv) Linkages between flow dynamics and fish migration, v) Fish migration and hydraulic barriers and vi) Genetic selection by hydraulic barriers.

The ideal candidate is someone with a PhD who is looking to build on their research project management and administration skills while continuing a career in science. There are opportunities for the research manager to be an active collaborator on the project. The project also provides opportunities for candidates to gain experience working at the intersection of geomorphology, biology and genetics, and within a large group of 15 research collaborators. With this comes additional opportunities to mentor graduate students, lead presentations and discussions within a variety of settings and platforms, and gain experience communicating complex science with real-world implications.

The research manager responsibilities will include:

1. Working with an SFU institutional project manager to facilitate communications across the various PIs and universities (setting meetings, delivering materials, scheduling personnel)
2. Day-to-day management of the research team
3. Data curation and archiving
4. Research assistance in the field and laboratory where possible
5. Oversight and assistance with equipment purchases and reimbursements
6. Technical assistance to PIs and personnel where possible
7. Developing and compiling material for progress reports, annual technical reports and project-end reporting.
8. Misc. project administration, including coordination of travel for fieldwork and conferences

Minimum qualification include:

1. A PhD in Geoscience or Biology
2. Experience in a leadership role (or demonstrated potential)
3. Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to multi-task
4. A Canadian drivers license (or ability to obtain one)
5. Some experience with programming, instrumentation, and analysis of large data sets.

Applicants with backgrounds in Biology, Environmental Science, Earth Sciences, Engineering, Oceanography or Physical Geography are encouraged to apply.  The position is available for one year with the possibility of renewal up to three years.

Simon Fraser University sits atop Burnaby Mountain in British Columbia’s lower mainland, minutes from downtown Vancouver and a variety of spectacular mountainous environs.  Simon Fraser University has a long history of study in geomorphology and water sciences, and remains a stimulating environment in which to learn and do research. SFU is an equity employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals including women, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, Indigenous Peoples, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of the university.

To apply for a position please send a cover letter describing your interests and experience, CV and a list of three references to (EVSCHire@sfu.ca). Informal inquires and questions can be addressed to Jeremy Venditti (jeremy_venditti@sfu.ca).

Review of applications will begin on June 28^th and continue until the position is filled. Start date is negotiable.

http://www.sfu.ca/evsc/about/employment/research-manager.html