Job Description Summary & Additional Information

We are seeking qualified candidates to fill an Assistant Research Scientist – Oyster Larval Transport position for the recently funded project entitled Oyster Larval Transport/Hydrodynamic Modeling for the Herring Bay Sanctuary, MD.

The overarching objectives of this research project are to 1) build a simulation model (the Herring Bay Oyster Model System or HBOMS) of the oyster reefs in Herring Bay Sanctuary and surrounding areas that includes coupled hydrodynamic, oyster larval transport, and oyster metapopulation sub-models, and 2) apply the coupled simulation model to inform the oyster restoration plan for Herring Bay Sanctuary. As part of this effort, sites of source reefs, sink reefs, and reefs that auto-recruit will be identified along with the population abundances needed to sustain these reef characteristics in the face of variability in circulation patterns, recruitment, growth and mortality. The model system also will be used to estimate 1) the reef size and abundance of oysters in a particular source area of the Herring Bay Sanctuary needed to augment regional recruitment to a detectable level, and 2) estimate from where larvae are transported to Herring Bay and the connections between Herring Bay to existing oyster restoration areas and adjacent harvest grounds. 

Based at the Horn Point Laboratory in Cambridge, Maryland, and mentored by Dr. Elizabeth North, the successful candidate will take an important role in running and validating a ROMS hydrodynamic model, implementing an LTRANS oyster larval transport model for Herring Bay, analyzing LTRANS output to provide metrics that can guide spatial planning of restoration sites in Herring Bay Sanctuary, and running and graphing output from an oyster metapopulation model. The postdoctoral researcher will take a leading role in the modeling work and will be expected to interact with scientific collaborators, restoration managers and scientists, and communicate clearly in nontechnical settings.  

Minimum Qualifications:

A Ph.D is required at the beginning of the period of employment. Expertise in hydrodynamic and particle transport modeling, proficiency with R, Matlab, and Fortran, experience working with scientists and managers in group settings, and familiarity with oyster biology and with communicating with nontechnical audiences.

The selected candidate will be required to review and accept the UMCES Principles of Conduct.

Preferred Qualifications:

Previous work with ROMS, LTRANS, and oyster larvae particle tracking models would be highly beneficial.

Required Application Materials:

(1) a cover letter describing relevant research experience, interests and goals, (2) a current CV or resume, and (3) contact information for three references.

Best Consideration Date:

November 15, 2026

Open Until Filled: yes

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EEO Statement

The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science is an equal opportunity employer. The Center’s policies, programs, and activities are in conformance with pertinent Federal and State laws and regulations on nondiscrimination regarding race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, and disability. Inquiries regarding compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Educational Amendments; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; or related legal requirements should be directed to the Assistant Vice President of Human Resources, Center Administration, 2020 Horns Point Rd, Cambridge, MD 21613.