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Postdoctoral Research Associate, Flathead Lake Biological Station

University of Montana

Job Description


The Flathead Lake Biological Station invites applications for an NSF-funded Postdoctoral Research Associateto join their team. The position will be based at the Flathead Lake Biological Station (University of Montana), working with FLBS Director Dr Jim Elser. In collaboration with Dr Trinity Hamilton (University of Minnesota), the postdoctoral researcher will investigate the biochemical (RNA, protein, etc.) and elemental composition of snow algae (especially Chlamydomonas nivalis) as a function of nutrient limitation of growth in alpine snow algae ecosystems through field sampling surveys and nutrient limitation experiments, including experiments at the Subzero Research Laboratory at Montana State University. The postdoctoral researcher will examine snow algae biochemical composition, stoichiometry, and nutritional status as a function of environmental N and P supplies in mountains of the western USA, and perform novel field and laboratory experiments assessing these interactions.  The postdoctoral researcher will also engage with ongoing Rules of Life experimental evolution studies that test how biochemical and elemental composition of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii shifts in response to different types of resource limitation. This work is in collaboration with Dr Frank Rosenzweig (University of Montana) and Dr Matt Church (FLBS).

The postdoc will be immersed in a highly interactive and interdisciplinary research environment among Elser, Hamilton, Church, and Rosenzweig, with sharing of collective expertise and experiences to drive forward both individual projects and the overall goals of the synthetic research. Elser will provide training in data collection, analyses, manuscript preparation; guidance in career development; and opportunities for outreach. The postdoctoral researcher will also have the opportunity to mentor undergraduate students and to contribute to the development and teaching of a new Cryosphere Ecology course at FLBS. The postdoctoral researcher will have full access to next generation sequencing, imaging, and analytical infrastructure and expertise at FLBS, UM, and UMN. The project may involve significant travel (for field studies and Subzero Research Laboratory experiments).

The Postdoctoral Research Associate develops and writes papers for peer-reviewed scientific journals reporting the results of these studies, monitors and guides undergraduate researchers in fieldwork and laboratory analyses, and contributes to development of a new summer field course.

Expectations are:

  • 85% Research: Design and carry out lab experiments and field sampling campaigns, data collection, data analysis, and manuscript preparation.
  • 10% Training students and communicating with collaborators.
  • 5% Outreach

The University of Montana is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. In that spirit, we are particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of qualified people who would assist the University in demonstrating its five priorities for action : Place student success at the center of all we do; drive excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research; embody the principle of “mission first, people always"; partner with place; and proudly tell the UM story.


Position Details
  • Position is full-time, 1.0 FTE, Letter of Appointment, and includes a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including insurance, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program
  • Salary for this position is $50,000 - $55,000 commensurate with experience

Minimum Requirements
  • PhD. (awarded or expected prior to start date) focused on microbes or algae and their ecology, evolution, and/or physiology
  • Ability to write and publish scientific papers
  • Ability to communicate and collaborate with others

Preferred Qualifications
  • Field research experience
  • Lab / analytical research experience with cultures
  • Statistical methods
  • Quantitative and programming skills
  • Ability to actively participate in professional development
  • Willingness to assist with grant reporting

About the Bio-Station and UM

The mission of the Bio Station is to conduct basic and applied research in ecology with an emphasis on freshwater; provide field ecology courses for college students, K-12 teachers and natural resource professionals; train graduate students for professional or teaching careers; and, provide scientific data, interpretation and outreach to help resolve environmental problems and inform public policy locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.

To learn more about the University of Montana, Missoula, and the State of Montana, please visit the links below.

Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the Offer of Employment In accordance with University regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations. ADA/EOE/AA/Veteran's Preference Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, we encourage applications from minorities, veterans, and women. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law. References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. Testing: Individual hiring departments at UM may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions. Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9).


 
How to Apply

Priority Application Date: Sunday, November 13, 2022by 11:59 PM (Mountain Time)

Complete applications received by the ‘Priority Application Date’ will be guaranteed consideration. The position will remain open until filled. Candidates are required to submit the following materials online via the UM Jobs website directly to ensure your complete application is received.

A complete application Includes:

  • Letter of Interest – addressing your qualifications and experience related to the stated required skills for the position. A general letter salutation such as “Dear Search Committee” or “Dear Hiring Manager” is acceptable
  • Detailed Resume – listing education and describing work experience
  • Professional References – names and contact information for three (3) professional references

  • Missoula, Montana, United States

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