GENERAL PURPOSE:

Reporting to the Director of the National Center for Water Quality Research, the Postdoctoral Research Associate will work primarily on data collected as part of the Heidelberg Tributary Loading Program as well as data collected by the USGS in the Western Lake Erie Basin.  The goal of both of these projects is to assess suspended sediment and nutrient loading from watersheds throughout the Lake Erie watershed.  

The ideal candidate will have a passion for environmental studies, be detail-oriented, and enjoy delving into the intricacies of water quality data. While a majority of the research associate’s time is spent on the project described above, the postdoc will have the opportunity for other professional development activities such as scientific outreach and education, relevant training workshops, proposal development and writing, and student engagement via teaching and advising student research.  

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Reports directly to the Director of the National Center for Water Quality Research.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

The postdoctoral research associate may supervise student employees. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Comprehensively compare data from the USGS and NCWQR sampling locations in terms of sample analyses as well as loading calculations

Analyze data from each of Ohio’s tributaries to Lake Erie using a variety of approaches ranging in complexity to provide information on trends

Visualize the results using state-of-the-art methods and applications informed by an advisory group of key agencies and researchers in the region

Participate in project meetings as needed to help guide the data analysis process

Disseminate results of this project to diverse audiences via presentations, fact sheets or handouts, webinars, or other means.  

Publish the results of this research in peer-reviewed scientific journals. 

Participate in other professional development activities as time allows. 

CORE VALUES AND PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES:

Core values – models leadership values of integrity, honesty, humility, transparency, respectfulness, diversity, caring, loyalty and accountability in all work. 

Intellectual dynamism – demonstrates mental sharpness, capability and agility.

Self-knowledge – gains insight from successes and mistakes.

Personal learning – seeks feedback and counsel to improve managerial behavior.

Peer relationships – encourages collaboration and cooperation across the organization.

Teamwork – performs most effectively as a hard-working member of a team.

Constituency focus – completes work to meet constituencies’ expectations and requirements.

Community focus – brings a spirit of enthusiasm and energy to the campus and town.

DESIRED ATTRIBUTES AND QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Professional Experience:

(A)  Completion of a Ph.D. in the Natural Sciences, Data Sciences, Engineering, or a related field. 

(B)  Experience in data visualization and statistical analyses of large data sets. 

(C)  Experience in writing with the goal of publishing scientific articles. 

(D)  Experience in presenting scientific information to mixed audiences. 

Preferred Education and Experience:

Experience in water quality data and watershed nutrient loading

Knowledge of agro-ecosystems and Lake Erie

Passion for learning new methods in data analysis

Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must demonstrate analytical and strategic thinking abilities.  

Outstanding oral and written communication skills.

Strong interpersonal skills.

Ability to manage several projects simultaneously.  

Ability to relate to diverse cross-sections of individuals.

Ability to work independently and with a team.

Ability to travel as needed or required, work evenings and / or weekends as needed.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:  Knowledge of operation and use of various office equipment including, but not limited to:  personal computer, including spreadsheet and word processing software, statistical and graphing software, integrated database software, copier, telephone, scanner, and printers.   

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.  

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to use arms, hands and fingers to operate and manipulate equipment generally found in an office setting.  The employee may be frequently required to be mobile, communicate, and hear.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.  Mental demands include varied degrees of occasional stress while performing job duties.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  

While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works in an office setting, and educational facilities including sports and entertainment venues, all of which may be indoor or outdoor.  The noise level in the work environment will range from moderately quiet to occasionally loud. 

SELECTION GUIDELINES: Candidates should upload a cover letter describing why they’re interested in this position, a current resume, and the contact information for three references. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will be selected after a formal application procedure, education and experience rating, oral interview, and reference check.  All offers of employment are contingent upon a satisfactory criminal background screen, motor vehicle record search, drug and alcohol screen, physical and / or psychological examination at the University’s discretion.

APPROVAL and EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:  The duties listed above are intended only as an illustration of the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statement of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.