"Postdoctoral Fellow - Applied Phycology"

The Algae Systems and Ecological Engineering Lab of Dr. David Blersch, with the Biosystems Engineering Department (http://www.eng.auburn.edu/bsen/) at Auburn University is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow to conduct research on applied phycology for nutrient recovery from wastewater streams. The appointment is for a period of two years. The position is a 12-month, benefits eligible, non-tenure accruing position and is immediately available. The preferred starting date is June of 2024.

The candidate will lead the investigation in bioprospecting for filamentous algal species in the southeastern U.S. useful for cultivating at-scale for nutrient remediation and biomass production in wastewaters. The project goal is to identify candidate warm-water species of attached filamentous algae strains from selected watersheds in the southeastern U.S. states, especially Alabama and Georgia, and investigate their response to temperature, flow rate, and nutrient concentration in unialgal and mixed cultures in the laboratory. The research position is funded by a U.S. Department of Energy funding award focused on upscaling of filamentous algae cultivation for biomass production in regional climate conditions. Opportunities exist for the candidate to design and implement their own research in algae collection and in experiments related to filamentous algae culturing at various scales and in controlled environmental conditions. Contributions to grant proposal and research manuscript writing is expected and encouraged.

Minimum Qualifications

The minimum qualifications include an earned Ph.D. from an accredited institution in Phycology, Applied Phycology, or similar, or in Biosystems, Agricultural, Ecological, and/or Environmental Engineering or similar with experience in algae culturing and cultivation at the time employment begins. Demonstrated experience in algal strain collection and identification in the field, and purification and culturing in the laboratory is a must, as well as some experience with collection and culturing filamentous algal species. Eligibility for a U.S. driver's license is a requirement, and there must be an ability and willingness to perform field work in freshwater stream ecosystems in the Southeastern U.S. over a range of seasonal and strenuous conditions. The candidate will be able to design, develop, and build lab and microcosm-scale experimentation systems for investigation into filamentous algal production and growth, have experience with water quality measurements, and have experience with environmental monitoring protocols.

The candidate selected for this position must be able to meet eligibility requirements for work in the United States at the time the appointment is scheduled to begin and continue working legally for the proposed term of employment. Additionally, the successful candidate will have a demonstrated ability to translate research into publications, will have strong interpersonal communication and mentoring skills, and have the ability to work effectively as an individual and a member of a team.

Desired Qualifications

Familiarity with filamentous algae species collection, culturing, and cultivation is desirable. Familiarity with watersheds in the Southeastern U.S. is likewise desirable. Familiarity with advanced methods for chemical and biological analyses of algae culturing and biomass is additionally desirable.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applicants must apply for the position electronically through https://www.auemployment.com/postings/43912 and submit the following documents: (1) a curriculum vitae, including a list of publications and relevant research experience; (2) a statement of research interests and goals (maximum 2 pages), and (3) copies of academic transcripts. When prompted during the online application process, please provide the names, phone numbers, and email addresses of three professional references. Only complete application materials will be considered. Review of applications will begin April 1, 2024 and will continue until the position is filled. To ensure optimal consideration for the position, applicants are encouraged to submit complete application materials by that date.

For questions regarding this position, please contact Dr. David Blersch by email at dblersch@auburn.edu.