"Postdoctoral Research Associate I"

Postdoctoral Research Associate I

Company: The University of Arizona

Job Location: Tucson, 85724

Category: Geology, Earth Sciences, and Oceanography

Type: Full-Time

Posting Number: req23824

Department: Biosphere 2

Location: Outside of Tucson

Address: 32540 S Biosphere Road, Oracle, AZ 85623 USA

Position Highlights

The Biosphere 2 at the University of Arizona is seeking a full-time postdoctoral researcher with expertise in ecology of benthic communities on coral reefs. Potential research areas of interest include: microbial ecology, community ecology, genomics, symbiosis and dysbiosis, and reef restoration and conservation. Applicants with focus on anthropogenic stressors on coral-reef ecosystems, novel species interactions, and solutions for reef resilience (e.g., beneficial micro-organisms, stress hardening, transplantation, assisted evolution) are particularly encouraged to apply.

Initial appointment is for 12-months, with possibility of extension for a second year (subject to funding and performance). Salary commensurate with experience, following University of Arizona guidelines. The work will be supervised by Dr. Diane Thompson. The duty station for this position will be Biosphere 2.

Biosphere 2 Ocean (B2O) - the largest marine mesocosm in the world (2.6-million-liters) - With unparalleled scale (2.6 million liters) and control (e.g., reef-scale temperature manipulation), the B2O presents a unique opportunity to investigate recovery processes, test novel species interactions under a changing climate, and explore solutions for rebuilding resilient coral reefs that can withstand continued ocean warming. Applicants will also join active collaborations with top restoration teams, including Coral Reef Arks and Mote Marine Laboratory. Proposed projects bridging multiple (reef) scales, leveraging both 2700 liter raceway tanks, Coral Arks, and the B2O mesocosm, are encouraged.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

Duties & Responsibilities

• Leverage the Biosphere 2 Ocean (B2O) - the largest marine mesocosm in the world (2.6-million-liters) - to investigate reef recovery processes across active restoration of the B2O reef, and identify effective solutions for building resilient coral reef ecosystems.
• The selected candidate is expected to conduct original research, write manuscripts for publication, actively participate in professional meetings, and collaborate with faculty and graduate students at the University of Arizona.
• The successful candidate is expected to spend the majority of their time on-site, actively conducting, supporting, and guiding B2O research initiatives.
• Additional duties may be assigned.

Knowledge, skills & abilities:

• Excellent writing and speaking skills.
• Strong programming abilities (e.g., R, Python and/or Matlab).
• Excellent communication and ability to work in diverse teams.
• Strong swimmer, capable of snorkeling or diving for data collection as needed (see preferred qualifications below).
• Independent research and leadership skills.
• Scientific communication skills for (a) mentoring students and (b) interfacing with visitors to the Biosphere 2.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. (or foreign equivalent) in marine biology, biological oceanography, or related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong rescue and/or scientific dive training and experience.
• Experience working with corals and reef organisms in experimental settings (e.g., aquaria and raceways).

FLSA: Exempt

Full Time/Part Time: Full Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week: 40

Job FTE: 1.0

Work Calendar: Fiscal

Job Category: Research

Benefits Eligible: Yes - Full Benefits

Rate of Pay: NIH salary guidelines, Depends on Experience

Compensation Type: salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)

Type of criminal background check required: Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)

Number of Vacancies: 1

Contact Information for Candidates

Diane Thompson | thompsod@arizona.edu

Open Until Filled: Yes

Documents Needed to Apply: Curriculum Vitae (CV), Cover Letter, and One Additional Document

Special Instructions to Applicant

Research statement: Brief (1-2 page) summary of research interests and alignment with the Biosphere 2 Ocean coral reef resilience project and "grand challenges" to be tackled in this ocean mesocosm (see https://biosphere2.org/research/research-initiatives/ocean-reef-lab).