Job Openings, Position Listings & Other Opportunities
Below are a selection of HABs-related job openings, graduate student positions, and other opportunities. Please check back frequently as listings are updated. If you wish to post a position or opportunity here, please contact Harmful-Algae@whoi.edu.
Job Openings
Seeking Ecotoxicology Analytical Chemist:
The Ecotoxicology Program at Mote Marine Laboratory is seeking an analytical chemist to join a diverse team of scientists investigating synergistic effects on marine life from exposure to multiple stressors, including natural biotoxins (HABs), toxic organic pollutants (pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and other endocrine disrupting compounds) in association with natural and anthropogenic stressors, including climate change. Current projects address investigations into the source, fate and effects of toxic substances in the coastal marine environment, including coral reef communities. These studies include trophic transfer, bioaccumulation and persistence of natural biotoxins as well as anthropogenic contaminants in water, air and marine organisms. The chemist will participate in the design and testing of innovative technologies for controlled lab tsts and in situ detection of toxic substances, working with colleagues and stakeholders to assess and reduce risk to marine life and public health.
Mote Marine Laboratory is celebrating its 69th anniversary as an independent, non-profit international marine research and education facility with 29 diverse research programs, an impactful array of K-12, undergraduate STEM education/outreach and graduate research programs, including the NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates, NSF-sponsored Louis Stokes Alliance Minority Participation Centers of Excellence. Mote has a staff of over 260 members (40 PhD-level) and a group of 1,500 volunteers at its main campus in Sarasota Florida, along with five additional campuses/facilities including a marine and freshwater aquaculture research park, International Center for Coral Reef Research & Restoration in Summerland Key, coral restoration nursery in Islamorada, and a future Science Education Aquarium under construction in Sarasota.
The chemist position requires a Bachelor’s degree or higher in Chemistry, or equivalent, with a minimum of 3 years experience and proficiency in laboratory techniques, focusing on HPLC-MS/MS, and GLC- MS. The position requires the ability to work with other scientists, including chemists, toxicologists and biologists, to design and implement a broad range of research projects encompassing controlled laboratory conditions as well as natural field studies. The chemist must have a command of statistical analysis for data verification and the ability to prepare reports, with the ability to work as part of a team, as well as innovative, independent research. The position involves interactions with scientists from multiple disciplines at Mote, student interns, and visiting scientists.
Applications will be reviewed immediately. The position is full time, with a competitive annual salary and annual merit raises. Benefits include partially-subsidized health insurance, with family options available. an opt-in retirement plan with employer matching, leaves for holidays, illness, vacation, and others. Interested applicants should apply on line by choosing 2024 Ecotoxicology Analytical Chemist, at https://mote.smapply.org/prog/job_applicants or mail a single package including cover letter, resume or c.v. and the contact information for three references to Mote Marine Laboratory, Attn: Human Resources, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236 before 5pm July 29. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other protected category. Mote participates in E-Verify.
Tenured Faculty Position in Chemical Ecology or Toxicology – The University of Texas at Austin invites applications for a tenured faculty position in the Department of Marine Science at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor from candidates with research experience in chemical ecology or toxicology. We seek an accomplished scientist who investigates the effects of environmental factors on aquatic systems and includes a research focus on regional environmental issues. Areas of research include the study of chemical cues and signaling among marine biota and/or the biological effects of natural toxins and anthropogenic chemicals. The Associate Professor or Professor ranks will be eligible for the Mary Anderson Abell and Joseph Miles Abell, Jr., M.D. Endowed Chair in Marine Science, as a Chair Fellow or Holder, respectively.
Candidates are sought with areas of interest in any experimental biology subfield of chemical ecology or toxicology. Those with experience in sensory biology, neurobiology of behavior, endocrinology, physiology, biochemistry, or immunology are especially encouraged to apply; however, qualified candidates from other fields will also be considered. The successful applicant will be expected to establish an internationally recognized research program at the University of Texas, mentor graduate students and postdoctoral scientists, and teach at the graduate and undergraduate levels.
Applicants should submit the following items via Interfolio: i) a cover letter with contact information, (ii) a current CV, (iii) a research statement, (iv) a teaching statement, and (v) a statement addressing past and/or potential contributions to diversity through research, teaching, and/or service. Applications received prior to December 1 will receive full consideration. For additional information about the Institute and Department, see https://www.utmsi.utexas.edu. We are a vibrant and inclusive community, and we seek candidates who are interested in contributing to diversity and equal opportunity in higher education. Review of applications will begin January 2023.
This is a full-time, non-exempt position. This position is responsible for conducting research and developmental activities as directed by the Director of R&D. The individual’s primary responsibility will be to assist and guide the Cultivation and Manufacturing departments through algal research via literature review, data analysis, wet-bench laboratory work, strain isolation and identification, and outdoor pond experiments. Secondary responsibilities may occasionally include analytical tasks related to other departments such as Supply Chain or Sales & Marketing. This role includes both collaborative and independent work. $70k-$90k annually.
Learn more here : https://www.cyanotech.com/job/research-and-development-scientist/
This is a full-time, non-exempt position. This position is responsible for conducting algal research and developmental activities as directed by the Director of R&D. The individual’s primary responsibility is executing and collaborating on studies at both laboratory and production scale. Topics can be related to algal growth, productivity, and resistance to contaminants, pests, and diseases. This role includes both collaborative and independent work. $23-$26/hr.
Learn more here: https://www.cyanotech.com/job/research-technician/
A research opportunity is currently available with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS), located at NCCOS Headquarters in Silver Spring, MD or at the NCCOS Beaufort Laboratory in Beaufort, NC. The listing for this opportunity is available here: https://www.zintellect.com/Opportunity/Details/NOAA-2024-03
Research Project: The selected candidate will gain experience in various research activities including the collection and/or analysis of optical properties of various phytoplankton cultures and natural bloom assemblages. Specifically, the candidate will gain experience in the use of ecological multivariate statistical approaches to investigate spectral separability of various classes of algae endemic to the Great Lakes and Chesapeake Bay. The candidate will also collaborate to develop class and/or genus-specific algorithms for phytoplankton identification.
1) Conduct pre- and post-processing of optical properties of monocultures through hyperspectral imagery, radiometry, backscattering, etc. including both HAB and non-HAB forming species.
2) Conduct multivariate statistical analyses to determine if there is sufficient separation between different classes and genera of phytoplankton to determine if this technology can be applied in large coastal systems to determine the potential for a toxic HAB event.
3) Streamline and automate processing pipelines (where appropriate) for various optical sensors, including hyperspectral instruments used in the lab, onboard UAVs, and satellite platforms.
Learning Objectives: The fellow will:
1) Develop an understanding of phytoplankton species common in the Chesapeake Bay and Great Lakes
2) Learn about HAB-F capabilities in monitoring and modeling, including use of satellite data products and models
3) Expand familiarity with statistical and coding software such as R, Python and/or Matlab
4) Develop skills in the analysis of radiometric and hyperspectral remotely sensed data and other optically-based acquisition platforms
5) Develop skills algorithm development and classifier construction for phytoplankton discrimination
Technical mentors for this opportunity are Kaytee Pokrzywinski (kaytee.pokrzywinski@noaa.gov), Michelle Tomlinson (Michelle.Tomlinson@noaa.gov), and Sachi Mishra (sachi.mishra@noaa.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentors.
Anticipated Start Date: July/August 2024, pending security clearance
Postdoctoral Positions
This position provides an excellent opportunity for an early career Ph.D. researcher to work collaboratively with Dr. Michael Parsons and collaborators from the Greater Caribbean Center for Ciguatera Research (an NIEHS/NSF Center for Oceans and Human Health) on the study of ciguatera. A team of scientists working across various institutions is participating in this effort and there is substantial room for creative approaches by the post-doctoral scientist to propose original research to understand and improve our knowledge of HAB species and their potential to cause harm to humans and wildlife (including molecular, remote sensing, and analytical techniques). The research is expected to result in widely-distributed publications and presentations in the field of study. The postdoctoral researcher’s contributions are expected to provide insight into exposure vectors of various toxin groups for humans and wildlife and advance our understanding of exposure risks in the region. For further questions, please contact Mike Parsons (mparsons@fgcu.edu).
The link to the position is now posted online here:https://fgcu.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/eaglejobs-temporary/job/Main-Campus/Postdoctoral-Research-Associate_R0005129.
Postdoctoral Researcher, Antiviruence Strategies in Algae
The Corcoran Lab at New Mexico State University (Las Cruces, NM) is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher. Research in the lab focuses on the structure and function of aquatic ecosystems, with an emphasis on microalgal biology and ecology. We conduct both foundational and applied research to address questions that support ecosystem management and sustainability. For more information on the lab see: http://www.corcoranalgaelab.com. The researcher will work on a DOE-funded project focused on developing and testing antivirulence strategies to protect algal crops from predation in the field. They will develop a database of antivirulence compounds that can be tested against pathogenic bacteria and annotate this database for compounds that can feasibly be deployed at commercial scale levels. Then, relying on pest models as well as mixed bacterial assemblages from field cultures, they will test compounds, combinations of compounds, and combinations of in iterative lab-field experiments to refine treatment strategies. For more information on the project, see: https://bit.ly/3tdO3hr. The researcher will work both independently and collaboratively with PIs, researchers, and students at NMSU and Arizona State University. Additional collaborative opportunities exist with researchers at Sandia National Laboratory and Los Alamos National Laboratory.
We are seeking a candidate who can collaborate to develop innovative solutions to technical challenges. The minimum qualifications for the position include:
• a Ph.D. in biology, chemistry, or other relevant discipline,
• experience in experimental design and execution, and
• the ability to work effectively as a part of a team.
We are especially interested in researchers with:
• experience cultivating microalgae and/or bacteria,
• experience in bioinformatics and/or in working with large datasets,
• a strong working knowledge of algal-bacteria interactions, and
• experience with anti-virulence approaches.
This is a full-time position with benefits (health, dental, life, disability, and retirement plan). Continuing education opportunities are available in the lab and at the university. The postdoctoral researcher will be supported at least annually to travel to team meetings, academic conferences, and/or industrial conferences. The planned start date for the position is between February 1, 2024, and March 1, 2024, with support possible for 3 years. Although there are no citizenship requirements, the planned start date of the position may preclude international applicants that require visa sponsorship. If you are an international candidate who requires a visa, please check J1 visa appointment wait times at your local US embassy before applying, assuming that an offer may go out from NMSU during January.
The Corcoran Lab welcome all members regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, gender, orientation, age, or belief -- and we work to provide opportunities to those from groups that have historically been excluded. We commit to making the lab a trusting place to have complex and sometimes difficult conversations about diversity and inclusion; to implement education on unconscious bias; and to take specific actions to promote diversity and equity on our teams.
This position will be posted at https://jobs.nmsu.edu/ in late November 2023. To apply, please upload a single PDF that includes a cover letter, CV, and contact information for three professional references. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Please email acor@nmsu.edu with questions
Linked is an announcement for a statistics post-doc at NASA’s Ocean Ecology Lab to help with assessing and developing satellite remote sensing algorithms for harmful algal blooms, both inland and coastal. They are hoping to find someone with a nerdy love of data and data analysis! Find the posting here: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=a40f480a-47ae-461b-bf11-ceedb843d226&ccId=19000101_000001&jobId=463989&lang=en_US
Student Opportunities
As part of a comprehensive study of the ecology and effects of Sargassum accumulations in the US Virgin Islands, two Ph.D. positions and one M.S. position, are immediately available in the lab of Edwin Cruz-Rivera at Morgan State University and the University of the Virgin Islands. These students will join an active group of researchers and fellow students conducting multidisciplinary research on the emerging environmental problems posed by Sargassum golden tides. Candidates from underrepresented groups in STEM are strongly encouraged to apply.
Ph.D. position 1 – small scale circulation and Sargassum landings: The selected candidate will engage in research linking sub-mesoscale circulation features to incidence of Sargassum accumulations for the Virgin Islands. Candidates with remote sensing and/or hydrodynamic modeling experience are especially welcome. While not a requirement, previous training using drones for ecological work will be considered a strong asset. The candidate will be based at Morgan State University (MSU) in Baltimore and will interact with investigators at both the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) and Dr. Roy Armstrong’s group at the University of Puerto Rico. This is a NASA-funded full time position.
Ph.D. position 2 – Sargassum decomposition and nutrient cycling: The selected candidate will focus on the role of Sargassum golden tides in coastal nutrient fluxes, especially at the sediment-water interface. Candidates with backgrounds in water quality assessment, nutrient transport modeling, biogeochemistry, and/or coastal geology are encouraged to apply. The position will be based at Morgan State University in Baltimore and will interact with investigators at both MSU and UVI. This is a NASA-funded full time position.
M.S. position – Effects of golden tides on coastal species diversity: The selected candidate will study the influence of Sargassum biomass on coastal biota of the Virgin Islands. Good microscopy skills (or willingness to develop them) and an interest in invertebrate communities are a must. We are seeking a highly motivated and committed student who likes field work. This NSF-funded position will be stationed at the St. Thomas campus of the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI). The selected candidate will work closely with Prof. Paul Jobsis (UVI), Dr. D. Christopher Rogers (Kansas Biological Survey), and two M.S. students already developing projects at UVI.
Only US citizens and green card holders can be considered for all these positions.
APPLICATION PROCESS (please note there are institution-specific instructions below):
For all positions: Please send a CV or résumé, three recommendation letters, pertinent unofficial transcripts, and a statement (1-2 pages) highlighting which position you are interested in, relevant experience and skills, and how the position will further your future career goals. Send these materials as a single PDF to:
Edwin Cruz-Rivera, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Department of Biology and Bioenvironmental Science Program
Morgan State University
1700 E. Cold Spring Lane
Baltimore, MD 21251
Email: edwin.cruz-rivera@morgan.edu
Tel: (443) 885-2373
Additionally
Ph.D. positions: The degrees will be granted through Morgan State University’s Bioenvironmental Sciences (PhD) Program. Information about this interdisciplinary program, organization, and requirements is found here: https://catalog.morgan.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=13&poid=2586&returnto=830
Students interested must apply through Morgan State’s School of Graduate Studies. The link is here: https://morgan.elluciancrmrecruit.com/ApplyGRAD/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=%2fApplyGRAD%2f
Morgan State University – Maryland’s Preeminent Public Urban Research University – is an HBCU institution with an R2 Carnegie classification that offers more than 140 academic programs. In this exciting time, Morgan State is embarking on a strategic plan to grow its research capacity and attain R1 status. More information about the university and its programs can be found here: https://www.morgan.edu/
M.S. position: Please visit the admissions tab of the UVI Master of Marine and Environmental Science (MMES) program website, https://www.uvi.edu/academics/science-math/departments/bio-sciences/marine-envir-science/masters-marine-envir/entry-requirements.html, and submit the application requirements that include two applications, CV, transcripts, and three letters of recommendation. Please contact MMES Program Coordinator at sophia.mckenzie@uvi.edu with any questions about the application process.