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
NWFSC’s Environmental and Fisheries Science (EFS) Division works to monitor the presence of environmental biotoxins in food webs and exposure risk to marine wildlife, ecosystems, and fisheries and apply monitoring data to enhance seafood safety, develop improved detection methods for biotoxins and other environmental contaminants, and develop models for exposure risk and health impacts. The objective of the work is to assist EFS by developing a model that includes environmental data (physical ocean conditions, algal cell densities and toxicity, toxin concentration in multiple layers of the food web) and behavioral and health data for marine mammals to enhance prediction of future animal mortality events.
The Algal Toxin Food Web Modeler duties include:
Develop coupled biological and physical models for trophic transfer of algal toxins in food webs
- Use environmental data (physical ocean conditions, algal cell densities and toxicity, toxin concentrations in multiple layers of the food web (zooplankton, clams, worms, fish), and behavioral and health data for marine mammals collected over five years in the Arctic and subarctic regions to develop toxin-trophic transfer models for toxin accumulation, biotransformation, and adverse health impacts in specific food webs.
- Work closely with collaborators from various institutions to develop an operational model that can be applied to multiple food web scenarios and predict future animal mortality events.
- Use model outputs to provide reports and presentations for the scientific community on a regular basis.
Sample Collection and Analyses
- Execute tissue and environmental sample collection, both in the lab and in the field, including on multiple research cruises (up to 2 cruises per year).
- Collaborate with project personnel on sample collection, login, and transfer from cruises.
- Process, prepare and conduct analysis of samples and quantification of biotoxins after training on HPLC and ELISA methods for algal toxin quantification.
- Record and maintain both metadata and individual sample data.
Record Data and Assay Results
- Perform data entry into prescribed databases.
- Conduct appropriate QA/QC.
- Assist in the completion and maintenance of documentation regarding data storage, and accessibility of data and assay results to provide to the project lead.
- Assist in the preparation of reports & manuscripts on a weekly basis.
Maintain and Organize Laboratory
- Monitor laboratory supply levels.
- Maintain lab equipment to working order.
- Maintain safe chemical hygiene practices.
- Adhere to laboratory safe practices.
Learn more HERE.
At Saltwater Inc., we believe that high quality data is vital to the health of our fisheries and oceans: our mission is to provide that data. Saltwater is a small, innovative company and we are currently recruiting a qualified Harmful Algal Toxins in Food Webs Modeler for the Environmental and Fisheries Science (EFS) Division within the Northwest Fisheries Science Center for a federal contract we are bidding on. This is a full-time position based in Seattle, WA.
Research activities within the EFS division include monitoring the presence of environmental biotoxins in food webs and exposure risks to marine wildlife, ecosystems, and fisheries, enhancing seafood safety by developing improved detection methods for biotoxins and other environmental contaminants, and developing models for exposure risk and health impacts. These activities primarily support NOAA Fisheries objectives for Protected Resources, the Marine Mammal Protection Act, Fisheries Ecosystem-based Management, and for advancement of Science and Technology.
The individual will provide support within the Environmental and Fisheries Science Division (EFSD) by developing operational models, collecting biological and physical samples, recording and analyzing data, assisting in program reporting, and maintaining the laboratory.
Our ideal candidate would be someone with experience in the areas of quantitative science, biological and physical modeling, trophic transfer of toxins in food webs, oceanography, and ecosystems, and experience participating in research cruises. A working knowledge of NOAA Fisheries writing style or the ability to acquire that knowledge is a must.
Duties
Develop coupled biological and physical models for trophic transfer of algal toxins in food webs
- Use environmental data (physical ocean conditions, algal cell densities and toxicity, toxin concentrations in multiple layers of the food web (zooplankton, clams, worms, fish) and behavioral and health data for marine mammals collected over five years in Arctic and subarctic regions to develop toxin – trophic transfer models for toxin accumulation, biotransformation, and adverse health impacts in specific food webs.
- Work closely with collaborators from various institutions to develop an operational model that can be applied to multiple food web scenarios and predict future animal mortality events.
- Use model outputs to provide reports and presentations for the scientific community on a regular basis.
Sample Collection and Analyses
- Execute tissue and environmental sample collection, both in lab and in the field, including on multiple research cruises (up to 2 cruises per year).
- Collaborate with project personnel on sample collection, login, and transfer from cruises.
- Process, prepare, and conduct analysis of samples and quantification of biotoxins after training on HPLC and ELISA methods for algal toxin quantification.
- Record and maintain both metadata and individual sample data.
Record Data and Assay Results
- Perform data entry into prescribed databases
- Conduct appropriate QA/QC
- Assist in the completion and maintenance of documentation regarding data storage, and accessibility of data and assay results to provide to the project lead.
- Assist in the preparation of reports & manuscripts on a weekly basis
Maintain and Organize Laboratory
- Monitor laboratory supply levels
- Maintain lab equipment to working order
- Maintain safe chemical hygiene practices
- Adhere to laboratory safe practices
https://www.saltwaterinc.com/job-openings/harmful-algal-toxins-in-food-webs-modeler/
A.I.S., Inc. (AIS) is a national scientific services firm supporting maritime activities requiring certification of compliance with environmental regulations as well as collecting data for use by Federal, State, Municipal, and other government agencies along the US coastline. AIS is looking for a Marine Biotoxin Monitoring Specialist to support NOAA’s Environmental and Fisheries Science (EFS) Division.
Primary Function: Research activities within the EFS division include monitoring the presence of environmental biotoxins in food webs and exposure risks to marine wildlife, ecosystems, and fisheries, enhancing seafood safety by developing improved detection methods for biotoxins and other environmental contaminants, and developing models for exposure risk and health impacts. These activities primarily support NOAA Fisheries objectives for Protected Resources, the Marine Mammal Protection Act, Fisheries Ecosystem-based Management, and for advancement of Science and Technology.
Click HERE to learn more.
Fellowship in HAB Laboratory and Field Support: Under the guidance of a technical mentor, the selected participant will gain experience in various research activities including performing and otherwise supporting collection of field data, including use of oceanographic monitoring instruments, collection of water, sediment and/or tissue samples and other activities. As well as conducting laboratory studies including toxin analysis, microscopy, molecular methods development and validation, data analytics. This opportunity will also require regular engagement with and training of stakeholders in Alaska as well as generating outreach materials and technical documentation.
Postdoctoral Positions
NRC-RAP Post-doctoral Opportunity in HAB Sensor Development
Applicants are solicited for a Post-doctoral opportunity in the area of HAB sensor development, available immediately through the US National Research Council’s Research Associateship Program (NRC-RAP). A description of the opportunity is posted HERE and interested candidates must contact and coordinate their submission with the Adviser, Dr. Greg Doucette.
Candidates with experience in the design and development of molecular-level diagnostic biosensors/bioassays and familiarity with analytical instrumentation are especially encouraged to apply. The position is located in Charleston, SC, at the NOAA/National Ocean Service, Hollings Marine Laboratory, which houses investigators representing National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, National Institute of Standards & Technology, Medical University of SC, College of Charleston, and SC Dept. of Natural Resources.
The NRC Research Associateship offers a competitive stipend, reimbursement of relocation costs, and professional travel opportunities supporting collaborations with partners from federal, state, academic, private research, and industrial sectors. This position is open to candidates less than five years past earning their Ph.D. Applications will continue to be considered until the position is filled.
Postdoctoral Fellowships in HAB Numerical Modeling: Under the guidance of a technical mentor, the two selected candidate will gain experience in various research activities including ecological monitoring and modeling development and validation techniques, satellite data processing, historical data curation and calibration, data analytics, stakeholder engagement, as well as generating outreach materials and technical documentation.
Postdoctoral Fellowship in HAB Habitat Modeling: Under the guidance of a technical mentor, the selected candidate will gain experience in various research activities including ecological niche and habitat monitoring and modeling development and validation techniques, satellite data processing, historical data curation and calibration, data analytics, stakeholder engagement, as well as generating outreach materials and technical documentation.
Typical duties include but not limited to:
- Assists faculty research mentor with research project.
- Duties may vary depending on research project and discipline.
Other duties:
- Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- Ph. D. in Aquatic Biology or related field
- Experience with molecular techniques related to genetics
- Strong laboratory skills
- Experience with cyanobacteria genetics
- Experience with cyanotoxin testing
- Experience growing algal or cyanobacteria
All employees are expected to:
- Promote a common purpose consistent with stated University goals and demonstrate a commitment to students and the learning environment.
- Possess the knowledge of general written standards and procedures utilized, and have the ability to read, interpret, and follow procedural and policy manual related to the job tasks.
- Demonstrate the ability to respond to supervision, guidance and direction in a positive, receptive manner and in accordance with stated policies.
- Provide quality customer service by creating a welcoming and supportive environment.
- Present a professional image in word, action and attire.
- Demonstrate professionalism in dealing with a diverse population while understanding and respecting each other’s view of the world, personalities and working styles.
- Apply effective techniques to create working relationships with others to achieve common goals; successfully communicates and collaborates with others to achieve goals.
- Demonstrate skills necessary to look at situations and processes critically to make recommendations for improvement.
Apply here:
Student Opportunities
Contact information: For more information about the REU Site, visit http://wilsonlab.com/reu/ or contact Dr. Alan Wilson (wilson@auburn.edu).