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.
We are looking for a highly motivated candidate to assist with our phycological services including algal identification, quantitative algal cell counts, and potentially toxigenic cyanobacteria screens. The applicant will be working individually and with other staff to successfully achieve project goals and produce reports to be directly submitted to clientele. We are looking for a candidate that is willing to begin employment on a temporary basis but is interested in a long-term position with the goal of contributing to the continued success of GreenWater Laboratories. Beginning pay will be based on the applicants experience and abilities with increased pay offered after a 6-month probationary period if offered the permanent position.
Learn more here: JobListing-Phycologist-GreenWaterLab_2022
To Apply: 1) Visit www.greenwaterlab.com and become familiar with who we are and what we do. 2) If interested, email a resume with 3 references to info@greenwaterlab.com
Postdoctoral Positions
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:
Mote’s Ecotoxicology Research Program is seeking a Postdoctoral research fellow to join a diverse team of marine scientists investigating synergistic effects from exposure to multiple stressors, including natural biotoxins (HABs), toxic organic pollutants (pesticides, pharmaceuticals and other endocrine disrupting compounds) in association with anthropogenic stressors and climate change. Current projects address investigations into the source, fate and effects of toxic substances in the coastal marine environment, including effects of endocrine disrupting compounds on coral reef communities, bioaccumulation, trophic transfer and persistence of natural biotoxins in water, air and organisms. The Postdoctoral Fellow will participate in the design and testing of innovative technologies for in situ detection of biotoxins, and for mitigating adverse effects from harmful algal blooms, working with colleagues and stakeholders to assess and reduce risk to marine life and public health.
Learn more about this position HERE.
We are seeking a postdoctoral fellow to work on an NSF-funded project investigating the chemical and biological diversity of benthic dinoflagellates in coral reef ecosystems. Specifically, the work focuses on the diversity of marine benthic dinoflagellate communities and their corresponding metabolome, with the goal of understanding interactions that link to toxin production and ciguatera poisoning.
The project is a collaboration between the lab groups of Deana Erdner (University of Texas Marine Science Institute) and Alison Robertson (University of South Alabama). The successful candidate will have the opportunity to interact with collaborators in the US and globally, and to gain experience and training in bioinformatics, statistics, population genetics, comparative genomics, metabolomics, toxinology, toxicology, chemical ecology, and environmental chemistry as necessary. The combined experience of our groups spans a wide range of topics and provides outstanding potential for training, collaboration, and scientific growth. The appointment is initially for one year, with extension based on productivity and funding availability.
Qualifications
The minimum qualification is a PhD in a related field with up to 2 years post-doctoral experience.
Preferred qualifications include broad expertise in statistics, computational biology, phylogenetics, metabolomics, or related fields, and a demonstrated record of research achievement and written communication (via publications).
Highly desirable qualifications include experience in working with large-scale data and computational method development (using R, Python, frameworks such as tidyverse, or tools such as MetaboAnalyst, XCMS and related applications), and/or experience with microbes and microalgae (or the interaction between them).
How to apply:
Please submit the following documents via https://utaustin.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UTstaff/job/MARINE-SCIENCE-INSTITUTE/Postdoctoral-Fellow_R_00019021:
- full curriculum vitae
- letter of application that addresses your interest in and qualifications for the position and includes the names and contact information of three references
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Start Date: As soon as possible