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
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.
Postdoctoral Positions
The Woods Hole Center for Oceans and Human Health (WHCOHH; https://www2.whoi.edu/site/whcohh/) at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) is seeking a Postdoctoral Investigator to conduct research on harmful algal blooms (HABs) and their toxins, including HAB dynamics, climate interactions, mechanisms of toxicity, and community engagement.
A research opportunity is currently available with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Ocean Service (NOS), Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Forecasting Branch located in Beaufort, North Carolina or Silver Spring, Maryland. Remote reporting or a hybrid schedule may be possible.
Specific research activities include: 1) evaluation of existing models (circulation, particle trajectory, etc.), 2) development of new models, 3) creation and analysis of satellite derived products for cyanobacteria and algal biomass, 4) integration of modeling products to produce HAB forecasts, 5) model validation using field data, and 6) communicating findings with stakeholders.
Learning Objectives: Under the guidance of a mentor, the selected candidate will gain experience in various research activities including ecological monitoring and modeling development and validation techniques, satellite data processing, data analytics, as well as generating outreach materials and technical documentation.
Mentor: The mentor for this opportunity is Richard Stumpf (richard.stumpf@noaa.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor.
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: June 2023. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.
Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for one year but may be renewed upon recommendation of NOAA and is contingent on the availability of funds.
Level of Participation: The appointment is full-time.
Participant Stipend: The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience.
Citizenship Requirements: This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens.
ORISE Information: This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and NOAA. Participants do not become employees of NOAA, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE
Questions: If you have questions about the application process please email NOAA@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.
Details can be found here.
Student Opportunities
At least one fully-funded graduate student position is available at Dalhousie University’s Centre for Water Resources Studies (http://centreforwaterresourcesstudies.dal.ca/). Dalhousie University is the largest and most productive research enterprise in Atlantic Canada, and the Centre for Water Resources Studies is the region’s leading water resources research group. The selected candidate will also be working with the
The project is quite flexible, and could be expanded or condensed for Master’s or PhD students. Both science and engineering students are encouraged to apply. For more information or to submit your CV’s, please contact Dr. Rob Jamieson (jamiesrc@dal.ca).
The anticipated start date for this student position would be May 2023.
Project Description: This project will focus on understanding toxin production by benthic cyanobacteria in freshwater environments in Nova Scotia. Graduate students will be working in an interdisciplinary team of researchers from Dalhousie University, the National Research Council and the University of New Brunswick on this emerging water quality issue. This research project is funded through a 5 year NSERC Alliance Grant and students will have an opportunity to interact with a variety of government and non-governmental agencies collaborating on the project. The ideal candidate will have a background or a strong interest in environmental chemistry. The student will be co-supervised by Dr. Dan Beach (National Research Council) and Dr. Rob Jamieson (Dalhousie-CWRS).
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.
The Erdner lab is looking for two motivated undergraduate students for a 10-week summer fellowship. This fellowship is supported by the NSF-funded PIRE project (Advancing Global Strategies and Understanding on the Origin of Ciguatera Fish Poisoning in Tropical Oceans). Ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP) poses a threat to resources from coral reef ecosystems (estimated to affect more than 10% of island populations globally and the most prevalent non-bacterial seafood illness worldwide). The ciguatoxins causing CFP are produced by the benthic dinoflagellate Gambierdiscus living on macroalgae. Herbivorous fish will feed on these macroalgae inhabited by Gambierdiscus and bioaccumulate the toxin. As part of the project, the Erdner lab is working on describing benthic microalgae communities with a focus on dinoflagellates and specifically Gambierdiscus. As part of their lab-based fellowship, students will learn molecular techniques (such as DNA extractions and PCR) to process samples previously collected. The applicants do not require prior experience in molecular techniques.
The Erdner lab is committed to mentoring young scientists and developing a diverse marine science research community. Women and members of underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. The University of Texas is an equal opportunity institution.
The fellowship includes a $6,800 stipend for 10 weeks, housing will be provided and travel costs from and to Port Aransas (Texas) will also be covered.
Application instructions:
Please submit your application to Dr. Heiser (sabrina.heiser@austin.utexas.edu) using the email subject “Summer Fellowship”. The application should include: (1) a short cover letter outlining why you are interested in the project; (2) your resume; (3) your academic transcript (official or unofficial), and (4) contact details for two references. Applications should be submitted by 16th of April.