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.
The Erdner laboratory is seeking a Research Assistant to assist in studies of HAB-forming toxic dinoflagellates. The position is primarily laboratory-based and will include algal culture and molecular biology tasks such as DNA extraction and PCR. Other studies are possible, depending on background. The position is open without preference to B.S. and M.S. degree holders, minimum salary is $32,000 and will be commensurate with experience. A theoretical understanding of molecular biology and prior experience with basic techniques is strongly preferred, experience with both is a definite plus. The position is a fixed-term, 12-13 month position, with a desired start date of July or August 2023.
The position is at the University of Texas Marine Science Institute in Port Aransas, TX (http://sites.utexas.edu/erdnerlab/). Questions about the position should be directed to derdner@utexas.edu.
The position is posting # R_00027394 at the University of Texas. To apply, please submit a CV/resume and a letter of interest that includes the names and contact information of two references through the UT application portal. Letters of reference are not required when you apply, they will be requested later.
Position Title: Phytoplankton Taxonomist
Description: The Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi invites applications for the position of a Research Specialist (I or II) in Phytoplankton Taxonomy. The selected candidate will be experienced in estuarine phytoplankton taxonomy and ecology, and will work on multiple grant-funded projects that aim to quantify phytoplankton dynamics in local estuaries.
Responsibilities: The primary responsibilities for the selected candidate include:
- Performing lab-based analyses for phytoplankton abundance/community composition via microscopy and flow cytometry
- Training other lab members in proper phytoplankton enumeration and identification techniques
- Submitting data to a data manager in a timely manner
- Preparing data reports for presentation at scientific and/or public meetings
- Assisting with collection and processing of water quality samples in the field
- Assessing lab needs to determine if new techniques for phytoplankton analysis are warranted and feasible, and lead implementation of those techniques as necessary
The Research Specialist will be part of a vibrant team of undergraduate students, graduate students, research staff and postdoctoral researchers in the Coastal Ecosystem Processes lab (https://www.harteresearch.org/research/coastal-ecosystem-processes), led by Dr. Mike Wetz. The team also includes an enthusiastic group of “citizen scientists” who participate in various projects. The Coastal Ecosystem Processes lab combines basic and applied science to increase our understanding of coastal phytoplankton ecology while also addressing societally relevant water quality issues.
Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. This will be a benefits-eligible staff position. The position may require single or multi-day travel, including occasionally on weekends
Informal inquiries about the position can be sent to Mike Wetz (michael.wetz@tamucc.edu). To submit an application, visit: https://tamus.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/TAMUCC_External/details/Research-Specialist-I-II_R-064041
The application will include: 1) a cover letter describing interest, relevant background and qualifications, 2) full curriculum vitae or resume, and 3) contact information for three professional references. We will begin accepting applications immediately and the position will remain open until filled.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in marine biology, biology or related discipline
- At least two years of working experience with estuarine phytoplankton identification via microscopy.
- Fundamental knowledge of current estuarine phytoplankton taxonomic classifications and classification schemes.
- Knowledge of appropriate sample handling and preparation techniques.
- Proficient reading and writing skills and the ability to follow protocols.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
- High degree of organization and ability to multitask.
- Excellent work ethic, ability to meet deadlines, and ability to work well in small groups and independently.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in marine biology, biology or related discipline.
- Experience with water quality sampling techniques and monitoring instruments (multiparameter sondes).
- Working knowledge of flow cytometers, FlowCam, and/or Imaging FlowCytobot for phytoplankton analysis.
- Knowledge of molecular techniques for quantifying phytoplankton dynamics.
- Ability to work in the field and lift and carry 50 lbs.
TAMU-CC is a dynamic university designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) with approximately 11,000 students from 47 states and 54 foreign nations. We employ over 1,400 full-time and 2,000 part-time Islanders (including students/GAs). The University attracts highly talented faculty and staff and offers an array of undergraduate and graduate degrees, including doctoral programs. As a member of the Texas A&M University System, TAMU-CC benefits from a range of resources, increased visibility and influence, and opportunities to collaborate in mutually beneficial ways with peers across member institutions and associated agencies. TAMU-CC’s beautiful campus is located on a 240-acre island on Corpus Christi Bay and was ranked #1 College by the Sea by Best College Reviews. Our natural setting is enhanced by its modern, attractive, and state-of-the-art classroom buildings and support facilities.
From our generous benefits package and professional development opportunities, to our retirement programs and our commitment to service excellence, the Island University is an engaging and rewarding place to work. Learn more information here!
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
Recruitment of a PhD student to the project (funded by the National Science Centre)
"Intercontinental comparison of bacterial and archaeal communities associated with the cosmopolitan cyanobacterium Microcystis - unveiling their ecological roles in anthropopression and climate change"
Location: University of Lodz, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, in collaboration with the European Regional Centre for Ecohydrology of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Lodz
Conditions to be met:
1. Master's degree in biotechnology, microbiology or related fields (e.g. biology, environmental protection).
2. Candidate will have to participate in the recruitment process to the BIO-MED-CHEM DOCTORAL SCHOOL OF UNIVERSITY OF LODZ AND LODZ INSTITUTES OF THE POLISH ACADEMY OF SCIENCES (BioMedChem) in Łódź https://www.uni.lodz.pl/en/bio-med-chem-doctoral-school (https://www.uni.lodz.pl/biomedchem) and be granted the status of " PhD student" in the above mentioned unit.
3. Commitment and high motivation to conduct scientific research.
4. Experience in laboratory work in the field of molecular biology.
5. Ability to work in a team.
6. Knowledge of English to be able to work in an international team and to use scientific literature fluently.
Desirable:
- a scientific background in the area of molecular biology, microbiology with experience in the isolation and qualitative and quantitative analysis of nucleic acids;
- experience in working with biological material from aquatic ecosystems.
Description of tasks:
1. As part of the research tasks in the OPUS project (funded by the National Science Centre) entitled "Intercontinental comparison of bacterial and archaeal communities associated with the cosmopolitan cyanobacterium Microcystis - unveiling their ecological roles in anthropopression and climate change", the PhD student will be required to: Conduct scientific research on assessing the impact of the composition and function of the cyanospheric microbiome on increased risk from Microcystis aquatic blooms. The research will address the identification of microbial interactions that increase the probability of occurrence of toxic cyanobacteria producing the hepatotoxin Microcystis and pose a threat to the environment and human health. An important element of the research will be the molecular qualitative and quantitative analysis of microorganisms that may be involved in greenhouse gas emissions and the transmission of antibiotic resistance. The dissertation topic will be related to the assessment and characterization of the above research elements including their variability in the context of different catchments and climatic conditions.
2. Development of results, study of scientific literature.
3. Participation in the preparation of project reports and scientific publications.
4. Presentation of research results at scientific conferences.
5. Fulfilling the obligations of a PhD student as defined in the Regulations of the BioMedChem PhD School in Łódź.
For details on the position, please contact the project leader Prof. dr. hab. Joanna MankiewiczBoczek, (joanna.mankiewicz@biol.uni.lodz.pl ).
Deadline for submission of applications: 12 September 2023, 23:59 Form of submission: email - joanna.mankiewicz@biol.uni.lodz.pl
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.