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FRESHWATER PLANT ECOLOGIST/BIOLOGIST

Posted: 
09/28/2022
Expiration Date: 
10/14/2022

The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station is seeking a full-time Assistant Scientist II for its newly  formed Office of Aquatic Invasive Species (OAIS). The ideal candidate is expected to conduct novel research and  provide public outreach pertaining to the management of freshwater invasive plants in harmony with native  ecosystems. Examples of research areas include control of a genetically distinct strain of hydrilla in the  Connecticut River through field and mesocosm (greenhouse) studies, and improving the management  of hydrilla, water chestnut, fanwort, watermilfoil and other invasive species relevant to Connecticut through investigations into their ecology and reproductive processes. Candidates will be especially competitive if they  could fill a gap in ongoing invasive aquatic plant research at the CAES. Examples include utilization of  ecological modeling, remote sensing, genomic sequencing, environmental DNA (eDNA), and phycology. 

Required qualifications are a Ph.D. in an aquatic plant science related field, demonstrated  research productivity, a track record of scholarly publications in peer-reviewed journals, and strength in oral  and written communication.  

Preferred qualifications include evidence of high-quality research on aquatic plant ecology  and management, ability to acquire external funding to support the candidates research program,  participation in productive collaborations, successful mentorship of trainees, experience communicating  with the public or elected officials, scientific leadership and service, and commitment to diversity in science.  Comfort with boating, aquatic herbicides, and other aquatic plant management techniques is desirable.  

This position will require collaboration with the Unites States Army Corps of Engineers, CT DEEP,  UCONN, Connecticut Federation of Lakes, Connecticut River Conservancy, Connecticut Invasive Plant  Council, Connecticut Invasive Plant Working Group, Northeast Aquatic Nuisance Species Panel, government  officials at town, state and national levels, lake associations, and other stakeholders.  

The starting salary is $85,906/year with competitive medical, dental and pension benefits. Interested  candidates should submit electronically in a single consolidated pdf file: 1) Curriculum Vitae; 2) statement of  future research interests (limit of 3 pages); 3) reprints of two recent publications; and 4) official  university transcripts. Finalists for this position will be asked to supply three letters of recommendation. All  documents should be sent to: Jason C. White, PhD; Director OAIS, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, 123 Huntington Street, New Haven, CT 06504, tel. 203-974-8440, fax. 203-974-8502, Jason.White@ct.gov

Equal employment opportunity means employment of people without consideration of age, ancestry, color, criminal record (in state employment  and licensing), gender identity or expression, genetic information, intellectual disability, learning disability, marital status, mental disability (past or present), national  origin, physical disability (including blindness), race, religious creed, retaliation for previously opposed discrimination or coercion, sex (pregnancy or sexual  harassment), sexual orientation, veteran status, and workplace hazards to reproductive systems unless the provisions of sec. 46a-80(b) or 46a-81(b) of the  Connecticut General Statutes are controlling or there are bona fide occupational qualifications excluding persons in one of the above protected classes. To file a  complaint of discrimination, contact Dr. Jason White, Director, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, P.O. Box 1106, New Haven, CT 06504, (203)  974-8440 (voice), or Jason.White@ct.gov (e-mail). CAES is an affirmative action/equal opportunity provider and employer. Persons with disabilities who require  alternate means of communication of program information should contact the Chief of Services, Michael Last at (203) 974-8442 (voice), (203) 974-8502 (FAX), or  Michael.Last@ct.gov (e-mail).