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Funded positions open (Graduate Student (PhD), Grant Specialists (full-time), and Post-doctoral Scholar) to investigate hyporheic zone ecology in Texas river basins

Posted: 
10/28/2020
Expiration Date: 
12/31/2020

Application deadline: Open until filled

Description: The Edwards Aquifer and Research Data Center/ Department of Biology, Texas State University is seeking multiple applicants to join a large, well-funded, multi-disciplinary, and highly collaborative group of researchers working on a large-scale project: “Quantifying drivers of native and non-native aquatic species abundance and distribution in drought- and flood-prone Texas basins". The project is a collaboration between TX State University and the US Army Corps of Engineers, Engineer Research and Development Center.

Applicants should be broadly interested in working on hyporheic and/or groundwater systems and their connections to and influence on related surface systems at a variety of scales, from site to region. Research topics include but are not limited to: spatial and temporal patterns in species diversity and distribution, influence of hyporheic exchange on stream communities across drought – flood flow regimes, flow and transport of nutrients, and geomicrobiological processes. Groundwater and hyporheic ecosystems in TX are biologically diverse, spanning multiple environmental (e.g., T and Precip) and physical (e.g., geology and ecoregion) gradients. For all positions, we seek and encourage candidates from under-represented groups to apply. We value and seek to build and maintain a diverse, representative, and inclusive research team. Applicants for all positions are encouraged to describe how they, too, will build on and support these values.

Grant Specialists: Two full-time (40-hour/wk) positions are immediately available for highly motivated and curious applicants with excellent quantitative, problem-solving, and communication (written and oral) skills, and proven experience collecting, sorting, and identifying aquatic freshwater invertebrates in field and lab settings using dichotomous keys and other taxonomic literature. A B.S. or M.S. degree in Biology or other science field is required at the time of employment. Preferred skills and experience include specimen curation, a basic to advanced working knowledge or understanding of one or more of the following: invertebrate biology in stream/hyporheic/aquifer ecosystems, MS Office (including Excel and Access), statistical packages, microscope use and imaging, and GIS. Experience with a variety of microscopes and imaging software is a plus. It is anticipated that >80% of the work related to these positions will be in the lab, though opportunities will be available to pursue advanced training in lab and field methods, and alpha taxonomy for interested applicants. We expect up to 3 or more years of funding for the positions

PhD student: A competitively funded PhD student position is available for a highly motivated and curious student with excellent quantitative and problem-solving skills, and excellent written and oral communication skills. Preferred skills and experience include an intermediate to advanced understanding of one or more of the following: invertebrate biology in stream/hyporheic/aquifer ecosystems; surface-groundwater interactions and hydrology/hydrogeology; groundwater ecosystem processes; hyporheic zone ecosystem processes. A working to advanced knowledge of statistical packages, GIS, invertebrate identification, dichotomous keys, and specimen curation is a plus. Depending on thesis/dissertation topics, graduate research could include lab and/or field work. Field work could include remote and sometimes difficult areas and conditions, and multiple day research trips with camping could be required. A 12-month Graduate Research Assistantship and graduate tuition are provided.

Post-doctoral Researcher: One full-time post-doctoral faculty position is immediately available for a highly motivated and curious applicant with proven quantitative, problem-solving, collaboration, and communication (written and oral) skills. A Ph.D. in Biology, Environmental Science, or a related science field is required at the time of employment.

The selected candidate will be allowed flexibility to pursue specific research projects/topics of their interest (including a portion of the budget to manage) but should broadly be interested in ecohydrology of the hyporheic zone. The selected candidate will be expected to be a key part of a large and multi-disciplinary group of PIs, students, and technicians, and will mentor and work closely with students at all levels. Opportunities will exist to serve on graduate committees, as well as to teach specialized graduate courses in an area of the candidates expertise.

Preferred skills and experience include advanced knowledge of and/or experience with one or more of the following: invertebrate biology in stream/hyporheic/aquifer ecosystems, statistical packages such as SPSS or R, imaging with optical and other microscopes (e.g., https://sro.txstate.edu/fac/arsc/equipment.html ), hydrology, stable isotope analysis, GIS, database management. A record of publication in peer-reviewed literature is preferred, and the selected candidate will be expected to play a key role in publishing results of the research, and should expect to be primary author on publications for which they played a leading role in the research.

Timeline and Selection Process: Virtual interviews with top candidates will be scheduled following EARDC staff review of all application materials. Positions will remain open until filled.

Additional Information: Please contact Dr. Benjamin Schwartz at bs37@txstate.edu with any questions. Applicants interested in the grant specialist positions should apply at the links below. Applicants interested in the PhD and Post-Doctoral positions should contact Benjamin Schwartz at bs37@txstate.edu.

https://jobs.hr.txstate.edu/postings/33967

https://jobs.hr.txstate.edu/postings/33956