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Now hiring: Research Fellow in zebra mussel control

Posted: 
10/23/2018
Expiration Date: 
12/31/2018

The Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center (MAISRC) seeks to support a Research Fellow that will develop creative and promising solutions for population-level control of zebra mussels in Minnesota lakes. Established zebra mussel populations can wreak havoc on lake ecosystems and while spot treatments exist, no options are currently available for large-scale control. Building on ongoing research in the areas of chemical, biological and genetic control, MAISRC aims to advance the science in one or more of those areas and move towards real-world application.

The Research Fellow will be responsible for developing and conducting basic and applied research as part of collaborative and interdisciplinary teams. This will include the design and implementation of research projects, analyzing data, writing grants, publishing findings and stakeholder engagement. Successful candidates must have an advanced degree with a substantial research and publication record. A completed Ph.D. degree by the start date is preferred. A strong background in ecology, invasion biology or emerging technologies of invasive population control is required. In addition, candidates must have a demonstrated history of organizational, quantitative analysis and writing skills, and working independently and as part of larger teams. This position will interact with a diverse group of researchers, as well as stakeholders representing federal, state and local resource managers, industry and non-profit groups, lakeshore associations and an active and engaged public.

The person in this position will be responsible for developing and conducting basic and applied research with the goal of population-level control of zebra mussels in lake systems.  Specific duties will include:

1. Leading the design and implementation of research projects
2. Analyzing data
3. Working in diverse, collaborative groups
4. Writing grants
5. Publishing findings
6. Stakeholder engagement

Two years of funding are currently available and include salary, initial research support, and access to a bench top lab and state of the art containment lab for holding zebra mussels. The appointment will be for one year, with opportunities for renewal. Salary will be commensurate with experience. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

The application includes four components:
1. Cover letter: Explicitly describe the fit with the position and possible start date
2. Project proposal: A two-page research proposal and budget that outlines the initial research to be conducted over a two-year period
3. Curriculum vitae
4. Two letters of recommendation: please send directly to MAISRC Director Nick Phelps at phelp083@umn.edu

If you have any questions about the position, please contact MAISRC Director Nick Phelps at phelp083@umn.edu.