The Montana Consortium for Research on Environmental Water Systems (MT CREWS) is seeking a 2-yr Postdoctoral Associate to engage in a large, multi-institutional project focused on river food web and lotic ecosystem responses to multiple stressors (i.e., metals and nutrient enrichment) in the Upper Clark Fork River watershed, Montana.
The position is funded by a recent NSF EPSCoR award (tinyurl.com/1mtcrews) aimed at bringing multiple disciplines to bear on aquatic ecosystems with impaired water quality to address mechanisms of recovery and resilience. Three focal systems are identified across Montana as autonomous projects that are also integrated through disciplinary syntheses. The appointee will be affiliated with the Upper Clark Fork River site in western Montana, an EPA superfund site with ecological impairment from heavy metal mining pollution concomitant with contemporary nutrient enrichment. Research activities center around three areas including: 1.) metabolic influences on retention and transformation of metals and nutrients, 2.) implications of dissolved and colloidal phases on transport and bioavailability of metals and nutrients, and 3.) implications of metal-nutrient interaction on food web dynamics. Successful applicants may extend these core projects in novel directions or propose to work on complementary questions and/or systems with active mentorship from the research team including Drs. Maury Valett (University of Montana), Ben Colman (University of Montana), and Wyatt Cross (Montana State University). Depending on the appointee’s area of expertise, the position will be housed in: the Department of Ecology, Montana State University; the Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana; or the Department of Ecosystem and Conservation Sciences, University of Montana.
Position Details
The expected salary is approximately $50,000 and the fellows will be provided generous research funds to support their work.
The appointment is a 12-month Letter of Appointment. The start date is flexible. The position renewable for up to two years.
Qualifications
The successful applicant will have a PhD in a related field, with interest and expertise in one (or a combination) of the following topics: microbial stoichiometry; metals cycling; ecosystem metabolism and nutrient cycling; foodweb/trophic dynamics; and ecosystem modeling. Applicants with either empirical or theoretical expertise are encouraged to apply. Demonstrated experience of excellent research capabilities required to carry out innovative and insightful research
- Ability to identify, analyze and summarize relevant literature
- Ability to devise and articulate a research plan with defined goals, and design sound experimental strategies with appropriate controls
- Proven record and ability to produce research to a high publication standard
- Ability to learn and apply new skills appropriate to conduct necessary research
- Knowledge and experience in laboratory environment
- Proven ability to communicate complex ideas and concepts (both orally and in writing) to scientific and non-scientific audiences
- Ability and willingness to undertake collaborative research
- Ability to supervise and mentor undergraduate and graduate students
- Ability to maintain a safe working and learning environment
- Ability to achieve project goals within time and budget
- Strong theoretical and empirical background
How to Apply
Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact one or more the following project PIs to further refine their application materials:
H. Maurice Valett; University of Montana, Metabolism and material transport; maury.valett@umontana.edu
Ben Colman; University of Montana, nanosciences, and bioavailability;ben.colman@umontana.edu
Wyatt Cross; Montana State University, food web dynamics; wyatt.cross@montana.edu
Priority Application Date: April 21, 2019. Position is open until filled.
Please submit the following application materials via "New Resume/CV" button below. Applications must be submitted via the UM Jobs system at https://umjobs.silkroad.com.
*Please note: only five (5) attachments are allowed per application. Please combine documents accordingly.
- Curriculum Vitae
- 2-3 page research statement that outlines previous, current, and future research
- Professional References – names and contact information for three (3) professional references.
Job Location
Missoula, Montana, United States
Position Type
Full-Time/Regular
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