Postdoctoral Research Associate - Phytoplankton Ecology

Texas A&M University System • Corpus Christi, TX

1d • $50,000 - $57,500

About The Position

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. Learn more information here! PURPOSE A postdoctoral research associate position is available in the Coastal Water Health lab at the Harte Research Institute. The postdoctoral researcher will conduct research under the auspices of a new NOAA ECOHAB grant that focuses on understanding dynamics of Aureoumbra lagunensis (“brown tide”) blooms in the Baffin Bay-Upper Laguna Madre ecosystem of Texas. The postdoctoral researcher will gain experience in project management, project development, mentoring (of undergraduate/graduate students) and stakeholder engagement. Opportunities also exist for comparative analysis of phytoplankton dynamics between estuarine systems that vary in e.g., freshwater inflow, nutrient loadings, etc. DESCRIPTION Functional Area 1: Project Coordination Percent Effort: 10% Coordinate project activities in collaboration with PI, Co-PIs and assigned staff Implement project activities Functional Area 2: Data Acquisition Percent Effort: 40% Participate in field and laboratory-based project activities to acquire data Process and analyze samples collected Develop new techniques as appropriate for project Functional Area 3: Research and Data Analysis Percent Effort: 40% Analyze water quality data Submit data to a data manager in a timely manner Publish results in peer reviewed journals and present at local/national/international meetings. Functional Area 4: Research Development Percent Effort: 10% Develop new avenues of research Submit grant applications to support new avenues of research

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Marine Science or related field
• Experience with phytoplankton identification, preferably including marine taxa.
• Fundamental knowledge of phytoplankton ecology
• Intermediate skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including experience communicating scientific findings to a broad audience.
• Desire to work with a broad spectrum of collaborators, managers, and stakeholders.
• Experience with project management and ability to meet project goals in a timely manner.
• Ability to participate in field work under occasional harsh conditions such as heat and wind
• Experience with appropriate statistical techniques for analyzing time-series data and community structure data

Nice To Haves

• Experience with R software packages

Responsibilities

• Coordinate project activities in collaboration with PI, Co-PIs and assigned staff
• Implement project activities
• Participate in field and laboratory-based project activities to acquire data
• Process and analyze samples collected
• Develop new techniques as appropriate for project
• Analyze water quality data
• Submit data to a data manager in a timely manner
• Publish results in peer reviewed journals and present at local/national/international meetings.
• Develop new avenues of research
• Submit grant applications to support new avenues of research

Benefits

• Medical $0 - $30 per month for Employee Only coverage after university contribution ($920 value). Up to 83% of premium covered by the university: Employee and Spouse Employee and Children Employee and Family coverage
• Dental & Vision
• Life Insurance, Accidental D&D, Long Term Disability, Flexible Spending Account and Day Care Spending Account
• DUAL CAREER PARTNER PROGRAM
• ON-CAMPUS WELLNESS OPPORTUNITIES
• Work Life Solutions: Counseling, Work Life Assistance, Financial Resources, and Legal Resources
• Tuition Benefits: Public Loan Forgiveness Book scholarships 100% tuition coverage for up to 18 credit hours per fiscal year (other rules may apply).
• Retirement: Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) or Optional Retirement Plan (ORP)
• Voluntary Tax Deferred Account/Deferred Compensation Plan
• Time Off: 8+ hours of vacation paid time off every month. 8 hours of sick leave time off every month. 8 hours of paid time off for Birthday leave. 12-15 paid holidays each year.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree