Postdoctoral Research Associate, Flathead Lake Bio-Station

The University of Montana is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate for the Flathead Lake Biological Station. The role involves conducting research on primary productivity and nutrient cycling in ocean gyres, with opportunities for publication and professional development. Candidates should be independent yet collaborative, capable of complex project management. The position is based at Flathead Lake and includes collaboration with a broader virtual institute.
Postdoctoral Research Associate, Flathead Lake
Bio-Station

Salary: $58,000.00 - $65,000.00 Annually

Location: UM Flathead Lake Biological Station

Job Type: Contract Professional Full-time

Job Number: 202400198

Sector: UM VP Research & Creative Scholarship

Department: Flathead Lake Biological Station, UM

Closing Date:

FLSA: Exempt

Bargaining Unit: NO - None

Description

The Post Doctoral Research Associates will work under the
supervision of FLBS Professors Matthew Church and Robert Hall to
conduct research to improve understanding of primary productivity,
material export, and nutrient cycling in the low nutrient,
subtropical gyres of the open ocean. These positions are viewed as
preparatory for a full-time academic or research careers. The
appointees will be expected to publish the results of their
research during the period of the appointment.

The appointees are expected to be both highly independent and
collaborative, and they contribute substantially to the scope and
design of components of the larger project. A key requirement is
that the individuals have the ability to see intellectually and
technically complex projects through to their conclusion, which
will involve developing method approaches and reviewing, analyzing,
and interpreting scientific data and results from the project.
Great autonomy and ability to exhibit independent decision making
is expected in designing and implementing strategies for achieving
shared research goals.

One of the post-docs (supervised by Professor Robert Hall) will
develop and use statistical models to improve understanding of
processes controlling primary productivity and material and energy
export from the upper ocean to the deep sea. The second post-doc
(supervised by Professor Matthew Church) will use biogeochemical
and molecular biological approaches to quantify particle flux and
assess taxonomic contributions of plankton to productivity and
export. Both post-docs will have opportunities to participate in
research cruises to the North Pacific and South Atlantic
subtropical gyres.

Both post-docs will be primarily based at Flathead Lake Bio
Station, but will benefit from the opportunities to collaborate
broadly as part of a Schmidt Sciences funded Ocean Biogeochemistry
Virtual Institute (https://www.schmidtsciences.org/the-ocean-biogeochemistry-virtual-institute-obvi/).
The position allows for multiple professional development
opportunities, including training in highly interdisciplinary
science, international collaborations across institutions, regular
meetings with the entire project team, mentorship toward academic
and non-academic career development, and interactions with graduate
and undergraduate students. The appointees will write papers for
publication based on research, compose projects reports and
contribute to grant applications; present at seminars and national
meetings; and participate in research group meetings that may
include oral and written brief reports.

Minimum Qualifications
• 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 the field and 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
• PhD prior to starting position in oceanography, ecosystem
ecology, earth, or environmental science, statistics, computer
science, mathematics, complex systems science, or a related
field

Additional Information

Position is full-time, 1.0 FTE, Letter of Appointment Contract and
includes a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including
insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition
waiver, and wellness program.

Screening of applications will begin after the
closing date; however,
applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate
applicant pool has been established.

A complete application includes:
• Letter of Interest - addressing the stated
required skills for the position
• Detailed resume listing education and
describing work experience
• Three (3) professional references - Names and
contact information
• Links to 1-2 recent first-authored
publications

The Flathead Lake Biological Station is a field research and
teaching facility designated as a Center of Excellence of the
University of Montana. The mission of the Bio Station is to conduct
basic and applied research in ecology with an emphasis on
freshwater; provide field ecology courses for college students,
K-12 teachers and natural resource professionals; train graduate
students for professional or teaching careers; and provide
scientific data, interpretation and outreach to help resolve
environmental problems and inform public policy locally,
regionally, nationally and internationally. The faculty and staff
also generate and maintain natural resource databases used by the
public and resource management agencies in addition to supporting
the research program at the Bio Station.

The Affiliation of the University of Montana (UM
Affiliation) is an equal opportunity employer. UM
Affiliation does not discriminate against any applicant on the
basis of protected class status as described in UM's
non-discrimination policy and any applicable law. Reasonable
accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with
disabilities. For example, this material is available in
alternative format upon request. Qualified candidates may request
veterans' or disabilities preference in accordance with state
law.

Criminal Background Investigation is required
prior to the offer of employment. In accordance with university
regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to
criminal background investigations.

References: References not listed on the
application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to
the applicant. UM partners with SkillSurvey for reference checking.
Applicants may receive emails from SkillSurvey to submit reference
information.

Testing: Individual hiring departments withing the
UM Affiliation may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which
are relevant to essential job functions.

Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be
eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first
date of employment at UM and all affiliated campuses, as legally
required (e.g., Form I-9).

To apply, please visit https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/ummissoula/jobs/4710417/postdoctoral-research-associate-flathead-lake-bio-station

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