Lewis and Clark Community College Hiring for Post-Doctoral Research Associate, Biogeochemistry at Godfrey, IL Full Time

POSTING TEXT

Posting Number | 20110670
—|—
Job Title | Post-Doctoral Research Associate, Biogeochemistry
Classification | Salaried Staff
FLSA | Exempt
Rate of Pay | $49,350 / Commensurate with experience
Type of Position | Full-Time
If Part-Time, specify hours per week |
If Part-Time, specify number of weeks |
Organizational Unit | NGRREC
Position Reports To (Title) | Watershed Scientist, NGRREC
Scope of Position |

This postdoctoral position will focus on biogeochemical processes controlling the fate of nutrients in the Mississippi River watershed. The Mississippi River and its tributaries function as a conduit for the transport of water, sediment, nutrients, and other anthropogenic substances through a floodplain network of streams, rivers, reservoirs, and wetlands, to the ultimate destination in the Gulf of Mexico. The postdoc will work with existing datasets from previous water and sediment sampling excursions on the Mississippi River and its tributaries as well as laboratory studies related to the adsorption/desorption of nutrients from lakebed and riverine sediment. The candidate will identify gaps in existing datasets and conduct field sampling excursions and laboratory studies to complete or strengthen current datasets. The candidate will design new scientific studies that further our understanding of how climate change will affect nutrient transformations and transport through various components of watersheds including main channel, backwaters, tributaries and reservoirs.

Key Measurable Expectations |

This position has a primary focus on water quality, especially as related to the fate of nutrients (e.g., nitrogen, phosphorus, carbon, iron, manganese) in the Mississippi River and its tributaries, including the main channel, backwater, reservoirs, and wetlands. Large datasets have been developed from a combination of boat excursions and laboratory experiments conducted jointly by the National Great Rivers Research & Education Center (NGRREC; www.ngrrec.org) and Saint Louis University (SLU; www.slu.edu). Additional data has been generated through NGRREC’s Great Rivers Ecological Observatory Network (GREON), which consists of continuous, real-time water quality monitoring at multiple locations on the Mississippi River and on its smaller tributaries. The postdoc will work with these existing datasets as well as plan and conduct additional scientific studies that will further our understanding of the primary drivers affecting the transport of nutrients through the Mississippi River watershed. The postdoc position will be administered through NGRREC, a state-of-the-art research facility on the banks of the Mississippi River about 30 minutes from downtown St Louis. However, the position has a strong connection to the WATER Institute ( www.slu.edu/water) at SLU and the candidate will be hosted at SLU with access to laboratory, computing, and library facilities. Specific duties include:

• Conduct research on the biogeochemistry of nutrients from anthropogenic sources in the Mississippi River watershed.
• Aggregate existing datasets, identify gaps or deficiencies, and address any gaps or deficiencies by collecting and analyzing appropriate samples or data.
• Statistically analyze data and summarize the results.
• Collect water and sediment samples from rivers, streams, reservoirs, and wetlands.
• Collaborate with NGRREC and SLU scientists on other mission-oriented research.
• Prepare and submit manuscripts for peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Identify funding opportunities and assist with the preparation of grant proposals.

Minimum Qualifications: |

The ideal applicant for this position will have strong quantitative skills, including mathematical, computational, and statistical modelling experience. Candidates should have coursework in geoscience, hydrology, soil science, and chemistry. Laboratory experience is highly desired.

The successful candidate will have a compelling publication record (commensurate with experience), strong interests in developing independent research questions (within the scope of the project), the ability to work independently and in larger groups, and excellent verbal and written communication skills.

This position is renewable annually for a duration of up to two years, with the second year dependent on satisfactory performance in the first year. Additional funding may become available after two years, with applicants helping to secure such funds. Specific skills required include:

• A Ph.D. in Geoscience, Hydrology, Soil Science, or related discipline is required by the start date.
• Strong quantitative skills, including mathematical, computational, and statistical modelling experience.
• Laboratory experience, especially with methods for the determination of nutrient and trace metal concentrations in environmental samples.
• Experience with geospatial data analysis and modelling.
• A basic understanding of hydrology and hydraulics.
• Excellent publication record (commensurate with experience).
• Strong interest in developing one’s own research questions (within the scope of the position).
• The ability to work independently and in larger groups.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Limited sample collections may take place by boat on the river or on land in remote areas when necessary
• Availability for early/late or weekend work.

Preferred Qualifications |
Physical Demands | Lifting (identify indicate minimum lbs requirement) – 40 lbs, additional items (identify) – Physical ability to work outdoors in rough terrain, as well as in and around motor boats , Bending , Stooping
Work Hours | Monday-Friday, 8:00-4:30 , Some Evenings , Some Weekends
Open Date | 01/26/2023
Close Date |
Open Until Filled | Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants |
EEO Statement |

Lewis & Clark Community College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Affirmative Action Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, LCCC will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. It is also the policy of the College to prohibit any form of harassment based on an individual’s protected status, such as gender, color, race, ancestry, religion, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, citizenship status, sexual orientation or other protected group status as defined by law. If interested, please contact the Human Resource Department, Erickson Hall – Room 107.

Compliance |

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Source: https://www1.eeoc.gov//laws/practices/inquiries_citizenship.cfm?renderforprint=1

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. • How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
   • Public Job Posting
   • Internal Job Posting
   • Agency Referral
   • Advertisement/Publication
   • Personal Referral
   • Web site
   • Other
2. • What is the highest level of education attained?
   • GED
   • High School Diploma
   • Associates Degree
   • Bachelors Degree
   • Masters Degree
   • PHD
3. • How many years of experience do you have in this type of position?
   • 0-1
   • 1-3
   • 3-5
   • 5-7
   • 7+
4. • This positions home office is located in St. Louis MO. at St. Louis University campus. Are you willing to work in St. Louis MO.?
   • Yes
   • No
5. • Are you a SURS annuitant?
   • Yes
   • No
6. • Are you an affected SURS annuitant?
   • Yes
   • No
7. • Are you legally authorized to work in the U.S.?
   • Yes
   • No
8. • Will you now or in the future require visa sponsorship?
   • Yes
   • No
9. • Are you an internal candidate?
   • Yes
   • No

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter
3. Curriculum Vitae
4. Transcripts
5. Listing of Reference Contact Information

Optional Documents

1. Letter of Reference 1
2. Letter of Reference 2
3. Letter of Reference 3
4. Other Document
5. HR added document