Post Doctoral Research Associate Fellows (2 positions)

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Post Doctoral Research Associate Fellows (2 positions) are available with The Partnership for Interdisciplinary Studies of Coastal Oceans (PISCO) at Oregon State University
Open Date: September 15, 2004
Closing Date: For full consideration, application materials must be
received by
October 29, 2004 at 5 PM
Starting Date: February 1, 2005 or soon thereafter
Employment conditions: Full-time (1.0 FTE) 12-month, fixed term faculty position with reappointment at the discretion of the Dean.
Program Background: PISCO is a large-scale marine research program that focuses on understanding the nearshore ecosystems of the U.S. West Coast. An interdisciplinary collaboration of scientists from four universities, Oregon State University, the Universities of California at Santa Cruz and Santa Barbara, and Stanford University, we focus on cross-scale studies of ecosystem dynamics in the nearshore ocean of Oregon, California, and Washington, with special emphasis on rocky-intertidal communities and the adjacent inner shelf waters.
Position Descriptions: Two positions are available. (1) Coastal Ecosystem
Ecologist: This individual will focus on larval transport dynamics of benthic coastal hard-bottom communities (rocky intertidal and/or kelp beds), collaborating with modelers, coastal physical oceanographers and marine ecologists. The goal is to understand the contribution of larval transport to coastal ecosystem dynamics in relation to physical oceanography of the middle and inner shelf and benthic community structure and dynamics. Preference will be given to individuals with a genuine interest in integrating pattern, process and mechanism into an integrated model of coastal ecosystem dynamics. A specific focus will be on novel approaches to quantifying larval transport. (2) Marine Ecophysiologist: This individual will focus on the impact of coastal environmental conditions, as driven by oceanographic and meteorological processes, on the ecological and physiological performance of rocky intertidal invertebrates. Specific foci are on the influence of particulate food (phytoplankton, detritus) and stress (thermal, desiccation) on survival, growth and reproductive of critical species such as mussels and barnacles. Molecular techniques we envision being used in this research include microarrays, real-time PCR, and stress protein chemistry. The research will combine field ecological experiments with molecular-physiological approaches to address questions of the influence of the physical environment on distribution and abundance patterns on rocky shores. Preference will be given to individuals with experience in both marine ecology and molecular physiology.
Responsibilities (1) Ecologist: Carry out original research on the dynamics of larval transport in relation to the dynamics of coastal populations, communities and ecosystems, both using existing datasets and generating new ones. (2) Ecophysiologist: Carry out original research on the influence of environmental stress and productivity on the dynamics of sessile marine invertebrates. Both: Publish results in a timely rate in top-rated scientific journals. Collaborate with PISCO scientists at OSU and with other consortium members as well as with appropriate individuals elsewhere to help to define, modify and execute the overall goals of the consortium. Work with, and report to the three OSU co-PIs, including Dr. Bruce Menge and Dr. Jane Lubchenco (co-lead sponsors of the Ecologist and Ecophysiologist) and Dr. Jack Barth, College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Science (COAS). Lead or co-lead a research team including graduate students, technicians and undergraduate interns in the research of interest.
Requirements and Preferred Qualifications: Required: Ph.D. in (1) Marine Ecology, and (2) Ecophysiology/Marine Biology, with demonstrable expertise and interest in both independent and collaborative research. An established ability to produce innovative research and carry projects through to completion, including publication in top journals. Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, good judgment and decision-making abilities, ability to coordinate group projects, and ability to work independently or as part of a team. Excellent analytical skills, proficiency with computers and statistics. Preferred: Individuals with experience in the study of the dynamics of coastal shallow-water, hard-bottom ecosystems. Experience with use of SCUBA in field research, especially in cold water. Expertise in modeling as well as in empirical research. Preferred qualifications include a demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity.
Salary and Appointment Period: Annual salary $32,000 to $38,000 commensurate with training and experience. These are full-time, fixed-term Research Associate Postdoctoral appointments, renewable annually at the discretion of the hiring supervisor. Medical, dental, and life insurance available; staff tuition fee privileges for employee or a dependent at Oregon University System schools (restrictions apply); annual vacation leave and sick leave.
Community: OSU is one of only two American universities to hold the Land
Grant, Sea Grant, Sun Grant, and Space Grant designation and is a Carnegie Doctoral/Research-Extensive university. OSU is located in Corvallis, a community of 53,000 people situated in the Willamette Valley between Portland and Eugene. Ocean beaches, lakes, rivers, forests, high desert, the rugged Cascade and Coast Ranges, and the urban amenities of the Portland metropolitan area are all within a 100-mile drive of Corvallis. Approximately 15,600 undergraduate and 3,400 graduate students are enrolled at OSU, including 2,600 U.S. students of color and 1,100 international students. The university has an institution-wide commitment to diversity, multiculturalism, and community. We actively engage in recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and student body that includes members of historically underrepresented groups. We strive to build and sustain a welcoming and supportive campus environment. OSU provides outstanding leadership opportunities for people interested in promoting and enhancing diversity, nurturing creativity, and building community. To Apply: Send a Letter of Application, Curriculum Vitae or Resume, and names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses of two references to:
Ms. Mikal Davis
Department of Zoology
Oregon State University
3029 Cordley Hall
Corvallis, OR 97331-2914
Telephone: (541) 737-8403
Email: davism@science.oregonstate.edu
Oregon State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and has a policy of being responsive to the needs of dual-career couples.