Postdoctoral Researcher, Urban Biogeochemistry (902408)
Portland, OR

Company Description

Idaho State University, established in 1901, is a Carnegie-classified doctoral research and teaching institution, with a culture built on trust, compassion, stability, and hope. ISU serves over 12,000 students in Pocatello, Meridian, Twin Falls, and Idaho Falls. Students and faculty at ISU are leading the way in cutting-edge research and innovative solutions. We are proud to offer exceptional academics nestled in the grand, natural beauty of the West. We invite you to apply to be a part of our University community!

Job Description

We seek a postdoctoral researcher to work on an NSF-funded collaborative project on spatial and temporal patterns of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in urban streams with a start date any time from September 2022 to January 2023. This approximately two-year project combines synoptic spatial sampling of DOC concentration and characterization with high-frequency sensors at different spatial scales (headwaters to large rivers). We are assessing how differences in urban development patterns and climate among U.S. cities affect spatial and temporal scales of variability and controls on DOC characteristics, processing, and export from urban network watersheds. Study watersheds are located in Boston (MA), Atlanta (GA), Miami (FL), Salt Lake City (UT), and Portland (OR).

The postdoc will be based at Portland State University and will work primarily with Dr. Jen Morse (PSU), and will be co-mentored by Dr. Rebecca Hale (Idaho State University) and Dr. Allison Roy (University of Massachusetts/USGS), as well as the rest of the project team. In addition to leading individual site research and developing associated manuscripts, the postdoc will lead and collaborate on cross-city synthesis papers focused on spatial and temporal patterns of DOC, including: DOC concentrations, PARAFAC modeling for DOC characterization, bioavailability, and extracellular enzyme activity, and high-frequency DOC sensor datasets. We are excited to work with the postdoc to identify the best research foci for their career path.

The postdoc will have the opportunity to extend their professional network within the federal government through two U.S. Geological Survey PIs, in addition to working with partners from academia, state agencies, and non-profit organizations. Each postdoc will have the opportunity to mentor graduate and undergraduate students and collaborate on student-led data analysis and writing. The postdoc will also receive training in proposal writing and administration through collaboration with project PIs. Key responsibilities include:

• Coordinate field data collection and lab analysis (position will require field work and frequent local travel to field sites)
• Lead data analysis and manuscript preparation for Portland, OR study site
• Collaborate with the other postdoc, PIs, and graduate students to lead cross-site analysis and manuscripts
• Lead an annual seminar for project graduate students (with guidance from the PIs)

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant discipline (e.g., ecology, biology, environmental science, earth systems science, environmental engineering, organic chemistry) by the start date
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience and interest in aquatic biogeochemistry and/or ecosystem ecology
• Experience and interest in working with large data sets (data management and analysis)
• Experience and interest in science communication, within interdisciplinary teams and with stakeholders
• Experience and interest mentoring students

Additional Information

You must submit your CV/resume, cover letter, and list of three (3) professional references, including current contact information. This position will remain open until it is filled; however, priority consideration will be given to applications received prior to May 15, 2022. Salary will be $50,000 per year, commensurate with education and experience. Benefits include comprehensive health, dental, and vision; life insurance; disability plan; employee assistance program (EAP); excellent retirement options and company contribution; and generous paid time off/sick leave accrual. All offers of employment are conditional pending the successful completion of a background investigation, provided by HireRight.

Posting Number: req1589
Type: Working 12 months per year
Position: Non-classified Staff
Division: Idaho State University