Chesapeake Biological Laboratory
Target date for receipt of applications: December 20, 2010
We invite applications for two tenure-track faculty positions in marine biogeochemistry and marine / estuarine ecology that will complement and enhance our existing programs in biogeochemistry, ecology, fisheries science and ecotoxicology. We seek candidates who conduct trans-disciplinary research in cross-cutting areas such as the cycling and transformations of organic matter within and among marine and estuarine systems, including biogeochemical interactions in sediments.
Applications are particularly encouraged from:
Organic biogeochemist with research interests that may include the biogeochemistry of carbon, nitrogen, and other biologically important elements, or emerging contaminant pathways and biomagnification in food webs. Expertise in new, rapidly expanding fields e.g., ocean acidification, geomicrobiology, or nano-scale biogeochemistry, is particularly encouraged. A strong analytical focus is desirable including the use of powerful tools such as isotopic tracers, biomarkers, or the chromatographic or spectroscopic characterization of complex environmental samples.
Marine / estuarine ecologist with research interests that may include processes related to fluxes through lower trophic levels and benthic environments, ecosystem responses to perturbations, and a cross-disciplinary systems approach to evaluating ecosystem structure and function using ecosystem-based approaches such as end to end modeling. Candidates whose research integrates field work and modeling are encouraged.
Successful applicants will have a Ph.D. and be expected to develop rigorous, high-profile, extramurally funded research programs. Excellent opportunities for collaborative, interdisciplinary research are available with colleagues throughout the multi-laboratory UMCES (http://www.umces.edu), as well as other branches of the State University System of Maryland. CBL offers outstanding facilities including a modern, purpose-designed environmental chemistry building (http://www.umces.edu/cbl/bernie-fowler-laboratory) that houses state-of-the-art research instrumentation. Instrumentation enhancements for the near future include a Thermo-Finnigan Delta V+ Isotope Ratio MS with peripherals for compound-specific analysis, organic pyrolysis and combustion, carbonates, and water samples; and a Thermo-Fisher LTQ Orbitrap XLLC–MSn system for structural characterization of a diverse suite of low molecular weight polar compounds. Both biogeochemical and ecological field studies at CBL are supported by a new 24.7m research vessel, specifically designed for
estuarine and coastal research (http://www.umces.edu/research-discovery/rv-rachel-carson). For ecological studies, CBL has direct access to estuarine and marine waters. The FRC building is purpose-designed to conduct tank and mesocosm scale experiments under controlled conditions (http://www.umces.edu/cbl/fisheries-research-complex). The CBL faculty maintains diverse instrumentation to support research (see. http://www.cbl.umces.edu/instrumentation).
UMCES faculty advise and mentor graduate students in environmental science or toxicology, through the University System of Maryland’s Marine, Estuarine, and Environmental Science (MEES) program (http://www.mees.umd.edu). Faculty members are expected to teach one graduate course every other year. There is no undergraduate teaching.
CBL is located on the western shore of Chesapeake Bay in the historical waterfront community of Solomons. This geographical location enables faculty to develop research programs on the Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuarine system in the United States. Close proximity to the Washington-Baltimore area and its three airports fosters collaborative opportunities with other research institutions, facilitates travel to more distant research sites and promotes access to major funding agency offices. Additional research opportunities are available through various institutional mechanisms. For example, UMCES is a partner within a new NOAA-funded Institute for the North Atlantic Region (http://www.whoi.edu/centers/CINAR) and it is home to the Alliance for Coastal Technology (http://www.umces.edu/cbl/project/alliance-coastal-technologies), a testing center for marine sensor systems, also supported by NOAA. These efforts are part of a larger UMCES commitment to translating scientific knowledge to resource managers and policymakers in support of sustainable ecosystems.
Salary and benefits are competitive and dependent on qualifications. Ph.D. is required of successful candidates at time of appointment and postdoctoral experience is preferred. UMCES is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. We promote excellence through diversity and encourage women and minorities to apply. To apply, please send a statement of interest that summarizes the areas of research you wish to explore and your teaching philosophy, a c.v., examples of 3 relevant publications and a list of 3 potential references to Ms. Kelly Arthur (arthur@umces.edu) with either Biogeochemist or Marine Ecologist in the subject line. For more details about the positions or CBL in general contact Dr. Thomas Miller (miller@cbl.umces.edu), chair of the search committee.
