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Postdoctoral Scholar: Aquatic Ecology/Symons Lab

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Position description

The postdoctoral scholar position is in aquatic ecology, studying temporal variation in mountain lake plankton communities, and the response of lake food webs to interannual variation in climate. Along with collaborators at UC San Diego, we have been collecting long-term data from lakes in the Sierra Nevada, and part of this position would be to manage the long-term sampling program, analyze survey data, and conduct field-based studies and experiments based on findings and the candidate's interests. The successful candidate will ideally have experience conducting lake surveys (physical, chemical, and biological), and have interests related to spatial / temporal beta-diversity with environmental variability, response of food webs to shifting environmental conditions, or resilience/resistance to extreme events.

Start date: Flexible, ideally between December 2022 – March 2023. The primary responsibilities of this position include: 1. Conducting field-base studies and experiments (~25%) Help to design and conduct field work and experiments. Study design will be done in partnership with the PI; field work will be done with support from graduate students and undergraduates. 2. Laboratory sample processing (~15%) Coordinate sample preparation for water chemistry, and sediment analysis. Process invertebrate samples with the help of undergraduate researchers 3. Data synthesis and analysis (~25%) Work with PI and collaborators to develop and implement data synthesis and analysis related to the projects, including 4. Writing and presenting research results (~25%) Draft and submit manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals; present results at professional meetings, conferences, and seminars. 5. Student mentoring (~10%) Mentor undergraduate and graduate students in related research.

Minimum qualifications: 1. Doctoral degree in Biology, Ecology, or a related field from an accredited university 2. Ability and desire to work collaboratively in a team environment, and mentor graduate and undergraduate students 3. Project leadership, time management, data analysis using R, and writing skills 4. Record of high-quality publications.

The postdoc will work directly with Dr. Celia Symons (https://www.symonslab.com/) at the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, UC Irvine and will collaborate with Dr. Jonathan Shurin at UC San Diego. There will be opportunities to mentor graduate and undergraduate students. The initial appointment will be for 12 months and will be renewable for up to one year, subject to performance and availability of funding. Salary will commensurate with qualifications and experience, and a salary 5k above scale (https://ap.uci.edu/wp-content/uploads/postdoc.pdf) will be offered. There are opportunities for 25k salary supplements (on top of base salary) for candidates with a strong commitment to inclusive excellence (https://www.uci.edu/diversity/).

When applying, please include 1) Cover letter that includes at minimum: i) Research statement, ii) fit with the advertised position, iii) past and potential contributions to inclusive excellence, 2) CV, 4) Contact information for three references, and 5) Copy of a publication or preprint. I encourage applications from all qualified individuals, including historically underrepresented groups in ecology. It is a mission of the university, school, department, and the Symons Lab to foster equity, inclusion, and justice.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

Accepting all applicants.

Application Requirements

Document requirements
Reference requirements
  • 3-5 required (contact information only)
Apply link: https://recruit.ap.uci.edu/JPF07952

About UC Irvine

The University of California, Irvine is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

Job location

Irvine, CA