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Form of workPosition Overview
Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences is seeking a qualified and motivated individual for a Postdoctoral Scientist position in the research group of Dr. Douglas Rasher. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading key elements of a new three year, NSF-funded project that seeks to better elucidate the trophic niches of large herbivorous fishes on modern Coral Reefs. In collaboration with a team of renowned scientists from Bigelow, UC-Santa Barbara, University of Texas, and the Smithsonian Institution, the postdoc will conduct fieldwork, employ cutting-edge tools (e.g., gut content metabarcoding and compound-specific isotope analysis), and statistically integrate large and diverse datasets to reveal how the niches of these herbivores are changing in response to human impacts.
Requirements
- PhD in Biology, Ecology, Marine Science, Computer Science, or related field
- A record of excellence in both conducting and publishing original research
- A general understanding of Coral Reef Ecology
- Strong computational skills, including the ability to integrate ecological, environmental, and molecular data within modeling frameworksMoreover, applicants must
- Be highly organized
- Show a superb attention to detail
- Possess the ability to multi-task and meet deadlines
- Display strong writing and speaking skills
- Express a suite of traits that embody professionalism and scientific rigor
- Have the desire to work in a "team science" setting that is centered on inclusivity and collaboration
Apply
Please submit a cover letter, CV, and three professional references using our online application portal. Screening of candidates will begin January 8,2024 and the search will continue until the position is filled.
Individuals seeking more information about this position or needing to request an accommodation, please contact careers@bigelow.org or (207) 315-2567, ext. 107.
Why choose Bigelow Laboratory for postdoctoral research?
In brief, Bigelow Laboratory offers one of the best career growth opportunities for early career scientists interested in bold science for our blue planet. Postdocs at Bigelow Laboratory are an integral part of our research and educational programs.
Cutting edge, multidisciplinary science
Bigelow Laboratory scientists and our Discovery Centers use innovative approaches to study the foundation of global ocean health and unlock its potential to improve the future of all life on our planet. Creative, cutting-edge science is our hallmark, fusing the best of scientific inquiry and entrepreneurial ingenuity. Our scientists are highly productive, frequently publishing high-impact scientific papers. Postdocs at Bigelow are encouraged to collaborate, facilitated by our open lab building layout and broad pool of technical expertise in our scientific staff.
Funding opportunities
In addition to funding support on research grants, postdocs at Bigelow are eligible to apply for internal funding to support research. For example, Bigelow sponsors a Postdoctoral Fellowship that funds a 10-week independent project with an undergraduate student intern as well as possibilities for postdocs to apply as co-investigators for internal seed funding for new ideas. Postdocs are also eligible to be co-investigators on proposals to major funding agencies. Funding is also available to support postdocs to teach in our educational programs. Bigelow Laboratory also welcomes Postdoctoral Fellows who receive external funding, such as from the National Science Foundation's postdoctoral fellows programs, NASA's Postdoctoral Program Fellows, and various foundation-supported fellowships.
Teaching and mentoring opportunities
Postdocs at Bigelow Laboratory are integral parts of our diverse educational programs. Postdocs have the funded opportunity to co-teach sections of our fall Sea Change Semester for undergraduate students, and postdocs can also be the primary mentor for undergraduate interns during our summer intern program. Postdocs are also eligible to apply for professional development funds to support skill building related to teaching. As adjunct research faculty with Colby College - one of Bigelow Laboratory's major educational program partners - postdocs can also participate in educator and course development opportunities through Colby College.
Dedicated professional development training and opportunities
Bigelow Laboratory strongly believes in supporting the growth and development of our postdocs. To this end, we offer a monthly training series - taught by our scientists and other professionals - that covers diverse professional development topics such as grant writing, applying for jobs, mentoring, research ethics, course development, conflict resolution, project management, and more. Postdocs at Bigelow also get the opportunity to serve on our various governance committees of the institution, helping to shape the policies of the organization and getting real-life experience relevant to future career stages. This kind of professional development opportunity is highly unique to Bigelow, and provides a competitive advantage in the job market.
Quality of Life
Bigelow Laboratory believes that the greatest asset of our independent research institute is our people. Thus, we aim for everyone to be able to thrive. Our postdoc positions are well paid for the cost of living of the area, and employment includes generous employee benefits like health care, retirement plans, and paid leave. Our state-of-the-art oceanfront campus in East Boothbay is located in scenic Midcoast Maine, situated to provide access to the very best Maine has to offer. Within a reasonable commuting distance of most major Maine cities, this mid-coast peninsula offers the perfect balance between small town coastal charm and urban accessibility. Bigelow Laboratory is an inclusive community of scientists from around the world that welcomes and supports diverse opinions and cultures. We strive to maintain an environment that allows our employees to flourish through respectful, inclusive, and equitable treatment of others. We believe there is power in embracing the full diversity of humanity to advance science and are committed to supporting each other as individuals worthy of respect.
Competitive job placement success
Postdocs from Bigelow Laboratory have a high placement rate (over 90%) in the competitive academic job market, leveraging the broad portfolio of experience and cutting-edge research they are able to do. In the past decade, most of our recent postdocs have secured tenure-track academic positions at research intensive universities as well as education-focused liberal arts institutions, with some also going into federal or commercial research.
Working at Bigelow Laboratory
Bigelow Laboratory is an inclusive community of scientists from around the world that welcomes and supports diverse opinions and cultures. Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences strives to maintain an environment that allows our employees to flourish through respectful, inclusive, and equitable treatment of others. We believe there is power in embracing the full diversity of humanity to advance science and are committed to supporting each other as individuals worthy of respect.
Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences requires that all employees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Being fully vaccinated means that an individual is at least two weeks past their final dose of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine regimen. As a condition of employment, newly hired employees will be required to provide proof of their COVID-19 vaccination.
About Midcoast Maine
Bigelow Laboratory's state-of-the-art oceanfront campus in East Boothbay is located in scenic Midcoast Maine, perfectly situated to provide access to the very best Maine has to offer. Within a reasonable commuting distance of most major Maine cities, this mid-coast peninsula offers the perfect balance between small town coastal charm and urban accessibility. Our peninsula is home to fishermen and sea captains, marine biologists, nature lovers, botanists and gardeners, artists, merchants, and entrepreneurs. Many non-profit organizations call this region home and work hard to further their missions in support of the arts, seamanship and marine education, conservation, historic preservation, and more.
Employment Type: FULL_TIME
