A post-doctoral fellowship is available at The University of Texas at Austin Marine Science Institute (UTMSI) to conduct and support studies on nitrogen dynamics in the Mission-Aransas National Estuary Research Reserve. Process-oriented studies will be conducted on nitrogen transformation and oxygen-removal rates at the sediment-water interface and water-column in Copano Bay and adjacent sites. Duties include preparation and participation in cruises/field trips; planning and conducting field and laboratory experiments; measuring nutrient concentrations using automated techniques; measuring gas concentrations and rates of gas transformations via membrane inlet mass spectrometry (MIMS); stable isotope tracer studies in the sediments and water column; high performance liquid chromatographic measurements of concentrations and isotope ratios of ammonium for the experimental studies; data processing; manuscript preparation; and other duties as requested. Professional development will be encouraged and interdisciplinary investigations will offer opportunities to work among scientists with a variety of aquatic-science interests.
Qualifications: Ph.D. degree in oceanography, aquatic ecology, or related scientific field is required for the post-doctoral title, but highly qualified candidates at the M.S. level may also be considered for a research assistant position. A background in biogeochemistry, marine ecology, and/or analytical chemistry is desired, Experience with, or interest in learning, the operation of the MIMS and HPLC systems and/or automated nutrient analyzers, developing spreadsheets, interpreting data, and writing up scientific results will be beneficial. Applications will be considered immediately. Starting salary will range from about $40,000 to $44,000 per year, depending on qualifications and experience. The position may begin as soon as February 1, 2010 and has an expected duration of two years. The UTMSI is located in Port Aransas, a progressive South Texas coastal community that is located about 25 miles from Corpus Christi and about 200 miles from the main campus in Austin. For more information, please contact Edward J. Buskey (Email address: [email protected]; Telephone: 361 749 6794) or Wayne S. Gardner (Email address: [email protected]; Telephone: 361 749 6823).
