Job Description: Postdoctoral Research Associate in River Biogeochemistry Agency: Texas State University San Marcos Location: San Marcos, Texas, USA Job Description: Texas State University is accepting applications for a post doctoral research associate examining biogeochemistry and nutrient cycling of spring-fed river ecosystems. The position will be a part of a multi-year project funded by the State of Texas legislature to create the San Marcos River Observing System. The San Marcos River is a unique spring-fed river located in central Texas; the river emerges from the Edwards Aquifer, one of the most productive karst aquifers in the world, and contains multiple endemic and imperiled taxa. The position will be within the Department of Biology at Texas State University (http://www.bio.txstate.edu/) and will function in collaboration with the Texas River Systems Institute (http://www.rivers.txstate.edu/). Texas State University San Marcos is a state-funded university of approximately 30,000 students located halfway between the cities of Austin and San Antonio on the edge of the Texas Hill Country. The expected duties of the position are (1) to assess historical and current trends in hydrology and water quality, (2) coordinate and organize field technicians and sampling activities, (3) interact with and mentor graduate and undergraduate students, (4) coordinate with and provide assistance to senior researchers on the project, (5) design, implement, and manage a database of historical and current hydrological and water quality data, (6) collect and analyze current data on hydrology and water quality, (7) prepare funding agency progress reports as required, (8) authorship of grant proposals for additional funding related to the project, and (9) publication of data related to the project in the peer-reviewed literature. The position is funded for a 2-year period with the possibility continuation if performance is satisfactory and funding is available. Qualifications: Applicants must have a PhD awarded prior to taking the position, with a strong background in one or more of the following areas: aquatic biogeochemistry, hydrology (surface and/or groundwater), nutrient cycling of river ecosystems, and nutrient loading and/or non-point source nutrient pollution. Applicants must have strong quantitative skills, experience working with large datasets, and integration of multiple data sets. Experience with time series analysis and use of spatial analytical techniques, including ArcGIS, is preferred. SCUBA certification and experience with small boats is ideal. Familiarity with various field equipment and sampling techniques is required, including use of ISCO samplers, logging water quality sondes, flow meters, and collection of water quality samples. Willingness and ability to perform field work under sometimes adverse conditions is a must. In addition, applicants must be comfortable in the lab and have experience with water quality analyses. Applicants have to work independently with limited supervision, but must be able to work well with others in a collaborative environment. Finally, applicants must have a demonstrated ability and desire to publish in the peer-reviewed literature. Salary: Commensurate with experience (includes benefits) Last Date to Apply: Review of applications will begin May 1st and will continue until the position is filled. The anticipate start date is no later than August 31, 2010. Please contact Dr. Weston H. Nowlin ([email protected]; 512-245-8794) for submission of application materials. Applicants should provide a cover letter, a CV, names of three references, up to three reprints of representative research articles, and a brief statement of research interests and career goals. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply, but applicants must be US citizens or authorized to work in the US. Texas State University-San Marcos is a member of the Texas State University system and an equal opportunity employer.
