Faculty Position in Ecological Genetics and Population Biology The Horn Point Laboratory (HPL) of the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) is seeking a highly qualified individual specializing in ecological genetics applied to understanding population biology of marine invertebrates. Candidates whose research integrates field and laboratory work and who have experience in the application of ecological genomics approaches to sustainable management and restoration of aquatic resources and/or population connectivity and dispersion are encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will be expected to develop rigorous, high-profile, externally funded research programs that maximize the available resources at Horn Point Laboratory and within UMCES, and to teach and mentor graduate students.
Excellent opportunities for collaborative, interdisciplinary research on a wide range of environmental science topics are available. Current research areas among the 29 faculty members at the Horn Point Laboratory include Food-Web Dynamics, Aquaculture and Restoration Ecology, Microbial Ecology and Biogeography, Plankton Ecology, Larval Transport, Climate Change, Physical Oceanography of Estuaries and Coasts, Sediment Transport, and Ecological Forecasting. There is also potential for collaboration with colleagues throughout the three other laboratories that compose UMCES as well as other branches of the University System of Maryland (USM). There are strong programs in Fisheries Science and Toxicology at the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory in Solomons; Molecular Biology at the Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology in Baltimore; and Freshwater and Terrestrial Ecology at the Appalachian Laboratory in Frostburg. Additional research opportunities are available through various institutional mechanisms. For example, UMCES is a partner within CINAR, a new NOAA-funded Institute for the North Atlantic Region (http://www.cinar.org/). These efforts are part of a larger UMCES commitment to translating scientific knowledge to resource managers and policymakers in support of sustainable ecosystems. Close proximity to the Washington-Baltimore area and its three airports fosters collaborative opportunities with other non-UMCES research institutions, facilitates travel to more distant research sites, and promotes access to major funding agency offices. The location and facilities of HPL support a wide array of estuarine and marine research activities. HPL is located on 344 ha of waterfront preserve along the shore of the Choptank River that opens into the Chesapeake Bay. This geographical location enables faculty to develop research programs on the Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuarine system in the United States, and on the coastal bays and ocean, which are within a few hours drive. HPL offers outstanding facilities including a modern, Aquaculture and Restoration Ecology Laboratory that houses state-of-the-art shellfish and finfish hatcheries with a flowing seawater system and dry laboratories. An analytical services laboratory, advanced molecular instruments, and multiple high-end computer clusters are available on campus. Field studies at HPL are supported by a diversity of outboard powered boats and a new 24.7m research vessel, specifically designed for estuarine and coastal research (http://www.umces.edu/research-discovery/rv-rachel-carson), as well as a newly acquired REMUS 600 AUV. UMCES faculty advise and mentor graduate students in Ecology, Environmental Science, Fisheries Science, Oceanography, and Environmental Chemistry through the University System of Marylands Marine, Estuarine, and Environmental Science (MEES) program (http://www.mees.umd.edu). Faculty members are required to teach one graduate course every other year and mentor graduate students in the MEES program. Fellowships, teaching assistantships, and travel funds for graduate students are available through HPL and USM. There are no undergraduate teaching duties associated with this position. The appointment will be tenure track. The position is 12 month with 75% annual hard-money support, with the balance to be generated from external grants and contracts. A Ph.D. and postdoctoral experience is required. We are seeking to make the appointment at the Assistant Professor level, but exceptional applicants at higher levels will be considered. Applicant review will emphasize the candidates track record of publications and grant capture commensurate to career stage and the ability to develop a dynamic, externally funded research profile with an international profile. Salary and benefits are competitive and dependent on qualifications. Candidates should email copies of their letter of application, curriculum vitae, statement of future research directions, graduate teaching interests, copies of three publications, and the contact information of three academic referees by 12/1/2012 to: [email protected] More information about HPL and UMCES can be found at:www.umces.edu/hpl. The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science is an EEO/AA employer. We promote excellence through diversity and encourage women and minorities to apply.
