"SENSE" is a research program funded by NSF that builds on previous cyberinfrastructure to address water quality issues shared between Kentucky and West Virginia. The overarching goal is to utilize advanced aquatic sensor systems and apply resulting data to emerging environmental problems. We are working toward a greater understanding and optimizing the food-energy-water nexus (INFEWs) with specific emphasis on nutrient loads and warm water interacting to influence algal communities, including harmful algal blooms (CyanoHABs). New infrastructure focuses on the latest generation of sensors to measure real-time or near real-time water quality parameters including phosphorus, nitrogen, and algal metrics. Our emphasis is on Kentucky Lake where we have a long-term (28 years) monitoring program that includes all the major nutrients, zooplankton, and algae. . Real- monitoring (15 min interval) has occurred since 2005. The positions are located at Murray State University's Hancock Biological Station (HBS) on Kentucky Lake, about 15 miles from the main campus. HBS has a fulltime staff of 6 including a database manager, water chemist, field tech and other support staff. More about HBS is on our website: www.murraystate.edu/hbs.
The project is funded for 4 years. Positions are now immediately available for both a Postdoctoral Research Associate and a Masters graduate student. There will be opportunities for both the Postdoc and MS student to develop their own research within the scope of the grant. Funds are available to present at national meetings and cover publication costs. The Postdoctoral position includes a wide range of fringe benefits. The MS position includes a stipend and tuition and most fees. The MS candidate will have the option of residing at HBS. The Postdoc should have a background in phycology, particularly phytoplankton. Experience with water quality sensors is a plus and well as is experience with large data sets. The MS candidate should have an undergraduate degree with emphasis in environmental biology or computer science. For more information, contact David S. White Professor, Biological Sciences Director, Hancock Biological Station www.murraystate.edu/hbs Commonwealth Endowed Chair 561 Emma Drive Murray, KY 42071 Phone: 270-809-2272 Murray State University endorses the intent of all federal and state laws created to prohibit discrimination. Murray State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, veteran status, or disability in employment, admissions, or the provision of services.
