Title: Research Scientist for the Great Lakes Center
FTE: Full Time
Location: Buffalo, New York
The Great Lakes Center at SUNY Buffalo State invites applications for a Project Coordinator - Researcher Scientist position funded through the Research Foundation for SUNY, working on the project “Great Lakes Long-term Biological Monitoring Program 2022-2028” funded by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency. Within this project we collect and process benthos data, analyze large long-term datasets of Great Lakes benthic communities and associated abiotic parameters, and conduct extensive underwater video analysis of spatial distribution and changes in quagga and zebra mussel populations. This position involves excellent research opportunities in community, invasion, and aquatic ecology using large-scale data analysis. This project also provides extensive opportunities for collaboration with researchers and managers across the Great Lakes Region.
This position involves mandatory field work for up to 6 weeks each June-September on all Great Lakes aboard EPA’s Research Vessel “Lake Guardian” and smaller boats.
Due to the importance of the project for Great Lakes monitoring this is a long-term position not suitable for candidates looking for a short-term employment / postdoctoral experience (e.g. <2-3 years).
For more information on the Great Lakes Center click here: https://greatlakescenter.buffalostate.edu/
Primary duties and responsibilities:
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Overall grant management for the Cooperative Science and Monitoring Initiative (CSMI) benthic surveys part of the project, including survey preparation, participation in the survey, overseeing sample processing, data submission and report writing
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Statistical data analysis and data management in R
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Manuscript writing
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Report and grant proposal writing
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Participation in field surveys within the CSMI and Great Lakes Long-Term Biological Monitoring project (up to 6 weeks annually)
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Collection, processing and analysis of underwater images (no prior experience required)
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Presenting results at national and international conferences
Educational Requirements: Ph.D. in Zoology, Aquatic Biology, Biology, Ecology, Limnology, Entomology or related discipline.
Required qualifications:
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Strong communication and scientific writing skills
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Ecological data analysis in R, including large datasets
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Experience with Geographic Information Systems
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Strong collaborative and organizational skills
Preferred qualifications:
- Experience in taxonomic identification of benthic invertebrates
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Spatial statistics – GIS analysis and digital mapping
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Experience in remote sensing and image processing
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Skills in multivariate and nonparametric data analysis
- Experience with food-web analysis using fatty acids, SIA, or other techniques
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Experience in successful grant writing and management
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Strong publication record
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Highly adaptable professional who embraces teamwork, but also enjoys working independently.
Job Related Physical Requirements:
- Physical work while sampling, with the ability to lift 30-50 lbs.
- Microscope work
- Ability to work with preservatives (e.g. formalin, ethanol)
Travel Requirements:
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Participation in up to 1.5 months-long summer benthic surveys annually
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Travel for conferences and additional training
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Field sampling for other aquatic research projects, field and laboratory activities
Job Details: Approximate Start Date: 06/01/2023 or when the position is filled. This position is a 5 years appointment contingent on acceptable job performance. Duration: This position is currently funded for 5 calendar years (project end 01/16/2028), and further funding is anticipated for another 5-year cycle following the completion of the current funding cycle. Review of applications begin upon submission, deadline to apply is April 30, 2023. Please provide Cover Letter highlighting how your experience and research vision will fit into the position, Curriculum Vitae/Resume, and a list of professional references as a Single Attachment.
This opportunity includes an excellent benefit package and is grant-supported by the SUNY Buffalo State Sponsored Programs Office/Research Foundation. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.
The Research Foundation (RF) is not an agency or instrumentality of the State of New York. Employees of the RF are not state employees, do not participate in any state retirement system and do not receive state fringe benefits. The RF operates under a contract with The State University of New York and receives no directly appropriated state funding.