Freshwater Research Ecologist

26968BR

KS Biological Survey

Position Overview

This post-doctoral scholar position is a cooperative effort between the Kansas Biological Survey & Center for Ecological Research and the Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology at the University of Kansas (KU). We seek to recruit an outstanding scholar, with or without post-doctoral experience, who exhibits exceptional potential for establishing a productive and impactful research program that aims to advance fundamental knowledge of aquatic ecology and applicable to current and future problems facing freshwater ecosystems in Kansas and beyond. We define aquatic ecology broadly, encompassing genes to ecosystems, and inclusive of a variety of approaches to answering research questions, including incorporating Traditional Ecological Knowledge or Indigenous Science or community/citizen and use-inspired science focused on freshwater systems. Interest in or experience with collaborative research is highly encouraged. We seek candidates interested in a research-intensive career in academia and connecting with existing strengths at KU while building an independent research program. This position has initial funding for a 2-year period after appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon additional funding. The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the U.S. by the effective date of the appointment.

The Kansas Biological Survey & Center for Ecological Research is grounded in the understanding that biodiversity is essential to Earth's ecosystems, and we embrace the human and ecological complexity that enriches our lives and promotes resilience in our world. We strive to grow a welcoming community with diverse lived experiences and a culture of listening in our research center. Applications are encouraged from members of underrepresented groups in higher education and/or research areas in STEM disciplines.

Founded in 1865, KU is the state's flagship university and a premier research institution that is one of only 39 public members of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU). The university enrolls more than 28,000 students and is dedicated to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive working and learning environment. The Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology is one of the largest and most productive departments in this field offering teaching and research expertise from genes to ecosystems. The Kansas Biological Survey (established in 1911) & Center for Ecological Research is a research center at KU and a state agency. The center's mission is to serve Kansas and the global environment through world-class ecological research, education, and outreach. The center operates the University of Kansas Field Station (established in 1947) that is a member of the international Organization for Biological Field Stations and part of the National Ecological Observatory Network.  The KU Field Station consists of >3,300 acres of land in various locations throughout eastern Kansas and a core field experiment station located eight miles nort of Lawrence, KS.  The main field station contains vast infrastructure to support aquatic research including a 3-hectare (13-m deep) reservoir within a protected watershed; an array of 100 ponds consisting of 75 tenth-hectare cells designed to facilitate experimental streams or land-water interface systems; and 80 mesocosms (11-m2 fiberglass tanks) to facilitate research in highly controlled field settings.  Participating units partner closely with the Biodiversity Institute, housed at the KU Museum of Natural History, which offers collaborative potential through access to a worldwide collection of over 10 million specimens encompassing birds, reptiles, amphibians, fishes, mammals and insects.

Job Description

Position Overview (continued)
The successful candidate is expected to begin developing an extramurally funded research program through networking, collecting preliminary data, publishing, and seeking professional development opportunities. A mentoring committee focused upon the candidate's area or research will be developed with the candidate to help them prepare for a research-intensive academic career. The mentoring committee will assist in identifying realistic goals for progress toward applying for and securing funding for research, providing feedback on research ideas, navigating extramural funding opportunities, and developing recruiting and mentoring strategies for working with undergraduate students. The mentoring committee will also provide feedback on grant proposals and encourage ways to maintain work life balance. The KU Office of Research offers an established Proposal Evaluation and External Review (PEER) program to help researchers obtain quality feedback on their grant applications and strengthen merits of the proposal to improve the likelihood of success.

Job Duties
60% Research

• Conduct research to acquire preliminary data for future proposals.
• Prepare and submit proposals to internal and external funding agencies.
• Perform data analyses on any projects, from previously collected data, existing data with collaborators at KU or elsewhere, or newly collected data from the postdoctoral period.
• Participate (as appropriate) in collaborative or synthesis-focused opportunities with colleagues at KU and elsewhere.
• Publish in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Present research at national and international scientific conferences.

• Work towards building research collaborations at KU.
• Seek and participate in professional development opportunities (e.g., proposal writing and budget management workshops, training on statistical analyses and graphics programs, data management, etc.).
• Work towards developing a network of researchers, state agency personnel, and representatives of non-government organizations working on issues facing aquatic ecosystems in the region.
• Participate in KU's Office of Diversity in Science Training or other mentoring programs.
• Mentor undergraduate researchers.

• Contribute to one research center standing committee.
• Contribute to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion at KU and in the candidate's discipline.
• As appropriate, connect with and engage in community building through connections to student groups at KU (e.g., SACNAS, AISES, First Nations Student Association).
• Contribute to the individual's discipline (e.g., peer-review)

Required Qualifications

The following required qualifications will be assessed through application materials:

• Ph.D. in biology, environmental science, ecology, or related discipline by start date of position.  Ph.D. candidates that have all but defended their degree are acceptable at the time of application if the degree will be completed by the time of appointment.
• Demonstrated expertise in aquatic ecology.
• Demonstrated commitment to excellence in research as evidenced by coursework, dissertation research, publications, and/or research grants or awards.

Preferred Qualifications

• Evidence of work to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM, as evidenced by service engagements, community building, or participation in society-focused mentoring programs, or related experiences.
• Experience mentoring or directing research for undergraduate students.
• Evidence of pursuing any kind of competitive award, grant, fellowship related to research (e.g., travel award, internal research funding, or national fellowship opportunities).
• Current emphasis on or potential to contribute to water related issues of concern in Kansas or the wider Great Plains region.

Contact Information to Applicants

Sara Baer
Director, Kansas Biological Survey & Center for Ecological Research
Professor of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
[email protected]

Additional Candidate Instruction

For a complete announcement of the position description and online application go to https://employment.ku.edu/staff/26968BR .  Please submit the following materials for a complete application:

Review of applications will begin March 1, 2024 and will continue as needed until a pool of qualified applicants is identified.

Advertised Salary Range

$70,000 with full benefits (12 months)

Application Review Begins

01-Mar-2024

Anticipated Start Date

15-Aug-2024

Limited Term End Date

30-Jun-2026

Primary Campus

University of Kansas Lawrence Campus

Employee Class

U-Unclassified Professional Staff

Conditions of Employment

Contingent on Funding, Limited Term

Work Location Assignment

On-Site

Disclaimer

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and is the Title IX coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for Civil Rights and Title IX, [email protected], Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY.