Postdoctoral Research Associate

Job Summary

This position provides an excellent opportunity for an early career Ph.D. researcher to work collaboratively with FGCU scientists and collaborators on the study of harmful cyanobacteria and dinoflagellates, particularly those associated with ciguatera and Florida red tide in the latter case.
A team of scientists working across various institutions is participating in this effort and there is substantial room for creative approaches by the post-doctoral scientist to propose original research to understand and improve our knowledge of species and their potential to cause harm to humans and wildlife (including molecular, remote sensing, and analytical techniques).
The research is expected to result in widely-distributed publications and presentations in the field of study. The postdoctoral researcher’s contributions are expected to provide insight into exposure vectors of various toxin groups for humans and wildlife and advance our understanding of exposure risks in the region.

Job Description

Typical duties include but are not limited to:

• Assists faculty research mentor with research project.
• Assist in the supervision of field studies to collect samples and data on harmful cyanobacteria and dinoflagellates, including toxin exposure vectors; isolate and grow harmful dinoflagellates
• Perform laboratory experiments on the triggers for toxin production/control through culturing experiments;
• Analyze lab- and field-based samples for toxin content to assess exposure vectors and risks
• Assist in the development and refinement of a forecasting model for toxin exposure events (particularly ciguatera poisoning)
• Duties may vary depending on research project and discipline.

Other Duties:

• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Additional Job Description

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Oceanography, Biology or related field
• Experience working with microalgae (including cyanobacteria), ecological modeling, OR remote sensing

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with phyco- or cyanotoxin analysis
• Experience working on the water (ship-, boat-, or SCUBA-based)
• Experience growing microalgae or cyanobacteria
• Experience with satellite/remote sensing data (SST, ocean color, etc.)
• Strong laboratory skills
• Strong analytical chemistry skills
• Experience with R, PRIMER, MaxEnt, ERDAS, and/or ArcGIS

All employees are expected to:

• Promote a common purpose consistent with stated University goals and demonstrate a commitment to students and the learning environment
• Possess the knowledge of general written standards and procedures utilized, and have the ability to read, interpret, and follow procedural and policy manual related to the job task
• Demonstrate the ability to respond to supervision, guidance and direction in a positive, receptive manner and in accordance with stated policies.
• Provide quality customer service by creating a welcoming and supportive environment.
• Present a professional image in word, action and attire.
• Apply effective techniques to create working relationships with others to achieve common goals; successfully communicates and collaborates with others to achieve goals.
• Demonstrate skills necessary to look at situations and processes critically to make recommendations for improvement.