Postdoctoral Research Associate, FLBS River Ecosystem Ecology Laboratory

Robert Hall’s River Ecosystem Ecology Laboratory, at the University of Montana and the Flathead Lake Biological Station seeks to fill two postdoctoral research associate positions as part of a large project to develop and compete computational, statistical, and machine learning methods for multi-dimensional data to create predictive and explanatory models for the life sciences. These positions will focus on material and energy flux in aquatic ecosystems.

The postdoctoral researchers will be primarily based at Flathead Lake Bio Station but will benefit from the opportunities to collaborate broadly. The positions allow for multiple professional development opportunities, including training in highly interdisciplinary science, collaborations across institutions, regular meetings with the entire consortium, mentorship toward academic and non-academic career development, and interactions with graduate and undergraduate students. The postdoctoral associate is expected to publish these findings in journals and work collaboratively with FLBS scientific staff and collaborators at other institutions.

The University of Montana is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. In that spirit, we are particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of qualified people who would assist the University in demonstrating its five priorities for action : Place student success at the center of all we do; drive excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research; embody the principle of “mission first, people always"; partner with place; and proudly tell the UM story.

Position Details

• Position is full-time, 1.0 FTE, Letter of Appointment and includes a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including Insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program.
• Salary for this position is $47,000 - $52,000 per year, commensurate with qualifications.

Required qualifications

• Ph.D. in ecosystem ecology, evolutionary biology, earth or environmental science, statistics, computer science, mathematics, complex systems science, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Record of publishing in peer-reviewed literature
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Experience in examining material and energy flux in aquatic ecosystems
• Keen interest in developing skills in mathematical or statistical modeling to extend strong conceptual thinking and research in life sciences
• Previous interdisciplinary and collaborative work, in addition to project leadership
• Interest in working with a diverse team across disciplinary boundaries

About the Flathead Biological Station, and UM

The Flathead Lake Biological Station is a field research and teaching facility designated as a Center of Excellence of the University of Montana. The mission of the Bio Station is to conduct basic and applied research in ecology with an emphasis on freshwater; provide field ecology courses for college students, K-12 teachers and natural resource professionals; train graduate students for professional or teaching careers; and, provide scientific data, interpretation and outreach to help resolve environmental problems and inform public policy locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. The faculty and staff also generate and maintain natural resource databases used by the public and resource management agencies in addition to supporting the research program at the Bio Station.

The University of Montana is a unit of the Montana University System with over 10,000 students. It is located in Missoula, a culturally vibrant community of about 72,000, surrounded by mountain grandeur which was recently ranked in the “ top 20 best college towns with a population of less than 250,000 ” by the American Institute for Economic Research and ranked 9th in Outside Magazine’s “ The 16 Greatest Places to Live in America” in 2014 . Many national publications recognize Missoula for its high quality of life . Abundant recreational opportunities in surrounding state and national forests and nearby Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park complement a thriving intellectual atmosphere. The University of Montana offers eligible employees a generous benefits package that positively separates UM from other local employers and offers many programs and policies to support work-life balance for its employees.

To learn more about the University of Montana, Missoula, and the State of Montana, please visit the links below.

• University of Montana
• Video: UM Lifestyles
• University Highlights
• The State of Montana
• Visit Montana

Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the Offer of Employment In accordance with University regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations. ADA/EOE/AA/Veteran's Preference Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, we encourage applications from minorities, veterans, and women. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law. References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. Testing: Individual hiring departments at UM may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions. Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9).

How to Apply

Priority Application Date: Sun day, November 15, 2020 by 11:59 PM (Mountain Time)

Complete applications received by the ‘Priority Application Date’ will be guaranteed consideration. The position will remain open until filled. Candidates are required to submit the following materials online via "New Resume/CV" button below

A complete application Includes:

1. Letter of Interest – addressing your qualifications and experience related to the stated required skills for the position.
2. Detailed Resume – listing education and describing work experience.
3. Professional References – names and contact information for three (3) professional references.
4. Links to 1-2 scientific publications where the candidate is the first author

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Job Location Polson, Montana, United States
Position Type Full-Time/Regular