Overview

Title: Post-Doctoral Research Associate, Stream Ecology      
Date: September 2022
FLSA: Exempt
Grade: C41
Reports to: RiverWatch Director & Stream Ecologist

Scope of Position

This position will focus on the impacts of environmental stressors on aquatic communities in small streams, including contributing to existing research and establishing new projects that focus on the ecology of small streams.

This is an annual position for a duration of up to two years, with the second year dependent on satisfactory performance.  Additional funding may become available after two years, with the postdoctoral research associate helping to secure such funds. 

Key Measurable Expectations

The following are duties that are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required or assigned.

This position will focus on the impacts of anthropogenic stressors on aquatic invertebrates. The successful candidate will contribute to the continuation of existing research and establishment of new projects that focus on the ecology of small streams. Current and upcoming projects include:

• Assemblage-level impacts of road salt on aquatic invertebrates
• Plasticity and heritability of salt tolerance in freshwater invertebrates
• Long-term, basin-wide evaluation of freshwater mussel communities
• Impacts of microplastics on invertebrate health and behavior

The successful candidate is expected to:

• Conduct research that aligns with the described areas of interest, including the creation and organization of data sets; the analysis of data using appropriate methods; and the preparation of reports and manuscripts.
• Collaborate with NGRREC scientists on other mission-oriented research.
• Contribute to the development of grant proposals.
• Assist in the day-to-day operation of the stream ecology program, including collaboration with and monitoring of less senior members.

The postdoc will be based at the National Great Rivers Research & Education Center (NGRREC) (www.ngrrec.org), a state-of-the-art research facility on the banks of the Mississippi River about 30 minutes from downtown St Louis.

Minimum Training and Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Functions

• PhD in Ecology, Biology or related discipline (must be attained by the start date)
• Strong quantitative skills, including data management, mathematical and statistical modelling
• Coursework or other experience in ecotoxicology, water quality, invertebrate taxonomy, population genomics, functional ecology, and/or digital morphometrics
• Experience with the use of dissecting microscopes, preferably for the purpose of taxonomic identification
• Strong publication record (commensurate with experience)
• The ability to work independently and in groups (including peers, students, and others)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Expertise in Geospatial Data analysis and modelling
• Experience identifying aquatic invertebrates, both living and preserved
• Broad understanding of stream ecology and hydrology
• Interest in developing research questions within the scope of the position
• Interest and ability in the collaborative development of grant proposals
• Availability for periodic weekend work

Lewis & Clark Community College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Affirmative Action Employer.  In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, LCCC will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.  It is also the policy of the College to prohibit and form of harassment based on an individual’s protected status, such as gender, color, race, ancestry, religion, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, citizenship status, sexual orientation or other protected group status as defined by law. If interested, please contact the Human Resource Department, Erickson Hall – Room 107.

Applicants must apply via the Lewis and Clark website at jobs.lc.edu.