Postdoctoral position in Freshwater Bioassessment Using DNA Methods

The Department of Biology at the University of Minnesota Duluth, Duluth MN, in collaboration with the Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division of the US Environmental Protection Agency, Duluth MN, has an opening for a postdoctoral research associate. We seek a candidate with strong data analysis and writing skills and an interest in analyzing patterns in aquatic fauna biogeography and biodiversity, especially in the context of aquatic invasive species monitoring and DNA-informed data. Via a cooperative training agreement between the University of Minnesota and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the successful candidate will join a team of ecologists (led by Drs. Anett Trebitz and Joel Hoffman) working towards the goals of developing biological monitoring approaches and aquatic invasive species early detection capacity in the Great Lakes region. Additional research opportunities and mentoring will be provided by a faculty mentor of the University of Minnesota, with the appropriate mentor(s) identified depending on the postdoctoral associate's interests. The postdoctoral candidate will divide their time between analysis and publication of existing data, and planning and conducting new field and laboratory studies aimed at biological assessments and DNA methods (e.g., eDNA, metabarcoding of biological samples) for various aquatic fauna. Potential areas of emphasis include bioassessment outcome analyses, developing or applying new statistical approaches towards optimizing invasive species early detection monitoring, and examining the capabilities and limitations of DNA-based vs. morphology-based data for assessment design and indicator development.

This is a full-time, 12-month position, with an anticipated funding period of at least two years (pending annual review and funding availability). This opportunity is supported through the Cooperative Training Partnership program between the University of Minnesota (UMN) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The selected candidate would be an employee of the University of Minnesota and would be expected to divide their time between the University of Minnesota (either the Duluth or Twin Cities campus) and the EPA facility in Duluth.

Job Duties

• Writing manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed scientific journals (40%);
• Conducting statistical and geospatial analyses of biological data (40%);
• Conducting laboratory and field work related to biological assessment and DNA measurements (15%)
• Presenting research findings at conferences (5%)

Required Qualifications

• PhD in oceanography, limnology, aquatic ecology, or related field from a regionally-accredited college or university;
• Excellent record of scientific achievement as indicated by a publication record and extramural funding commensurate with time since PhD;
• OR a publication record of technical reports, patents or equivalent publications relevant to industry or government;
• Excellent science writing skills in the English language as demonstrated by application materials, PhD thesis, and/or published manuscripts and reports;
• Programming skills and/or multivariate and spatial statistics experience;
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment.
• USA citizenship or permanent residency

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with analyzing biodiversity and biogeography patterns using a variety of statistical techniques;
• Working knowledge of morphology-based and/or DNA-based methods for taxonomic identification
• Familiarity with freshwater North American aquatic fauna (e.g., plankton, benthic macroinvertebrates, and fish), ideally from the Great Lakes and upper midwest region
• Excellent oral communication skills in the English language.

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue.

Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university. A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).