Florida International University’s Freshwater Resource Division at the Institute of Environment is seeking to fill a Postdoctoral Associate position in the area of Biogeochemistry. The research foci are specific to addressing environmental impacts in Biscayne Bay, Florida.
The primary objective of the Postdoctoral Associate will be to conduct research on Biscayne Bay, addressing the magnitude and ecological importance of biogeochemical inputs to the Bay from multiple sources in the greater Miami-Dade County metropolitan region and from water conveyances (canals) that bring water to the Bay from elsewhere in South Florida. More specific projects or focal areas could include linking data from a network of high-frequency water quality buoys to ecological responses; better documenting and understanding the physical dynamics of canals, river water, and groundwater that contribute to nutrient and organic matter loading in the Bay; and understanding the role of exchanges between sediments and the overlying water column in driving ecological responses to water quality conditions. Research experience at the nexus of ecology, biogeochemistry, and hydrology in estuaries would be particularly helpful for the successful applicant. The appointment is for one year but renewable based on performance and funds availability.
FIU’s Biscayne Bay Research Initiative promotes interdisciplinary research among faculty from multiple departments, such as Biology, Chemistry, Earth & Environment, Public Health, and Computer Sciences. The research focus is to address the sources, transport, transformation and ecosystem responses to contaminants, pollutants and other natural stressors, under changing land-use and environmental conditions. The proposed work will be performed within the natural, agricultural, and human/urban landscapes that intersect with Biscayne Bay and targeted to help identify specific nutrient pollution sources that could be mitigated within a 5-year timeline.
The Postdoctoral Associate will conduct independent research, lead sampling design, coordinate implementation of field work, training of personnel, and lead the data analysis and reporting processes for Biscayne Bay projects. The minimum qualification for a Postdoctoral Associate is a Doctoral Degree in the broad areas such as Biogeochemistry, Environmental Sciences, Ecology, Biology, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Hydrology, Geology, Chemical Oceanography or related field.
Professional skills and experiences that would be considered in hiring include a background in analysis of high frequency water quality data using R, Python, or machine learning; skills in field sampling and field experimentation; or past experience in interdisciplinary research on estuaries. Evidence of ability to publish in peer-reviewed scientific journals is essential; ability to communicate research findings to a broader non-technical audience would be helpful.
Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply to Job Opening ID 530707 at https://facultycareers.fiu.edu/ and attach a cover letter and CV. Candidates will be requested to provide names and contact information for at least three (3) references who will be contacted as determined by the search committee. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Please direct any questions to Professor Bill McDowell at wmcdowel@fiu.edu.