Postdoctoral Research Associate, Marine Sciences Job - UConn

A postdoctoral opportunity is available to participate in an NSF-funded, international research project focused on the plasticity of particle capture in marine, benthic suspension-feeders. The proposed research will determine if feeding processes are mediated by intrinsic or extrinsic factors, and address fundamental questions regarding control of particle capture elicited by invertebrate suspension-feeders when confronted with different particle spectra and, thus, changing food supplies. The work will be carried out predominately in laboratories of J. Evan Ward and Sandra Shumway at the University of Connecticut, Department of Marine Sciences, Avery Point, but will involve on-site collaboration with research groups in Israel and Canada. Information about the Ward laboratory can be found at http://web.uconn.edu/jevanward and https://www.facebook.com/bivalvesRus.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: We seek a motivated and experienced individual to participate in this research project. The individual will be expected to:
• Carry out field and laboratory experiments and other studies on benthic suspension-feeding invertebrates, including the collection of animals and in situ studies.
• Euthanize invertebrates and isolate various tissues for analyses.
• Carry out established protocols, and develop and implement new protocols for analyzing biological filtration of pico- and nano-plankton.
• Process and analyze data.
• Participate – as both lead author and co-author – in preparation of project reports, scientific manuscripts for publication, and preparation of proposals.
• Interact with technical laboratory personnel and mentor graduate and undergraduate students.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 
• Doctoral degree in Marine Sciences or closely related field, with an emphasis on the physiology or ecology of benthic suspension feeders.
• Open-water SCUBA certification.
• Experience working with benthic suspension feeders.
• Knowledge of benthic invertebrates and near-shore processes.
• Publications related to the minimum qualifications.
• Strong writing skills.
• Ability to travel to Israel and Canada

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 
• AAUS SCUBA certification with evidence of underwater research experience.
• Demonstrated experience mentoring graduate and undergraduate students.
• Experience with invertebrate culture, care, and maintenance.
• Technical expertise with electronic particle counters and flow cytometers.
• Some experience with DNA extraction and PCR.

APPOINTMENT TERMS: This is an 11-month appointment. Salary will be commensurate with experience.

TO APPLY: Interested individuals should apply online at UConn Jobs (www.jobs.uconn.edu), Staff Positions and upload in a single PDF document: a cover letter outlining research experience and interests (maximum 3 pages), a curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references.
It is preferred that applications be received by February 15, 2019.