Postdoctoral Research Associate I

The Biosphere 2 at the University of Arizona is seeking a full-time postdoctoral researcher with expertise in ecology of benthic communities on coral reefs. Potential research areas of interest include: microbial ecology, community ecology, genomics, symbiosis and dysbiosis, and reef restoration and conservation. Applicants with focus on anthropogenic stressors on coral-reef ecosystems, novel species interactions, and solutions for reef resilience (e.g., beneficial micro-organisms, stress hardening, transplantation, assisted evolution) are particularly encouraged to apply.

Initial appointment is for 12-months, with possibility of extension for a second year (subject to funding and performance). Salary commensurate with experience, following University of Arizona guidelines. The work will be supervised by Dr. Diane Thompson. The duty station for this position will be Biosphere 2.

Biosphere 2 Ocean (B2O) – the largest marine mesocosm in the world (2.6-million-liters) –
With unparalleled scale (2.6 million liters) and control (e.g., reef-scale temperature manipulation), the B2O presents a unique opportunity to investigate recovery processes, test novel species interactions under a changing climate, and explore solutions for rebuilding resilient coral reefs that can withstand continued ocean warming. Applicants will also join active collaborations with top restoration teams, including Coral Reef Arks (https://coralarks.org/) and Mote Marine Laboratory (https://mote.org/). Proposed projects bridging multiple (reef) scales, leveraging both 2700 liter raceway tanks, Coral Arks, and the B2O mesocosm, are encouraged.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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• Leverage the Biosphere 2 Ocean (B2O) – the largest marine
  mesocosm in the world (2.6-million-liters) – to investigate reef recovery
  processes across active restoration of the B2O reef, and identify effective
  solutions for building resilient coral reef ecosystems.
• The selected candidate is expected to conduct original
  research, write manuscripts for publication, actively participate in
  professional meetings, and collaborate with faculty and graduate students at
  the University of Arizona.
• The successful candidate is expected to spend the majority
  of their time on-site, actively conducting, supporting, and guiding B2O
  research initiatives.
• Additional duties may be assigned.

Knowledge, skills & abilities:

• Excellent writing and speaking skills.
• Strong programming abilities (e.g., R, Python and/or
  Matlab).
• Excellent communication and ability to work in diverse
  teams.
• Strong swimmer, capable of snorkeling or diving for data
  collection as needed (see preferred qualifications below).
• Independent research and leadership skills.
• Scientific communication skills for (a) mentoring students
  and (b) interfacing with visitors to the Biosphere 2.

• Ph.D. (or foreign equivalent) in marine biology, biological oceanography, or related field.

• Strong rescue and/or scientific dive training and experience.
• Experience working with corals and reef organisms in experimental settings (e.g., aquaria and raceways).