Job Posting: Dreissenid Mussel Biologist

Position Announcement: Dreissenid Mussel Biologist

University of Minnesota- St. Paul Campus

(9403-R) Research Assistant Professor (annually renewable)

Requisition Number: 184149

Duties/Responsibilities: The University of Minnesota invites applications for a full-time, annually renewable research faculty position. We seek a molecular physiologist, pathologist, biochemist, or invertebrate ecologist with expertise on some aspect of mollusk biology that might eventually be exploited to control invasive dreissenid mussels in northern lakes and streams.  The researcher will actively contribute to the research mission of the University, the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center (MAISRC), and its affiliated colleges and academic units. The academic home for this position will be in the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resources Sciences, the College of Biological Sciences, or the College of Veterinary Medicine, depending on candidate’s area of expertise.
We seek a biologist with established or emerging lines of high-quality research that has potential to produce a control measure for zebra and or quagga mussels within 5-10 years.  Possible approaches could include (but are not limited to) molecular analysis to search for weaknesses in metabolic processes including detoxification of microbial toxins, isolation and identification of microbial toxins, identification of natural pathogens, and identification of natural enemies. Successful applicants will be expected to continue and expand their own independent research initiatives and to work with University and public agency researchers to cultivate new interdisciplinary collaborations. Regardless of their research focus, we anticipate that successful applicants will show potential for obtaining external funding (e.g., local, state, federal, private sources) to support their independent and collaborative research projects. Applicants should also be prepared to advise graduate students and participate in activities of the new aquatic invasive species research center.

Program Description: In 2012, the Minnesota legislature appropriated funds from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund and the Clean Water Fund to create an Aquatic Invasive Species Cooperative Research Center at the University of Minnesota, in collaboration with the Commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources. The MAISRC is a University-wide center that provides a collaborative environment for aquatic invasive species (AIS) researchers from different disciplinary backgrounds.

The Center’s mission is to develop biologically and economically sound solutions to control key aquatic invasive species affecting Minnesota’s waters. Our strategy is to develop an in-depth understanding of the biology and ecology of key AIS to determine if there are weaknesses in their life histories that can be targeted for control and eradication. The Center will also use modeling and risk analysis to help state AIS managers determine the most efficient and effective application of any of the Center’s findings. Please see www.maisrc.umn.edu for more information about the Center.

The dreissenid mussel biologist position comes with an equipped research laboratory, shared space in an AIS holding facility, and an approximate 5-year operating budget with graduate student (or technician) support.  Currently, the MAISRC has five researchers from two academic units across two colleges in the University, but it will be expanding and diversifying pending legislative approval of additional funds in 2013.  The position will be located on the St. Paul Campus of the larger Twin Cities Campus of the University of Minnesota, one of the top public research universities in the nation.

Qualifications
Required:

  • A doctoral degree in a discipline aligned with molecular biology, molecular physiology, toxicology, ecology, zoology, pathology, or related field
  • Demonstrated ability to conduct research related to Dreissena sp.  biology
  • A strong publication record in relevant peer-reviewed journals
  • Strong written communication skills 

Preferred:

  • Experience in molecular approaches to studies of mollusk ecology
  • Evidence of potential for obtaining independent external research funding
  • Evidence of independent and collaborative research
  • Experience working in interdisciplinary educational programs and research teams
  • Experience and ability to work with diverse teams and relate to people from different cultures
  • Strong verbal communication and presentation skills
  • Ability to supervise research personnel and advise graduate students from culturally diverse backgrounds
  • Ability to culture or sample Dreissena sp. in the field
  • Ability to track and raise funds

Salary: This is a full time, 12 month, annually renewable Research Assistant Professor. The salary for this position is competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications. Currently, there is funding to support this position for five years.  The person who holds this position will have the opportunity to seek additional grant funding to further continue this appointment.  Benefits include employee health, dental, and faculty life/disability insurance, social security, faculty retirement and opportunities for professional development. Benefits described at http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/benefits/index.html

Application Instructions: The search committee will begin reviewing applications on July 1, 2013 and the position will remain open until filled. Please apply online via the University's Employment System at employment.umn.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=110847
and attach the following documents: 1) cover letter specifically addressing how you meet each of the required and preferred qualifications; 2) curriculum vitae; 3) two samples of written research publications (attach as additional document 1 and 2); 4) a brief description of your proposed research program (attach as additional document 3); 5) the names and contact information for three professional references.  Only complete applications submitted on-line will be considered.

In addition to the materials you submit on-line, please have the three references email letters of recommendation directly to Lori Loberg at theis020@umn.edu.

If you have any questions about the application process or for information about how to apply on-line, please contact Lori Loberg at (612) 624-8439 or by email at theis020@umn.edu.

As an institution committed to demonstrating excellence through diversity, the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences and the University are committed to hiring a diverse faculty and staff, and actively encourages candidates from historically underrepresented groups to apply.