Gaiser Aquatic Ecology Lab
Postdoctoral Fellowship
About Us:
Join the Gaiser Aquatic Ecology Lab at the Institute of Environment at Florida International University where we study long-term dynamics of benthic algal communities. Our research projects extend over multiple decades and include the Florida Coastal Everglades Long Term Ecological Research program. Projects generate benthic algal community data over unusually long time-frames aimed at unraveling the physicochemical and biological drivers of their dynamics over multiple temporal and spatial scales. We address questions of benthic algal resilience to and recovery from disturbance, the regimes of which are rapidly changing in subtropical Florida. Our research is highly collaborative with scientists from other universities as well as the agencies involved in restoring and sustaining the Florida Everglades.
Responsibilities:
As a post-doc in this position, you will develop questions and analytical approaches to integrate and synthesize long-term spatially extensive datasets on benthic diatom and algae species composition and their drivers. Both morphological and molecular taxonomic and abundance data are available. Anticipated outcomes include peer-reviewed publications that address contemporary theory in community ecology while also providing performance measures or models for assessing the restoration effectiveness in the face of other disturbances, including rapid climate change. Collaborations with the laboratory of Dr. Nathan Dorn, a food-web ecologist at FIU, will facilitate integration of top-down consumer influences on benthic algal responses to changing environmental drivers. Collaborations with Drs. Colin Saunders and Sue Newman at the South Florida Water Management District will facilitate integration with other long-term ecological studies that inform adaptive ecosystem management. The position will include participation in helicopter- and airboat-based field work in the most remote regions of the Everglades. We are dedicated to providing opportunities for professional development including developing and advancing innovative proposals for funding for related independent research.
Valued Skills:
We are seeking a candidate with expertise in algal biology and taxonomy who also has skills in working with community datasets and working in collaborative teams.
Position Requirements: A Ph.D. in biology or environmental science
Location: Modesto Maidique Campus, Florida International University, Miami, FL
Compensation: The starting salary for this position is expected to range between $55,000-$60,000, depending on experience. Benefits include a retirement plan, paid vacation, sick leave, parental leave, counseling and support services, and health insurance.
To Apply: Please visit https://facultycareers.fiu.edu/?posting=527744 to complete your application. Please also provide your cover letter, CV, and links to two publications in this google form.
FIU is a member of the State University System of Florida and an Equal Opportunity, Equal Access Affirmative Action Employer all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
