KENT STATE UNIVERSITY POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER IN ORGANIC BIOGEOCHEMISTRY
The Department of Geology at Kent State University seeks to hire a postdoctoral researcher in organic biogeochemistry for a two-year term to begin by May 1, 2013.
The successful candidate must possess the Ph.D., have a strong background in bio-geologic science, and be able to interface well with faculty working in a variety of environmental specialties to study harmful algal blooms (HABs) and their historical record in Lake Erie and other large water bodies. Specific research responsibilities will be to develop protocols to extract and measure primary and accessory phytoplankton pigments and their degradation products from water and sediment samples by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) to characterize changes in phytoplankton abundance and composition on the basis of organic biogeomarkers. This work is part of a university and externally funded, water quality and paleoenvironmental research program designed to integrate modern process studies and laboratory measurements by VNIR derivative spectroscopy with remote sensing and down-core sedimentological and geochemical analysis. The successful cand idate will be expected to collaborate with faculty in the Department of Geology and collaborators in the Department of Biological Sciences and at other institutions. In addition to a background in organic geochemistry, expertise in remote sensing and/or paleoclimate is desirable. An expectation of the project will be the development of publications and proposals for continued externally funded research beyond the initial two-year term. The Department of Geology supports both applied and basic geologic research. The Department of Biological Sciences houses existing HPLC facilities available for collaborative use. Equipment for field sampling and supplemental analytical work in geochemistry include: XRF, XRD, graphite-furnace-AA and ICP spectrometers, Picarro Water Isotope Analyzer, and a Dionex Ion Chromatograph. Additionally, there are laboratories for water chemistry, hydrogeology, and engineering geology, an SEM unit with EDAX. There are excellent opportunities for coopera tive research within the Department and opportunities for cooperative research with faculty members in Biology, Chemistry, and Chemical Physics. Review of applications will begin February 1, 2013 and continue until the position is filled. More information.
Applications will be accepted electronically. Applicants should send a curriculum vitae, statement of research, copies of the applicant’s relevant peer-reviewed publications, and contact information for three references to: Dr. Joseph D. Ortiz, Department of Geology, Kent State University, Kent OH 44242. Kent State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from candidates who would enhance the diversity of the University’s faculty.