Project Coordinator-Research Scientist
Summary of position: The Great Lakes Center at SUNY Buffalo State invites applications for a Project Coordinator-Research Scientist position funded through the Research Foundation for SUNY, working on the project “Great Lakes Long-term Biological Monitoring Program 2017-2022” funded by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency. Within this project we analyze large long-term datasets of Great Lakes benthic communities and associated abiotic parameters and conduct extensive underwater video analysis of spatial distribution and changes in quagga and zebra mussel populations. This position involves excellent research opportunities in community, invasion, and aquatic ecology using large-scale data analysis. This project also provides extensive opportunities for collaboration with researchers and managers across the Great Lakes Region.
This position involves mandatory field work for 4-6 weeks each June-September on all Great Lakes aboard EPA’s Research Vessel “Lake Guardian” and smaller boats.
Due to the importance of the project for Great Lakes monitoring this position is not suitable for candidates looking for a short-term employment / postdoctoral experience (e.g.<2-3 years).
Primary duties and responsibilities:
- Statistical data analysis and data management in R
- Manuscript writing
- Overall grant management for the Cooperative Science and Monitoring Initiative (CSMI) benthic surveys part of the project
- Report and grant proposal writing
- Participation in field surveys within the CSMI and Great Lakes Long-Term Biological Monitoring project (4-6 weeks annually)
- Collection, processing and analysis of underwater images (no prior experience required)
- Spatial statistical analysis, including GIS (no prior experience required)
- Presenting results at national and international conferences
Educational Requirements: Ph.D. or M.S. with an exceptional publication and data analysis record
Required qualifications:
- Strong communication and scientific writing skills
- Ecological data analysis in R, including large datasets
- Strong publication record
- Strong collaborative and organizational skills
Preferred qualifications:
- Spatial statistics – GIS analysis and digital mapping
- Experience in remote sensing and image processing
- Skills in multivariate and nonparametric data analysis
- Experience in successful grant writing and management
- Highly adaptable professional who embraces teamwork, but also enjoys working independently
Job Related Physical Requirements:
- Physical work while sampling with the ability to lift 30-50 lbs.
- Microscope work
- Ability to work with preservatives (e.g. formalin, ethanol)
Travel Requirements:
- Participation in up to 1.5 month-long summer benthic survey (annually)
- Travel for conferences and additional training
- Field sampling for other aquatic research projects, field and laboratory activities
- Travel time is about 30% annually
Job Details: Start Date: 02/01/2020 or when the position is filled. This position is a 2.5 year appointment contingent on acceptable job performance and renewable with availability of funding.
Duration: This position is currently funded for over 2 calendar years (project end 06/30/2022), and further funding is anticipated for another 5-year cycle following the completion of the current funding cycle.
The deadline for the application is December 15, 2019. Please follow all application directions, failure to do so may disqualify you from the position. Please provide Cover Letter, CV/Resume, and 3 Professional References as a Single Attachment.
This opportunity includes an excellent benefit package and is grant-supported by the SUNY Buffalo State Sponsored Programs Office/Research Foundation. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.
The Research Foundation (RF) is not an agency or instrumentality of the State of New York. Employees of the RF are not state employees, do not participate in any state retirement system and do not receive state fringe benefits. The RF operates under a contract with The State University of New York and receives no directly appropriated state funding.
About the Great Lakes Center:
The Great Lakes Center (GLC), established in 1966, is an institute of researchers and educators at SUNY Buffalo State dedicated to investigating the ecology of the Great Lakes and their tributaries. The GLC mission is to improve the quality of the environment by providing the best possible science to decision-makers concerned with the health and sustainability of resources, with a primary focus within the Great Lakes and their watersheds. The GLC is the only institution in the SUNY system with a field station on the Great Lakes, and a large fleet of research vessels. In addition to 13 full time employees, the GLC actively collaborates with many scientists, state and federal employees within New York State, nationwide, and internationally. Beginning in 2013, two new graduate programs in Great Lakes Ecosystem Science have been hosted by GLC. For more information about the Great Lakes Center and our research, please visit https://greatlakescenter.buffalostate.edu/