POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATE

LUMCON, a program of the Board of Regents, as a consortium, is a statewide academic endeavor to focus and strengthen the effectiveness of foundational marine science needed to address the environmental and socioeconomic challenges facing Louisiana and the nation.

LUMCON has provided unparalleled opportunities in marine science and education to the research community and public alike. Anchored by a first-rate marine laboratory, the DeFelice Marine Center, LUMCON is embedded in Louisiana’s dynamic wetland environment and conveniently located on a gateway to the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico. From this facility, LUMCON operates a world-class fleet of research vessels unmatched in the Gulf of Mexico. In 2023, LUMCON is expanding its programs through the opening of a maritime research and outreach facility in Houma.

POSITION OVERVIEW:
The Roberts Lab of Ecosystem Ecology and Biogeochemistry (lumcon.edu/broberts and robertsresearchlab.weebly.com) at the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON) is seeking multiple postdoctoral research associates to join our interdisciplinary research team. We are looking for a highly motivated, enthusiastic, and organized problem-solver to lead and participate in field and laboratory work in wetland, estuarine, and/or coastal marine ecosystems. Current projects include a large scale marsh mesocosm oiling experiment, and long-term studies on coastal wetland carbon (CH4 and CO2 fluxes), nutrient exchanges, microbial ecology, and vegetation dynamics; the relationship of human disturbance to ecosystem services (focus on sediment biogeochemistry and primary production) in offshore sand shoal habitats; wetland food webs in natural and created marshes influenced by river diversions; living shoreline restorations; and wetland and coastal estuarine biogeochemistry. The lab is also participating in two new collaborative NSF-funded projects on methane efflux from river influenced coastal marine sediments and methane dynamics across microbe-to-landscape scales in coastal wetlands. The postdoc will have the opportunity to build on extensive data sets on primary production, respiration, biogeochemistry and microbial communities along the wetland, estuarine, and coastal marine gradient. The postdoc will also have the opportunity to develop their own original research project(s) in any of the aforementioned areas. This is a unique opportunity to join a large, interdisciplinary, collaborative research team to develop an independent research program leveraging extensive historical, current, and new research activities.
 
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ph.D. in biogeochemistry, ecology, oceanography, wetland science, plant ecology, or related field.
• Ability to work in a group setting as you will work collaboratively with PIs, other postdocs, graduate and undergraduate students, and research associates/technicians on various projects.

IDEAL CANDIDATE/PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience with field and laboratory instruments.
• Understand basic experimental design and statistical analyses, creativity in methodological development, and a professional level of communication and organizational skills in a team player environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited the following:

• Leads and participates in field and laboratory work in wetland, estuarine, and/or coastal marine ecosystems.
• Oversees team members on projects.
• Builds on extensive data sets on primary production, respiration, biogeochemistry, and microbial communities along the wetland, estuarine, and coastal marine gradient.
• Develops own research project(s), leads data management effort of the project, and writes publications.

HOW TO APPLY:
No Civil Service test score is required in order to be considered for this vacancy.  
 
To apply for this vacancy, click on the “Apply” link above and complete an electronic application, which can be used for this vacancy as well as future job opportunities. 
  
VACANCY INFORMATION:
This is an unclassified position.
 
The positions are available immediately. The initial appointment is for 1 year with possible additional support dependent on funding and satisfactory performance.
 
The positions will be based at the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON) Marine Center in Cocodrie, LA (visit http://www.lumcon.edu for information on the facility).
 
Applications will be rejected if the applicant fails to meet the minimum qualifications or submits an incomplete application.
 
Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application listing complete work experience and education.
 
Please make every effort to attach a copy of your transcript or any other materials as outlined in the posting to your application if possible.
 
In compliance with federal law, all individuals hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form (I-9) upon hire.