Aquatic Scientist​/Limnology - SUNY Plattsburgh

Aquatic Ecologist / Limnologist / Plankton Ecology - Lake Champlain Research Institute, SUNY Plattsburgh

OVERVIEW

The Research Foundation for the State University of New York at Plattsburgh (RF-SUNY) is seeking candidates with varying levels of experience for the position of Aquatic Ecologist / Limnologist with the Lake Champlain Research Institute (LCRI) at SUNY Plattsburgh. Duties include serving the Institute’s scientific staff as project Coordinator for a study titled Deep Lake Limnology in Lake Champlain. This study involves the use of high-frequency data buoys to measure thermal profiles in real time and the assessment of plankton community responses to storm-induced shifts in lake thermal structure.

This is a full-time, 12-month position with the Research Foundation for SUNY, a private, nonprofit corporation. Funding is available for a multi-year position. The RF offers comprehensive and low-cost health, dental, and vision insurance, basic and optional retirement plans, employer-paid life insurance, tuition waivers, paid time off, and other benefits.

This position is Monday through Friday, with paid holidays off and a desirable vacation package.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Core responsibilities include:

• Coordinate/manage Lake Champlain research on Deep Lake Limnology. Lead a team to deploy high-frequency data buoys and assess vertical structure in planktonic communities.
• Coordinate and participate in field data collection, to include limnological methods/plankton sampling, deployment of data buoys, and boat operation.
• Lead a team conducting taxonomy/Identification of zooplankton and phytoplankton.
• Manage buoy and community data sets, statistical analysis, and preparation of manuscripts for publication.

Other responsibilities include:

• Assist in the supervision and management of undergraduate and graduate interns.
• Participate in staff meetings.
• Assist in LCRI planning and support field and laboratory work for other research and monitoring projects as part of the Lake Champlain Research Institute team.
• Develop proposals for research funding.

Required

Minimum Education /

Qualifications:

• M.S. in the sciences, with a focus on aquatic biology or limnology and a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience.
>amiliarity with limnological field sampling techniques and boat operations.
• Evidence of taxonomic skills to identify freshwater plankton, including zooplankton and phytoplankton.
• Experience with R, analysis of community-level data including multivariate techniques, and ability to handle large data sets.
• Experience with project coordination/supervision in aquatic systems.

Preferred Education/

Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Ecology, Environmental Science, Biology or related with experience in limnology and aquatic communities.
• Demonstrated record of scientific writing (e.g., peer-reviewed publications, technical reports) and experience as listed above.

Other Requirements:

• Valid driver’s license is required.
• Willingness/ability to operate a boat and obtain the necessary certifications.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Salary Range: $45,000 - $75,000 annually. Commensurate with education, qualifications, and field experience. The Lake Champlain Research Institute encourages applicants with varying levels of experience.

The Research Foundation offers a comprehensive benefits package to include paid time off.

Submit vitae/resume, cover letter list of references and a statement research interests.