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Department Summary

UNT’s Advanced Environmental Research Institute: The Advanced Environmental Research Institute (AERI), of which Compson is a member, continues and consolidates a long tradition of aquatic research by multiple departments at UNT. This research provides scientific and technical information and services, as well as strategies for the sustainable development and management of the resources for local, state, national, and international advancement. AERI administrative and grant management support staff will be available to support the postdoctoral researcher on this project.

UNT has a highly diverse campus with a wide range of languages spoken in addition to English. We welcome candidates who have experience with HSI/MSIs and/or who speak Spanish, Vietnamese, American Sign Language, Chinese (Cantonese, Mandarin and other variations), Arabic, Tagalog, Farsi, French, or/and Yoruba.

Position Overview

Zacchaeus Compson’s research group in the Advanced Environmental Research Institute at the University of North Texas—along with PIs at Penn State University (Daniel Allen) and the University of Alabama (Arial Shogren)—is looking for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to coordinate an NSF-funded project titled, “DISTANCE: Determining In-Stream Transport of eDNA Across NEON Sites at the Continental ScaleE.” This position is full-time (100% FTE), with an initial term appointment of one year (12 months), renewable depending on satisfactory performance for up to 2 years.

DISTANCE: This project will test hypotheses relating water chemistry, microbial communities, and hydrogeomorphology to the three major processes controlling the fate of eDNA: degradation, deposition, and transport. First, we will synthesize existing data on eDNA degradation and transport by conducting a systematic literature search and meta-analysis of all literature on this topic. Second, we will leverage the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) infrastructure by conducting eDNA spiraling experiments at NEON stream sites. Third, we will conduct replicated eDNA spiraling experiments in two NEON streams and one Critical Zone Observatory site to determine how the type of eDNA (i.e., originating species) and eDNA particle size distribution (determined through sequential filtering) influence eDNA spiraling metrics. Fourth, we will pair fish and macroinvertebrate biodiversity assessments at NEON sites with eDNA metabarcoding to investigate if eDNA spiraling metrics can predict the congruence of community data generated by eDNA metabarcoding compared to traditional methods.

We are recruiting a postdoctoral research associate to coordinate the project and mentor a cohort of three PhD students (one at each partnering university). We seek a motivated and organized individual with an interest in freshwater ecology and environmental genomics who has a strong work ethic, enthusiasm for field research, and a commitment to collaboration and teamwork. The postdoctoral research associate should also have a drive to publish peer-reviewed papers. Individuals with interests ranging from population and community ecology, biodiversity conservation, hydrology, biogeochemistry, aquatic ecology, and environmental genomics are encouraged to apply. Professional development opportunities will be available to the research associate through participation in the Society for Freshwater Science (SFS), as well as engagement with the SFS Emerge and Data Carpentries programs.

Minimum Qualifications

A Ph.D. or foreign equivalent in freshwater biology or environmental genomics. In addition to interests in using eDNA as a tool to understand freshwater ecosystems, the successful candidate for this position will have strong analytical skills, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively with individuals from a wide spectrum of backgrounds. Excellent field and leadership skills are also required.

Preferred Qualifications

Additional areas of expertise may include laboratory competence, particularly related to the extraction, amplification, and quantification of DNA. The research associate will also be expected to collaborate with project investigators and other researchers.

Required License/Registration/Certifications

Work Schedule:

Varies

Driving University Vehicle:

No

Security Sensitive:

This is a Security Sensitive Position.

Special Instructions:

Cover letter should be a letter of interest describing both skills and experience.

Benefits:

For information regarding our Benefits, click here.

EEO Statement:

The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit -- and takes actions to prevent -- discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence) and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application and admission processes, educational programs and activities, facilities and employment practices. The University of North Texas System immediately investigates complaints of discrimination and takes remedial action when appropriate. The University of North Texas System also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist or participate in an investigative proceeding or hearing.