Current Openings
Research Assistant I, Flathead Lake Biological Station (FLBS)
Job Description
Tracking Code 686-254
Department: Flathead Lake Biological Station (FLBS) – located between Polson & Bigfork
Closing Date: Screening begins May 10, 2013. Applications received after 5/9 may be considered.
Work Schedule: Full-time, 12 months/year, 1.0 FTE
Minimum Entry Rate: $10.00/hr-$12.00/hr
Union Affiliation: MPEA
Probationary Period: Six months minimum
Benefits Include: Insurance package; mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver; professional development/wellness program
The FLBS mission statement identifies 3 key goals for the organization:
- to conduct pure and applied ecological research with emphasis on the limnology of the Flathead River- Lake Ecosystem;
- to offer a variety of field-oriented courses in ecological disciplines for advanced undergraduate and graduate students; and
- to provide community service by offering extension courses and seminars for the general public, and by providing information to the public on ecological issues.
This position will be responsible for a variety of tasks within the Freshwater Research Laboratory (FRL) at the Flathead Lake Biological Station including performing laboratory operations using established scientific methods in biogeochemistry and freshwater ecology; performing standardized testing/analysis procedures; preparing associated solutions, reagents, standards, etc.; setting up, operating and repairing moderately complex analytical equipment for environmental analysis; working with FLBS supervisor to ensure sample collection and log-in is consistent with FRL protocol; data recording and entry into laboratory information system database; and may collect samples in the field for testing.
This position requires incumbent to develop competence in methodologies associated with rates of primary production, carbon content, pigment analysis, nutrient dynamics, and major ion chemistry.
Required Skills
- Ability to learn analytical wet chemistry specifically as it applies to low-level assessment of aquatic resources in the context of ecological research. Competence in methodologies is preferred associated with rates of primary production, carbon content, pigment analysis, nutrient dynamics, and major ion chemistry.
- Understanding of moderately complex scientific equipment (e.g., chromatographic, colorimetric, spectrophotometric, fluorometric, low level radioactive (C14) and gravimetric) used in analytical chemistry.
- Ability to prepare and test analytical samples using standard approaches to generate and report data derived from the analytical processes employed in the laboratory.
- Computer skills including graphics, word processing and analytical software.
- Proven ability to set priorities and pay close attention to detail.
- Demonstrated interpersonal and written and oral communication skills with the ability to establish effective working relationships.
- Ability to communicate concerns to the FRL Manager as needed for successful operations.
- Must be able to work independently when performing routine tasks and duties.
Physical Requirements
(Qualified candidates must be able to meet minimum requirements and perform the primary functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.)
- The position will require long periods of standing (i.e., associated with laboratory bench time) and the candidate is expected to be able to squat and rise repeatedly in this context. Must be able to lift and carry a minimum of 40 pounds.
Required Experience
- Bachelor of Science degree in the field of biological, chemical, or earth sciences, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
How To Apply
Visit the UM Employment Site to review the official job posting and submit the required materials.
Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to Offer of Employment
In accordance with University policy, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations.
ADA/EOE/AA/Veteran's Preference
Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, we encourage applications from minorities, veterans, and women. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law.
References *References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. Testing Individual hiring departments at UM-M may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions. Employment Eligibility. All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9).
PhD Opportunities at the University of Montana
The Division of Biological Sciences at the University of Montana (UMT) invites applications for PhD candidates to study land-atmosphere water and carbon cycle interactions using satellite remote sensing and ecological modeling. The successful candidate will be part of a multidisciplinary research team investigating the status of terrestrial ecosystems as a net source or sink for atmospheric CO2, and projected responses to global change.
We seek candidates with demonstrated knowledge of satellite optical-IR and microwave remote sensing; educational background in Terrestrial Ecology, Hydrology, Physical Geography or a related field; understanding of ecological and hydrologic process models; programming ability in C/C++ or similar language; proficiency with image processing/GIS software (e.g., Matlab, ENVI/IDL, Imagine, ArcGIS); proficiency in conducting independent scientific research and demonstrated ability to publish in peer-reviewed scientific literature. Potential applicants should submit a CV and statement of research interests to Dr.
John Kimball. To qualify, students must gain acceptance to the UMT Graduate program.
The position is located on the campus of the University of Montana in Missoula, MT. Graduate research assistantships are initially offered for a 3-year period and include annual stipend and tuition waiver. Assistantships are renewed annually depending on funding availability, job and academic performance.
The University of Montana is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and encourages applications from qualified women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities.
Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to Offer of Employment
In accordance with University policy, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations.
ADA/EOE/AA/Veteran's Preference
Qualified candidates must be able to meet minimum requirements and perform the primary functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. As an Equal opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, we encourage applications from minorities, Vietnam era veterans, and women. This material is available in an alternative format upon request. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ preference in accordance with state law.
References
*References in addition to those listed on the application may be contacted without applicant's prior approval.
Testing
Individual hiring departments at UM-M may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions.
Postdoctoral Scientist in Aquatic Ecosystem Modeling, FLBS
Tracking Code: 635-254
Job Description
The University of Montana Flathead Lake Biological Station (FLBS) is recruiting a Postdoctoral position in limnology with an emphasis on lake food web analysis and modeling. One of the major objectives of the position will be to reconfigure an existing biogeochemical model linked to a three-dimensional hydrodynamic model to better represent nutrient dynamics and species- or group-specific ecological interactions that are known for Flathead Lake (see Ellis et al., PNAS 108(3)). Prognostic model scenarios may also be considered (e.g., climate warming, species invasions, and fisheries management policies). Publication of scientific results of model validation in the peer-reviewed literature will be required. The successful candidate will also participate in analysis and publication of the 30-year record of biological and nutrient dynamics of the Flathead Lake-River Ecosystem. Successful writing skills and a background in Bayesian statistics will be advantageous. The position is renewed annually and is currently funded for two years. Additional funding for continued research is likely.
About the Flathead Lake Biological Station
The Flathead Lake Biological Station is an ecological research and education center located in the Rocky Mountains near Glacier National Park. For over 100 years, we have conducted college courses, graduate programs, and research focused on the Crown of the Continent ecosystem. The mission of the Station is to conduct basic and applied ecological research with emphasis on freshwater; provide field ecology courses for advanced undergraduate and graduate students; and, provide scientific data, interpretation and outreach to help resolve environmental problems and inform public policy locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. The FLBS strives to advance understanding of complex linkages between atmospheric, terrestrial, aquatic and human components of watershed ecosystems in a natural-cultural context. This requires a “genes to ecosystems” approach and therefore the research faculty that we have developed at FLBS over the last two decades is purposefully multidisciplinary (we strive to be a systems ecology group). Research foci at FLBS include remote sensing of climate-mediated landscape change; water quality and supply in changing landscapes; limnology of Flathead and other large river-lake systems; systems ecology and modeling of large river ecosystems; evolutionary biology of animal and plant populations; processes sustaining salmon and associated species; and influences of invasive species on food webs.
The FLBS is located 90 miles north of Missoula on the east shore of Flathead Lake. FLBS represents a large interdisciplinary research group including PhD and MS level research scientists, postdoctoral research scholars, and PhD and MS level graduate students.
Required Skills
- Experience and proficiency at ecological modeling and conducting independent scientific research
- Proven programming skills (ability to write, modify, debug complex programs, including data transfers usually in SQL formats) and knowledge of Matlab and Fortran 90
- Ability to participate in the analysis and publication of the 30-year record of biological and nutrient dynamics of the Flathead Lake-River Ecosystem.
- Expertise in statistical analyses (Bayesian preferred)
- Strong working knowledge of lake ecology
- Ability to work with large databases
- Demonstrated ability to publish in the peer-reviewed scientific literature, present research at workshops and scientific conferences, and active participation in proposal writing to secure extramural research funding
- Ability to interact well with others in a large interdisciplinary research group
- Communicate effectively with peers in a public forum
- Proven excellent attention to detail
Required Experience
- A PhD in limnology, ecosystem modeling or a related field; experience with lake and food web modeling is an advantage.
How to Apply
Applications may be submitted through the UM Jobs website.
Screening of applications will begin on April 19, 2013. Applications received after 4/19 may be considered.
Upload the following materials: *Please note: only five (5) attachments are allowed per application. Please combine documents accordingly.
- Letter of Interest – addressing the stated required skills for the position
- Detailed resume listing education and describing work experience
- Names and contact information for three (3) professional references
Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to Offer of Employment
In accordance with University policy, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations.
ADA/EOE/AA/Veteran's Preference
Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, we encourage applications from minorities, veterans, and women. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law.
References
*References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant.
Testing
Individual hiring departments at UM-M may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions.
Employment Eligibility
All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9).
