Post doctoral Researcher in Microplastics
- Employer
- Sewanee: The University of the South
- Location
- Sewanee, TN
View more
- Administrative Jobs
- Academic Affairs, Research Staff & Technicians, Institutional & Business Affairs, Auxiliary Services
- Position Type
- Postdoc
- Employment Type
- Full Time
- Institution Type
- Four-Year Institution
Job Details
The University of the South in Sewanee, TN is seeking an early career postdoctoral researcher (graduated from their PhD within the last 5 years) with knowledge in analytical chemistry, toxicology, or a related field to conduct research on freshwater microplastics within the Department of Earth and Environmental Systems and Department of Biology. The position is a fixed-term position of a period of 2 years, with possible extension depending on funding.
The objective of the project is to characterize the abundance and distribution of microplastics within the watershed of the Tennessee River system, including tributaries of the Tennessee River, groundwater, lakes and wetlands. A major research goal is to improve methodology for quantification of microplastics in freshwater ecosystems with the use of a Raman microscope. In addition, the candidate will begin examination of the prevalence of microplastics in the aquatic food chain. Additional research projects may be developed as time allows, particularly those that include mentoring Sewanee undergraduates in research experiences.
The candidate will also help establish a research relationship with the Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute in Chattanooga with the goal of broad dissemination of research results from this project, as well as sharing other work about the impact of microplastics in aquatic environments. Experience in science communication or outreach is preferred.
Typical Duties & Responsibilities- Conduct the specified program of research under the supervision and direction of the Principal Investigator.
- Attend and regularly present results at project progress meetings including both Sewanee faculty and Aquarium scientists.
- Mentor Sewanee undergraduate students in research projects as appropriate.
- Engage in the dissemination of the results of the research through presentations, publications, and public outreach.
The candidate must hold a PhD in biology, environmental chemistry, geology, or other closely related field. A documented completed degree is a prerequisite for employment.
ExperienceWe are primarily looking for applicants who have experience with aquatic contaminants.
The successful candidate should have excellent writing skills with experience of report writing or publications in high impact journals preferred. Experience in R statistics or other statistical packages is desirable but not essential. The candidate should be well organized and have excellent communication skills, with both the scientific community as well as the general public. Additionally, the candidate must have experience in conducting field work.
Special InstructionsPlease submit your cover letter, CV, graduate transcripts (unofficial accepted), and contact details of three references* through the online application portal.
*Submit contact details of three references under Letter of Recommendation 1.
Work Environment Physical Requirements and Work ConditionsThe candidate must hold a valid drivers license and be prepared to work at both The University of the South in Sewanee, TN and the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga, TN.
Physical RequirementsAny additional requirements specific to this position University Employment Information University InformationThe University of the South comprises a well-regarded College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and a distinguished School of Theology. It is an institution of the Episcopal Church that welcomes individuals of all backgrounds. The University is located on a striking, 13,000-acre campus on Tennessee’s Cumberland Plateau.
EEO StatementThe University of the South is an equal opportunity educational institution that is committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive campus environment.
Employment PrescreeningEligibility for employment is contingent upon successful prescreeningNon-Discrimination StatementThe University of the South’s policy against discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, and retaliation is consistent with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, 34 CFR Part 106, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and 34 CFR 104.7, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, and the Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act of 2008. In addition to contacting the Title IX Coordinator, who is the compliance coordinator, persons with inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and 34 CFR Part 106 may contact the Regional Civil Rights Director, U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, Region IV, 61 Forsyth Street S.W., Suite 19T70, Atlanta, Georgia 30303.
Supplemental QuestionsRequired fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
- Cover Letter
- Transcripts
- Letter of Recommendation 1
- CV
- Miscellaneous 1
- Miscellaneous 2
Organization
Working at Sewanee: The University of the South
Known familiarly as “Sewanee” by its students, faculty, staff and friends, The University of the South offers an unmatched educational experience. The university remains purposefully small and dedicated to building a sense of community. All classes are taught by professors, not graduate teaching assistants, and close faculty-student interaction ensures that each student enjoys a rich and personal educational experience. It is not unusual for students and faculty members to work shoulder to shoulder on research projects and journal articles, to meet for coffee at a local eatery, or to serve together as members of the university orchestra, volunteer fire department, and other civic groups.
The result of such individualized education is clear in the academic success of Sewanee students and alumni. The university has had 26 Rhodes Scholars—a number that puts Sewanee in the top four nationally among American liberal arts colleges—as well as 27 NCAA Postgraduate Fellows, 43 Watson Fellows, and dozens of Fulbright Scholars, and has an acceptance rate to graduate and professional schools that far outpaces its peers. The School of Theology has added to its alumni ranks countless bishops, including three of the last four presiding bishops of the Episcopal Church.
Sewanee offers 36 majors, 32 minors, and 15 special programs, along with pre-medicine, pre-nursing, pre-law, and pre-business. More than 40 percent of students participate in study-abroad programs, and a comprehensive endowed program that provides financial support for summer internships has greatly strengthened career development for undergraduates. See more about Sewanee in the "Sewanee Snapshot" here.
In an era of specialization, Sewanee upholds the broad-based ideals of liberal education as a surer means to success. At the University of the South, the adherence to outstanding liberal arts education and enduring traditions of honor, community, and respect have transformed many generations of students, and have earned the abiding loyalty and support of alumni who are enjoying lives of integrity, leadership, and service.
The University is located atop the Cumberland Plateau between Nashville and Chattanooga, Tennessee. Sewanee’s physical environment, which includes the 13,000–acre Domain (as the campus and surrounding area is known), provides a remarkable academic and recreational resource, and an unparalleled place in which to study and reflect. It invites students to engage in both a multitude of outdoor activities and careful study of the natural environment.
As the University celebrated the 150th anniversary of its founding in 2007–2008, it looked back on a rich history and forward to new opportunities for the next generations. “The essence of Sewanee is consistent from generation to generation,” said Vice Chancellor emeritus Joel Cunningham. “We are a university dedicated to liberal education, to time-honored traditions, and to our commitment to serve our students and this nation. We have been successful in advancing our mission, and I believe we have the resources and the will to ensure that Sewanee’s best years are still to come.”
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