Postdoctoral Research Associate Vacancy at John G. Shedd aquarium, University of Notre Dame

Job Title: John G. Shedd aquarium/university of Notre Dame, Conservation Postdoctoral Research Associate, Great Lakes Invertebrate Research

Location: Chicago

Job Description:

The John G. Shedd Aquarium (http://www.sheddaquarium.org/) in Chicago, Illinois is seeking candidates for a postdoctoral research associate to investigate the current and future impacts of biotic (e.g. non-native competition) and abiotic (e.g. climate change) stressors to invertebrate communities in the Great Lakes region. This is a joint postdoctoral position with the Notre Dame Environmental Change Initiative (http://environmentalchange.nd.edu/). Research should lead to broad management implications for native species in general and crayfish in particular. The selected candidate, with guidance from both Shedd and Notre Dame supervisors, will be responsible for developing a robust research program of their own design. A program that involves local stakeholders in research is preferred. Research is expected to be multifaceted, inform resource managers, and advance conservation and sustainable management.

The postdoctoral associate will be co-supervised by Dr. Chuck Knapp at Shedd Aquarium and Dr. David Lodge (http://www3.nd.edu/~lodgelab/) at the University of Notre Dame. This dual-mentoring team will help the candidate to focus their research on important and feasible questions that can guide real world management.  Mentors will also facilitate other aspects of professional development, including exposure to the unique cultures of both non-profit and academic institutions. At Shedd, the associate is expected to communicate to a general audience via blogs, informal reports, video, and seminars. The associate is expected to work closely with federal and state management agencies as well as other non-government organizations, as appropriate.

Research that includes multiple Shedd departments (e.g., Fishes, Animal Health) and/or a citizen science component is preferred.

Eligibility:

Applicants must hold a recent Ph.D. in biology, ecology, natural resource management, zoology, or related field. The position requires strong skills in scientific research, database management, and communication to both the general public and researchers. Demonstrated excellence in publication and dissemination of research is expected, and experience with grant writing is desired. Applicants must have genuine interests in both applied research and public education, enabling them to make the most of the distinctive opportunities provided by the non-profit and academic environments. When not conducting field research, this position requires a minimum of 60% time spent at Shedd Aquarium, with the balance of time at Notre Dame’s Environmental Change Initiative.

How to apply:

Please send a cover letter summarizing your interests and expertise, a one-page description of the research that you would like to pursue, a curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references.  The research vision is very important; decisions will be based upon a combination of candidate qualifications and project relevance to Shedd priorities.  All materials should be combined in a single file, and sent to Sarah Dietz (jobs@sheddaquarium.org). To discuss the specifics of this position contact Dr. Chuck Knapp (cknapp@sheddaquarium.org) or Dr. David Lodge (David.M.Lodge.1@nd.edu).