Postdoctoral Scholar

NAU aims to be the nation’s preeminent engine of opportunity, vehicle of economic mobility, and driver of social impact by delivering equitable postsecondary value in Arizona and beyond.

• This position is subject to the availability of funding. The incumbent is not eligible for Service Professional non-renewal notice, or Classified Staff layoff or recall status.
• This position is eligible for on-site, hybrid, or remote work.
  • On-site work requires the incumbent to complete their work primarily at an NAU site, campus, or facility with or without accommodation. Opportunities for remote work are rare.
  • Hybrid work allows the incumbent to complete their work at both an NAU site, campus, or facility and at a non-centralized site with or without accommodation.
  • Remote work allows the incumbent to complete their work at a location other than an NAU site, campus, or facility with or without accommodation. The incumbent may occasionally work in a shared site, but primarily will work elsewhere.
  
  

Northern Arizona University (NAU)is seeking applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar position focused on the determinants and outcomes of functional biodiversity of biological soil crusts (biocrusts) in western North American ecosystems. The planned duration is three years. This primary component will encompass establishment of a new network of study sites in which the candidate would implement both observational and experimental studies. A secondary component encompasses support of an ongoing research program about development of ecological restoration techniques for biocrusts, centered in a study area in Montana. The job duties require travelling multiple times per year for field work to various locations including Montana, coordination with project partners, performing laboratory analyses at NAU or partner laboratories, data management and analysis, and preparation of written and oral communications of our results, particularly peer-reviewed journal papers.

Research: Networked Study - 50%

• Select study sites, coordinate with local partners, obtain research permits.
• Lead planning of field campaign logistics – including assurance of field safety.
• Lead research team (NAU employees & students and partners) in site establishment, and repeated data collection.
• Lead laboratory analysis of field samples at NAU or partner institution – includes trait measurement, physiological measurements, DNA or RNA extraction, Chlorophyll a analysis and other tasks.
• Perform QA/QC of data, manage data securely and ensure backups.
• Lead data analysis (inclusive of bioinformatics), modeling, coding, and interpretation.
• Design, implement and document standard operating procedures for newly developed/modified techniques and processes.
• Read scientific literature, participate in scientific discussions with other members of the research team and lab, and attend mandatory lab and project meetings.
• Author or co-author research papers for publication and present them at conferences and workshops.

Research: Ecological Restoration Program - 25%

• Provide field support to ecological restoration research program in Montana field site.
• Analyze existing datasets provided by principal investigators, graphically present data.
• Author or co-author research papers derived from existing data.

Mentorship & Training - 10%

• Provide training opportunities in laboratory and field techniques for lab members.
• Provide co-mentorship to junior lab members such as graduate and undergraduate students (may include graduate committee service), and post-baccalaureate fellows.
• Present in lab meeting and other recurring meetings, provide constructive feedback to other presenters.

Professional Development - 10%

These activities are required:

• Participate in at least one conference per year with the research group.
• Engage in outreach activities pertaining to research subject areas.
• Promote an inclusive and welcoming work environment for all, follow our laboratory code of conduct.

One or more of these activities are encouraged:

• Obtain new training and skills as needed to benefit project and yourself.
• Begin establishing own independent research collaborative network.
• Author or co-author a research proposal.

Other - 5%

• Other duties as assigned.

• PhD in Forestry, Biological Sciences, Environmental Science and/or a related discipline.

• Record of publishing peer-reviewed research in scientific journals.
• Experience safely conducting field work in harsh environments.
• Experience organizing and running field trips and campaigns.
• Previous background working with or familiarity with biocrusts and their components.

Knowledge

• Proficency in molecular ecological techniques (nucleic acid extraction, high throughput sequencing, bioinformatics).
• Familiarity with biocrusts and their ecological roles.
• Expertise with quantitative statistical analyses in R or other programming languages.

Skills

• Innovation, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent quantitative and analytical skills.
• Strong communication skills, as demonstrated by publications and presentations at professional meetings.
• Organizational and project management skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Abilities

• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a research team and with individuals from a variety of diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to take initiative and complete tasks without direct supervision.
• Ability to manage and mentor others.

Northern Arizona University requires satisfactory results for the following: a criminal background investigation, an employment history verification and a degree verification (in some cases) prior to employment. You may also be required to complete a fingerprint background check. Additionally, as an employer in the state of Arizona, NAU is required to participate in the federal E-Verify program that assists employers with verifying new employees' right to work in the United States. Finally, each year Northern Arizona University releases an Annual Security Report. The report is a result of a federal law known as the Clery Act. The report includes Clery reportable crime statistics for the three most recent completed calendar years and discloses procedures, practices and programs NAU uses to keep students and employees safe including how to report crimes or other emergencies occurring on campus. In addition, the Fire Safety Report is combined with the Annual Security Report for the NAU Flagstaff Mountain Campus as this campus has on-campus student housing. This report discloses fire safety policies and procedures related to on-campus student housing and statistics for fires that occurred in those facilities. If you would like a free paper copy of the report, please contact the NAUPD Records Department at (928) 523-8884 or by visiting the department at 525 E. Pine Knoll Drive in Flagstaff.

Anticipated salary range is $60,000 to $64,000. Annual salary commensurate with candidate's qualifications and related experience.

This position is exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and therefore will not earn overtime or compensatory time for additional time worked.

Post-Doctoral Scholars are hired on a contract basis, renewable each fiscal year for a maximum of 4 renewals (5 years) according to terms of the Arizona Board of Regents' Conditions of Post-Doctoral Service. NAU offers an excellent benefit package to Post-Doctoral Scholars including generous health, dental and vision insurance; 10 days of vacation and 10 holidays per year; and tuition reduction for employees and qualified family members. New employees are eligible for benefits on the first day of the pay period following their enrollment, after their employment date. Employees will have 31 days from their start date to enroll in benefits. Participation in NAU retirement plans is not available to Post-Doctoral Scholars. More information on benefits at NAU is available at the NAU HR benefits page.

Your career at Northern Arizona University includes the opportunity for professional development. New employee on-boarding training includes courses to be completed within the first 30 days.

April 22, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.

To apply for this position, please click on the "Apply" button on this page. You must submit your application by clicking on the "Submit" button by midnight of the application deadline. If you need assistance completing your application there are instructions available on the Human Resources website or in person in the Human Resources Department located in Building 91 on the NAU Campus - on the corner of Beaver and DuPont Streets.

If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to participate in the hiring process, please contact the Disability Resources Office at 928-523-8773, DR@nau.edu, or PO Box 5633, Flagstaff AZ 86011.

Northern Arizona University is a committed Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution. Women, minorities, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. NAU is responsive to the needs of dual career couples.

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