Research Director, Biosphere

The Research Director, SAM Project is the principal investigator and provides the design of the project, its strategic direction, and advances the research to improve scientific understanding for life support and astronaut training of humans for interplanetary missions especially focusing on understanding, modeling, and controlling the balance between mechanical and biological life support and the interactions of the system with its microbiome.

The Research Director both engages directly with the science (grant proposal submissions and conducting research in the SAM system) as well as providing leadership to coordinate the collaborative interdisciplinary scientific activities and training activities such as technology demonstrations that lead to both science and technology spin offs.

Biosphere 2 is one of the worlds most unique facilities dedicated to the research and understanding of global scientific issues. The Biosphere 2 facility serves as a laboratory for controlled scientific studies, an arena for scientific discovery and discussion, and a far-reaching provider of public education. Its mission is to serve as a center for research, outreach, teaching and life-long learning about Earth, its living systems, and its place in the universe.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; state and optional retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

Duties & Responsibilities

* Provide design of and enhancements to the facilities, strategic direction of the project and manage the scientific use of the SAM facilities. This includes interactions with funding agencies and potential industrial collaborators and funders, grant writing, carrying out research, and providing workshops to enhance strategic direction and entice collaborators to use the facility, encouraging technology spin offs and providing scientific talks and publications of the results.

* Supervise construction and research activities for SAM, including establishing a mechanism to review external proposals to utilize and enhance the SAM project.

* Direct undergraduate research at SAM, for example by mentoring capstone projects and vertically integrated projects or REU students.

* Provide strategic input to Biosphere2 by engaging in strategic planning exercises.

* Additional duties may be assigned.

Minimum Qualifications Education: Masters Degree required in related field of study.

Experience: Minimum of 8 years of relevant work experience is required.

Preferred Qualifications Experience with SIMOC- (research grade Mars habitat simulation software)

Experience with research and study of closed ecosystems.