Postdoctoral Scientist in Blue Carbon Biogeochemistry

Position Overview

Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences is seeking a postdoctoral scientist with experience in aquatic or terrestrial biogeochemical processes to help lead a project to assess the carbon uptake and sequestration capacity of coastal marine sediments to store macro-algal derived carbon produced through the activities of seaweed aquaculture farms. Experience in developing and quantifying carbon budgets (e.g., water column carbonate chemistry and/or sedimentary organic carbon cycling), and evaluating associated biogeochemical processes is preferred, as the person will be expected to lead this aspect of the project. Additionally, experience, or an interest in, biochemical profiling of major macro-algal macromolecules would be beneficial.

This position offers the opportunity to work with an interdisciplinary, multi-institutional team of benthic ecologists, phycologists, and microbiologists working on molecular-based methods to assess macro-algal carbon deposition associated with the growing Maine seaweed industry. The greater framework of this project is to develop verification methods to evaluate the potential for aquaculture farms to participate in the voluntary blue carbon markets. This project will offer the opportunity to participate in local field work, supervise undergraduate students, participate in educational courses offered at Bigelow Laboratory, as well as interact with a cohort of postdocs and graduate students. The candidate will also be expected to contribute to the Maine Blue Carbon Network and state and municipal efforts to consider the relevance of macroalgal subsidies to carbon budgeting.

Screening of candidates will begin June 30th with expectation candidate will be available to start before September 30, 2022. The salary band for this position is $51,617 - $74,324, with a generous benefits package including health care, retirement contribution, and paid time off. This position is funded for two years, with the possibility of continued funding.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in a field related to biogeochemistry
• Demonstrated experience relevant to sedimentary biogeochemical processes and/or water column carbonate chemistry
• Requisite laboratory and data analyses skills and demonstrated potential to apply modeling approaches.
• Excellent communication and writing skills

Apply
Please submit a cover letter, CV, and three professional references using our online application portal. Screening of candidates will begin June 30, 2022. The search will continue until the position is filled.

Individuals seeking more information about this position or needing to request an accommodation, please contact careers@bigelow.org or (207) 315-2567, ext. 107.

About Midcoast Maine
Bigelow Laboratory's state-of-the-art oceanfront campus in East Boothbay is located in scenic Midcoast Maine, perfectly situated to provide access to the very best Maine has to offer. Within a reasonable commuting distance of most major Maine cities, this mid-coast peninsula offers the perfect balance between small town coastal charm and urban accessibility. Our peninsula is home to fishermen and sea captains, marine biologists, nature lovers, botanists and gardeners, artists, merchants, and entrepreneurs. Many non-profit organizations call this region home and work hard to further their missions in support of the arts, seamanship and marine education, conservation, historic preservation, and more.

Working at Bigelow Laboratory
Bigelow Laboratory is an inclusive community of scientists from around the world that welcomes and supports diverse opinions and cultures. Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences strives to maintain an environment that allows our employees to flourish through respectful, inclusive, and equitable treatment of others. We believe there is power in embracing the full diversity of humanity to advance science and are committed to supporting each other as individuals worthy of respect.

Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences requires that all employees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Being fully vaccinated means that an individual is at least two weeks past their final dose of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine regimen. As a condition of employment, newly hired employees will be required to provide proof of their COVID-19 vaccination.

The postdoctoral scientists at Bigelow Laboratory have access to professional training programs and opportunities for undergraduate student mentoring and teaching. A competitive compensation package is offered with a salary range starting at $51,617 as well as employee, family, and domestic partner health insurance; a 403(b) retirement contribution; paid time off including parental leave; as well as a working environment that supports continuous professional development and engagement. Bigelow Laboratory is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.