MSU-Bozeman Research Position Vacancy Announcement

Montana State University
Bozeman

Research Position
Vacancy Announcement
December 3, 2012

Postdoctoral Research Associate
Department of Earth Sciences

Search Number	13125-33

Start Date	Immediately upon successful completion of search process.

Appointment	Full-time (1.0 FTE); one year*

Salary	Negotiable, depending on experience, education, and qualifications.

Benefits	Eligible

NOTE: *Initial appointment is for one year, and may be renewable year to year contingent upon satisfactory work performance, funding, and need.

Community Information	Founded in 1893 as a Land Grant University, Montana State University (MSU) is composed of eight academic colleges and a graduate school and boasts a friendly, supportive faculty and campus environment. Currently, the University hosts an enrollment of over 14,000 students, including approximately 1,900 graduate students. MSU is classified as one of 108 U.S. Research Universities (very high research activity) by the Carnegie Foundation. MSU is located in Bozeman, Montana, an extended community of about 70,000 nestled in the Rocky Mountains in southwest Montana. In addition to providing access to an extraordinary ecosystem for teaching and research programs, Bozeman is renowned for year-round recreational and cultural opportunities to include access to world class ski areas, multiple blue ribbon trout streams and the Gallatin National Forest. The local airport is served by seven national airlines with over twenty flights a day to nine cities. Named an All American City, Bozeman boasts high-quality medical facilities, a very low crime rate, many fine restaurants, acclaimed public and private schools, a symphony orchestra and choir, an annual opera, and nationally known events such as the Sweet Pea Festival of the Arts held in early August of each year. Powder Magazine identified Bozeman, with "three distinctly different" major ski resorts within an hour's drive, as the number one place to live and ski in its November 2010 Magazine. Bizjournals.com ranked Bozeman #2 on the list of American Dreamtowns - small towns that offer the best quality of life without metropolitan hassles. The K-12 educational system, growing reputation of Montana State University, and pristine natural environment of the area combine to make Bozeman one of America's most desirable university towns. Bozeman is located in the beautiful Gallatin Valley, 90 miles north of Yellowstone National Park.

Overview	A postdoctoral research position in geomicrobiology is available at Montana State University. The research involves microbial and geochemical analysis of debris-rich glacial ice and is funded via a NSF Arctic Sciences grant to Dr. Mark Skidmore (Earth Sciences) and Dr Eric Boyd (Chemistry and Biochemistry). Award Abstract #1204223 NEEM basal ice, assessing the attributes of a cold, deep, dark ecosystem Experience and expertise in microbial ecology is required, and experience working in systems with low biomass (e.g. glacial systems, deep sea sediments) would be advantageous. The research project is part of a larger international collaboration and the post-doc will also interact with other US and international researchers. Dr. Boyd will be at AGU Fall Meeting from 4th - 6th December, 2012 for discussions about the position. Please email him to arrange an appointment at the Fall meeting (eboyd@montana.edu).

Duties and Responsibilities	Conduct microbial and geochemical analysis of glacial ice samples. Conduct data analysis and prepare manuscripts for peer-review publications. Present findings at national and/or international meetings. Assist in the mentoring of other group members. Interact with research collaborators.

Required Qualifications	PhD in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Geochemistry or related discipline.

Preferred Qualifications	Experience and expertise in microbial ecology of systems with low biomass (e.g. glacial systems, deep sea sediments).

The Successful Candidate Will	meet the required qualifications; have good written and oral communication skills; have effective interpersonal skills including the ability to collaborate successfully with faculty and students and the ability to communicate effectively with fellow employees; display an aptitude for problem solving; take initiative and work well independently.

Additional Requirements	In accordance with MSU policy, hiring will be conditional upon successful completion of a pre-employment background check.

Application Deadline	Screening of applications will begin on December 21, 2012 and will continue to be accepted until the position is filled.

Application Procedure	To apply, submit the following: (1) a letter of application that addresses the required and preferred qualifications listed above; and (2) a current resume or vita, and (3) the names and contact information of three professional references. Electronic submissions in PDF format are preferred, and must have the applicant's signature on the letter of application. For electronic submittals, please indicate "Applicant - Search #13125-33" in the subject line of the email. Submit materials to: Dr. Mark Skidmore Department of Earth Sciences Montana State University PO Box 173480 Bozeman MT 59717-3480 skidmore@montana.edu

Posted	12/03/12kmf

Montana State University is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity employer and educational institution. As such, the University does not discriminate in the admission, access to or conduct of its educational programs and activities nor in its employment policies and practices on the basis of race, color, national origin (ancestry), sex, sexual preference/orientation, marital or parental status, age, creed, religion or political belief, mental or physical disability or status as a veteran. In support of the University's mission to be inclusive and diverse, applications from qualified minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities are highly encouraged.

Montana State University makes accommodation for any known disability that may interfere with an applicant's ability to compete in the hiring process or an employee's ability to perform the duties of the job. In compliance with the Montana Veteran's Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran's preference or request accommodation, contact the Office of Human Resources, PO Box 172520, Montana State University, Bozeman MT 59717-2520; 406-994-3651; hrpp_forms@montana.edu.