Job Title

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Agency

Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi

Department

College of Science - Life Sciences

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Corpus Christi, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

Description :

A two-year competitively funded postdoc position is available in Dara Orbach’s Functional Anatomy and Behavioral Ecology of Marine Mammals laboratory at Texas A&M University- Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC). We seek a dynamic and collaborative colleague with extensive boat-based remote biopsy and photo-identification experience with dolphins. Fieldwork will primarily be focused on collecting biopsy tissue samples and dorsal fin photographs of bottlenose dolphins in the Texas Coastal Bend. The position is an opportunity to use the data collected to develop independent lab-based project(s) aligned with the postdoc’s research interests and expertise (e.g., genomics, proteomics, isotopes, contaminants, hormones, etc.). TAMU-CC facilities include a genomics core lab and liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometer for various in-house sample analyses. The postdoc will help generate, organize, analyze, and disseminate various types of datasets, mentor and train university students, and assist with community outreach projects. For more information about Orbach lab or the Department of Life Sciences, visit https://daraorbach.weebly.com/ , https://jrich40.wixsite.com/tcbdolphinproject , and https://www.tamucc.edu/science/departments/life-sciences/index.php .

Applications will be taken until the position is filled. The expected start date is September 1 2023 and is negotiable. Please submit: 1) a cover letter describing research interests and relevant experiences, 2) a document (one page max) outlining a project ideas to implement using the data collected on the boat, 3) a comprehensive curriculum vitae , and 4) the names, email addresses, and phone numbers of three references.

Responsibilities:

• Boat and equipment operation and maintenance

• Logistical planning for data collection

• Biopsy sampling (boat operator or crossbow shooter) and photographing dolphins

• Data organization and management

• Data analyses

• Data dissemination

• Student mentorship and training (K-12 and undergraduate)

• Data analyses and dissemination of community outreach initiatives

Qualifications:

• Doctoral degree in Marine Biology or related discipline (degree obtained prior to start date)

• Excellent written and verbal communication, teamwork, leadership, and organizational skills

• Extensive field experience in remote biopsy sampling AND photo-identification of dolphins from vessels, including authorizations on a federal permit

• Expertise in small vessel operation and basic maintenance

• Strong evidence of scholarly accomplishments (peer-reviewed journal publications, grants)

• Previous mentorship experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Programming/statistical experience using R

• GIS spatial mapping experience

• Population abundance estimate experience

• Extensive laboratory bench skills

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.