Postdoctoral Researcher: Foraging Emperor Penguins Job at SJSU Research Foundation
SJSU Research Foundation Moss Landing, CA
$28 - $29 an hour
OUR STATEMENT
The San José State University Research Foundation (SJSURF) is committed to building a work environment where everyone can show up as their own self and have an opportunity to contribute, develop, and advance in their career. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are core values of the organization. We strive to attract, retain, and develop employees who reflect the community and society where we work and live. The Research Foundation aims to develop a culture where everyone feels welcome, shares their views, and where differences in backgrounds and perspectives are seen as adding value.
GENERAL NATURE OF POSITION
Moss Landing Marine Laboratories (MLML) administers the Master of Science in marine science program for California State Universities in northern and central California, and it is dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in both education and research. An outfitted marine operations department, active research diving program, and state-of-the-art equipment allow for cutting edge research in a wide variety of disciplines including: marine ecology; the biology of marine plants, invertebrates, fishes, turtles, birds and mammals; oceanography and marine geology; chemistry and biogeochemistry. MLML is known for a hands-on, field-oriented approach, which places our students, faculty, researchers, and staff at the frontiers of marine science worldwide where discoveries are being made. The Vertebrate Ecology Laboratory at MLML studies the physiology, behavior, and ecology of marine mammals, birds and turtles.
The postdoctoral researcher will work under the direction of Associate Professor Birgitte McDonald on a National Science Foundation funded project: foraging ecology and physiology of emperor penguins in the Ross Sea. Understanding the mechanisms that animals use to find and acquire food is a fundamental question in ecology. Predators need to be able to adjust their foraging behavior depending on the conditions they encounter. Our primary goal is to identify behavioral and physiological variability in foraging Emperor Penguins that can be linked to individual success in the marine environment during two critical life history stages. We will investigate the foraging energetics, ecology, and habitat use of Emperor Penguins at Cape Crozier, the 2nd most southern colony, during late chick-rearing (field seasons Oct/Nov 2023 and 2024). Energy management is particularly crucial during late chick-rearing as parents need to feed both themselves and their rapidly growing offspring while being constrained to regions near the colony. Additionally, we are studying the ecology and habitat preference after the molt and through early reproduction using satellite-linked data loggers (field season Jan/Feb 2023). The postdoctoral scholar will take the lead on one or two aspects of the project. Potential projects include determining the habitat use of post-molt emperor penguins (tags are still collecting data), or investigating the foraging energetics of late chick-rearing emperor penguins. The postdoc will also participate in mentoring of graduate students and outreach activities. The last field season is tentatively scheduled for Oct/Nov 2024. ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS
Education and Experience
A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with the SJSURF. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or the continued employment of current SJSURF employees who apply for the position.
The San José State University Research Foundation (SJSURF) is committed to building a work environment where everyone can show up as their own self and have an opportunity to contribute, develop, and advance in their career. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are core values of the organization. We strive to attract, retain, and develop employees who reflect the community and society where we work and live. The Research Foundation aims to develop a culture where everyone feels welcome, shares their views, and where differences in backgrounds and perspectives are seen as adding value.
GENERAL NATURE OF POSITION
Moss Landing Marine Laboratories (MLML) administers the Master of Science in marine science program for California State Universities in northern and central California, and it is dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in both education and research. An outfitted marine operations department, active research diving program, and state-of-the-art equipment allow for cutting edge research in a wide variety of disciplines including: marine ecology; the biology of marine plants, invertebrates, fishes, turtles, birds and mammals; oceanography and marine geology; chemistry and biogeochemistry. MLML is known for a hands-on, field-oriented approach, which places our students, faculty, researchers, and staff at the frontiers of marine science worldwide where discoveries are being made. The Vertebrate Ecology Laboratory at MLML studies the physiology, behavior, and ecology of marine mammals, birds and turtles.
The postdoctoral researcher will work under the direction of Associate Professor Birgitte McDonald on a National Science Foundation funded project: foraging ecology and physiology of emperor penguins in the Ross Sea. Understanding the mechanisms that animals use to find and acquire food is a fundamental question in ecology. Predators need to be able to adjust their foraging behavior depending on the conditions they encounter. Our primary goal is to identify behavioral and physiological variability in foraging Emperor Penguins that can be linked to individual success in the marine environment during two critical life history stages. We will investigate the foraging energetics, ecology, and habitat use of Emperor Penguins at Cape Crozier, the 2nd most southern colony, during late chick-rearing (field seasons Oct/Nov 2023 and 2024). Energy management is particularly crucial during late chick-rearing as parents need to feed both themselves and their rapidly growing offspring while being constrained to regions near the colony. Additionally, we are studying the ecology and habitat preference after the molt and through early reproduction using satellite-linked data loggers (field season Jan/Feb 2023). The postdoctoral scholar will take the lead on one or two aspects of the project. Potential projects include determining the habitat use of post-molt emperor penguins (tags are still collecting data), or investigating the foraging energetics of late chick-rearing emperor penguins. The postdoc will also participate in mentoring of graduate students and outreach activities. The last field season is tentatively scheduled for Oct/Nov 2024. ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Work with the PI and graduate students to conduct research investigating the foraging ecology, energetics, and habitat use of emperor penguins. Under the guidance of the mentor, the postdoc will collect and analyze data, and write manuscripts.
- Work with PI to coordinate the fieldwork. This includes conducting an inventory, ordering field and lab supplies, testing data loggers, and packing and shipping gear.
- Assist the PI with the development of a new biologging course.
- Assist with the training of graduate and undergraduate students involved in the project.
- Act as a mentor to graduate students in the Vertebrate Ecology Lab.
- Participate in career development activities such as workshops at conferences and courses offered at San José State University (SJSU).
- Responsibilities may evolve to ensure the postdoctoral scholar continues to develop professional skills.
- Reports to the project director.
- Work collaboratively with professors and graduate students from MLML and other researchers involved with this collaborative effort.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
None.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience
- Ph.D in biology or a related discipline is required.
- Minimum of 2 years’ experience working with birds or mammals (preferred marine species). Experience with animal capture, blood sampling, and data logger attachment is required.
- Minimum of 1 years’ experience working with large data sets — ideally with a specialization in animal movement is required.
- Full proficiency in use of computer equipment and software, including Microsoft Office, and programing in R or MATLAB is required.
- Experience mentoring students in the field and lab is desired.
- Extensive knowledge of biology.
- Skilled in techniques necessary to process and analyze large data sets using R or MatLab.
- Excellent writing skills; grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
- Ability to use initiative and sound independent judgment within established guidelines.
- Ability to organize work, set priorities, and meet critical deadlines with little supervision.
- Ability to work effectively and maintain cooperative working relationships with others.
- Must be able to sit or stand to operate a PC, including mouse and keyboard.
- Must be able to walk or sit for continuous periods throughout the day, with appropriate rest periods taken.
- Must be able to drive an automatic transmission truck.
- Must be able to lift 60 lbs.
- Must be able to hike up to 4 miles daily carrying heavy backpacks (30-40 lb).
- Must be able to get Medical and Dental clearance to work in a remote field camp in Antarctica.
- Must be able to conduct fieldwork in cold conditions.
- Job duties are complex and include analyzing and modeling the results, conducting lab work, writing up and presenting findings, and working with a diverse team of researchers.
NOTE: This position description intends to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. It is not intended to include all duties and responsibilities. The order in which duties and responsibilities are listed is not significant.
BENEFITS
The SJSURF provides an excellent benefits package to benefited employees. The comprehensive benefits package includes:
- Four company health insurance plans to choose from (employee contributions differ according to plan and level of coverage).
- Employer-paid dental and vision for both employee and eligible dependents.
- Life, AD&D, LTD with supplemental coverage opportunities.
- 14 paid federal & state holidays.
- Retirement Plan: 403 (b) employee contribution plan component and a 403 (b) employer contribution component, which vests immediately.
- Vacation-hour accruals and separate sick-hour accumulations.
- Employee discounts.
- Paid training and professional-development conferences.
As required by the CSU Vaccination Policy, all new hires must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 starting on September 30, 2021. Fully vaccinated means it has been 14 days after the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine has been given, or it has been 14 days after the one dose of the J&J vaccine has been given. Additionally, all employees are required to have booster shots and provide proof to SJSURF by 2/28/2022, or after six months from the final dose of the original vaccination, whichever is later. Proof of being fully vaccinated does not need to be disclosed until a job offer has been made, and proof must be submitted after the acceptance of the job offer. New hires may request a reasonable accommodation of the COVID-19 vaccination requirement based on medical or religious reasons. New hires must submit their request for an accommodation form after they accept the job offer, and before their scheduled start date. The reasonable accommodation provided to the employee, if any, will depend on the employee’s job and the applicable facts, but it may include weekly COVID-19 testing. New hires who do not submit, before their scheduled start date, proof of being fully vaccinated or a request for reasonable accommodation will have their job offer revoked. APPLICATION PROCEDURE
To apply for this position, an applicant must submit a formal application for employment. Select “Apply Now” to complete the SJSURF online employment application. For this position, please also submit a cover letter, C.V. and a statement of research experience and interest (1-2 pages). You will need to attach these documents to your application as one PDF. REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
The SJSURF is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with physical or mental disabilities in the employment, recruitment, examination, interviewing, and hiring processes. If you are a job seeker with a physical or mental disability, and you require a reasonable accommodation to search, apply, or interview for a job opening or otherwise need a reasonable accommodation during the application and hiring process, please contact us at foundation-jobs@sjsu.edu. In the email message, please indicate your full name, phone number and the type of assistance required. You must not reveal the underlying medical reason for your needed reasonable accommodation or otherwise disclose confidential medical information. ABOUT THE SJSU RESEARCH FOUNDATION
SJSURF employment is separate and distinct from San José State University (SJSU) or state of California employment. SJSURF employees are not employees of SJSU or of the state of California.
SJSURF is a non-profit auxiliary of SJSU. SJSURF is totally self-supported. The majority of the organization’s funding comes from the federal government, and other public and private entities. With annual revenues totaling over $65 million, programs managed through SJSURF cover a rich diversity of applied research, public services, and educational-related activities.
San José State University Research Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, gender, religion, marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sex, genetic information, sexual orientation, military and veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws. It also prohibits unlawful discrimination based on the perception that anyone has any of those characteristics, or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of those characteristics.
It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. All employment practices such as recruitment, selection, promotions, and other terms and conditions of employment are administered in a manner designed to ensure that employees and applicants for employment or services are not subjected to discrimination. We are committed to providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment, and where employees are treated with respect and dignity. This policy is in accordance with federal, state and local laws and reaffirms the Research Foundation’s continuing commitment to both the spirit and intent of equal employment opportunity laws and policies.
If you have any questions or need assistance or an accommodation in completing this application, please contact Research Foundation HR at (408) 924-5582.
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