Post-Doctoral Researcher (Predator-Prey and Life Cycle Modelling)

Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry; Carbondale (IL); On-site; USD 54,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern Illinois University in Carbondale invites a post-doctoral researcher to join the Lydy lab. The role focuses on pesticide impacts on predator-prey dynamics in salmon and striped bass, plus integrating contaminants into salmon life cycle models and field-lab studies of exposure pathways.

Ideal candidates have a PhD in toxicology, environmental chemistry, or related fields, with strong data analysis and field sampling experience, and a collaborative, deadline-driven work style.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in toxicology, environmental chemistry, fish ecology or related field.
• Experience with predator-prey interactions and life cycle models.
• Proven record analyzing data, writing results, and publishing manuscripts.
• Proficiency programming in R, Python, or other software packages.
• Experience with field sampling (fish, invertebrates, sediments).
• Strong organizational and data management skills.
• Ability to work independently and on a team.
• Ability to stay on schedule and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Determine pesticide impacts on predator-prey relationships in salmon and striped bass.
• Incorporate contaminants into salmon life cycle models.
• Identify pesticide exposure pathways and hotspots in aquatic waterways.
• Collaborate with the ecotoxicology team of toxicologists, chemists and wildlife biologists.

Skills

Predator-prey interactions

Life cycle models

Data analysis

Manuscript writing

Field sampling

Team collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in toxicology, environmental chemistry, fish ecology or related field

Tools

R

Python

Job description

Job description:

A post-doctoral position is available immediately in the Lydy lab at Southern Illinois University (Carbondale, IL, USA). The successful candidate will work on several projects including determining the impacts of pesticide exposure on predator prey relationships for salmon and striped bass, incorporation of contaminants into salmon life cycle models, and conducting field-lab research identifying pesticide exposure pathways and hotspots in aquatic waterways. The postdoc will be an important member of our ecotoxicology team, which is made up of toxicologists, chemists and wildlife biologists. The successful candidates will ideally have a background in either environmental toxicology, ecology or analytical chemistry. The aquatic toxicology lab (www.aquatictox.siu.edu) at SIU houses a well-equipped analytical chemistry lab, as well as a large modern aquatics facility. Carbondale is in a scenic portion of the state, and is near several state parks and national refuges, including the Shawnee National Forest.

SIUC is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer that strives to enhance its ability to develop a diverse faculty and staff and to increase its potential to serve a diverse student population. All applications are welcomed and encouraged and will receive consideration.

Required qualifications:

• Ph.D. in toxicology, environmental chemistry, fish ecology or related field
• Experience working with predatory prey interactions and life cycle models
• Demonstrated record analyzing data, writing results, and publishing scientific manuscripts
• Proficiency programming or coding in R, Python, or other software packages
• Experience working in the field including fish, invertebrate and sediment sampling
• Strong organizational and data management skills
• Ability to work independently and on a team
• Ability to stay on schedule and meet deadlines

Desired qualifications:

• Familiarity with the USGS Stream Salmonid Simulator (S3)
• Experience working with tracking fish data and use of tracking software
• Experience with pesticide analyses quantification using GC-MS.

This position (1 year and renewable for a second) will include a competitive salary, tuition waiver, health benefits and support for the proposed research.