Skip to main content

Postdoctoral Scholar, Marine Organic Geochemistry

We are no longer accepting applications for this recruitment. Browse open recruitments

Position overview

Position title: Postdoctoral Scholar, Marine Organic Geochemistry
Salary range: Commensurate with qualifications and experience. Minimum annual salary rates are made based on the individual’s Experience Level, which is determined by the number of months of postdoctoral service at any institution. See current salary scale for Postdoctoral Titles at https://apo.ucsc.edu/compensation/salary-scales/index.html
Percent time: Full-time (100%)
Anticipated start: As soon as possible after initial review of the applications. Ph.D. must be in hand at time of the initial appointment.
Position duration: Postdoctoral Scholar appointments are full-time; the initial appointment is for a minimum of one year, with the possibility of reappointment. Reappointment will be contingent upon positive performance review and availability of funding. The total duration of an individual’s postdoctoral service may not exceed five years, including postdoctoral service at any institution. Under limited circumstances, an exception to this limit may be considered, not to exceed a sixth year.

Position description

The Department of Ocean Sciences at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) invites applications for a postdoctoral scholar to conduct research in marine organic geochemistry under the direction of Professor Matthew McCarthy. The appointee will be expected to conduct original research as part of an NSF-funded project focused on marine dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) microbial sources and subsequent transformation and cycling. The overall project involves both field and lab work, and is focused on novel biomarker approaches to understanding bacterial N sources and the formation of refractory DON, including new D-AA, compound-specific AA stable isotopes, and individual-molecule 14C measurements. The project also may offer the opportunity to explore position-specific AA isotope approaches, using a new gas-phase Orbitrap high resolution MS in UCSC’s light stable isotope facility. The successful applicant will be expected to assist in developing original research directions within the overall project goals and framework, based in part on their specific background and interests.

Because the position bridges organic geochemistry methods, biogeochemical cycling of marine dissolved organics, as well as microbial loop processes, a strong background and/or interests crossing these areas is highly desirable. Possible areas of experience include, but are not limited to: compound-specific isotope approaches, experience with hydrolysis, isolation and purification of organic biomarkers, molecular-level 14C analyses, Orbitrap applications, and lab culturing/ bacterial degradation approaches. The successful applicant should possess strong organizational, technical and interpersonal skills, and will be expected to work closely with a laboratory manager as well as both graduate and undergraduate students. Excellent communications skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with individuals having diverse skill sets and backgrounds are therefore also critical.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
All documents and materials must be submitted as PDFs and should be forwarded to mdmccar@ucsc.edu. Please address any correspondence to Matthew McCarthy.

Required Documents/Materials

  • Research statement that briefly summarizes your relevant experience and research interests within the framework of the project described above.
  • Curriculum vitae (required)
  • Statement of contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion: Statement addressing your understanding of the barriers facing traditionally underrepresented groups and your past and/or future contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion through teaching and professional or public service. Candidates are urged to review guidelines on statements (see https://apo.ucsc.edu/diversity.html) before preparing their application.
  • 3-5 non-confidential letters of recommendation.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

Ph.D. (or equivalent foreign degree) in oceanography, geochemistry, chemistry, biochemistry, biology, or a related field.

Help contact: mdmccar@ucsc.edu

About UC Santa Cruz

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. UC Santa Cruz is committed to excellence through diversity and strives to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all students and employees. Inquiries regarding the University’s equal employment opportunity policies may be directed to the Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064 or by phone at (831) 459-2686.

Under Federal law, the University of California may employ only individuals who are legally able to work in the United States as established by providing documents as specified in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Certain UCSC positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check (see https://www.uscis.gov/e-verify). The university sponsors employment-based visas for nonresidents who are offered academic appointments at UC Santa Cruz (see https://apo.ucsc.edu/policy/capm/102.530.html).

UCSC is a smoke & tobacco-free campus.

If you need accommodation due to a disability, please contact Disability Management Services at roberts@ucsc.edu (831) 459-4602.

UCSC is committed to addressing the spousal and partner employment needs of our candidates and employees. As part of this commitment, our institution is a member of the Northern California Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (NorCal HERC). Visit the NorCal HERC website at https://www.hercjobs.org/regions/higher-ed-careers-northern-california/ to search for open positions within a commutable distance of our institution.

The University of California offers a competitive benefits package and a number of programs to support employee work/life balance. For information about employee benefits please visit https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

VISIT UC Santa Cruz: https://www.ucsc.edu

Job location

Santa Cruz, California