The Burt Lab at New York University?s Abu Dhabi campus (NYUAD) has openings for TWO Post-Doctoral Researchers who will explore the eco-physiological responses of reef fauna to environmental extremes using a combination of field studies and laboratory experiments. NYUAD is located on the shores of the Persian/Arabian Gulf, where marine fauna experience extreme annual sea temperatures (summer >35 ?C, winter <20 ?C), high salinity (44 PSU) and moderately high turbidity, making it an interesting natural laboratory for exploring questions around organismal responses to extreme and variable environmental conditions. In addition, NYUAD is only a 3-hour drive from the biogeographically connected Sea of Oman (northern Indian Ocean) where more benign environmental conditions offer an unparalleled opportunity for comparative studies.
The Post-Doctoral Researchers will work in the NYUAD marine biology laboratory (link <https://nyuad.nyu.edu/en/research/centers-labs-and-projects/marine-biology-lab.html>)
under the supervision of Dr. John Burt (link <https://nyuad.nyu.edu/en/research/centers-labs-and-projects/marine-biology-lab/researchers.html>), building on past and ongoing efforts in the lab to better understand how coral reef fauna cope with environmental extremes. The Post-Doctoral Researchers would be joining a diverse, collaborative and fun-loving research group studying various aspects of marine biology (from genomic signatures of adaptation to community level responses, in coral reefs, mangrove, and seagrasses), and the candidates would be highly encouraged to also develop collaborative research with high-impact researchers outside of the region.
The Post-Doctoral Researchers will be expected to conduct novel laboratory and field studies to advance scientific knowledge in this field and to further develop our understanding of the biology of corals and fishes in this region.
For the FISH related position we are seeking an eco-physiologist with experience in cardio-respiratory performance of fishes and the capacity of fishes to maintain physiological homeostasis under environmental constraints (particularly temperature, salinity, hypoxia). Preferred expertise include respirometry (resting/swimming) and measures of osmo-regulation, heart function, blood chemistry, and development/reproduction. Experience working in coral reef ecosystems and field conditions is desirable but not required.
For the CORAL related position, we are seeking a candidate to explore the physiological responses of corals to multifactorial stressors using orthogonal experimental approaches, as well as field studies. Desirable skills include experience with biochemical stress markers, photophysiology, transcriptomics, metabolomics, and/or genomics. Experience working on corals in lab and field conditions is required for this position.
REQUIRED BACKGROUND (both positions):
– PhD in Biology, Marine Biology or equivalent [only those with PhDs completed by August 2019 can be considered]
– A strong publication record with first-author experience
– Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to liaise with external stakeholders, employees, management and students.
– Coral position only: SCUBA certification (Advanced Diver or higher)
DESIRABLE BACKGROUND (both positions):
– Advanced dive certification from an accredited agency (PADI, BSAC or similar organization)
– Previous post-doctoral research experience
– Experience conducting aquarium-based experiments, ideally in a leadership role
– Experience linking physiological and ecological performance
– Ability to conduct multiple, possibly divergent, research projects simultaneously
– Ability to plan, allocate, and monitor research budgets for projects
– Experience leading IRB/ethics/permit requests for research on vertebrates
– Valid driver?s license in home country
– Boat operator certification
– Current CPR and/or Emergency Oxygen certification
– Fish position only: SCUBA certification
Hiring is contingent on successful clearance of security, health, and reference checks, among other HR-related parameters. This will be a two-year position, with potential for extension based on performance and funding availability. The positions are scheduled to begin November 2019, but the starting date may be moved earlier/extended depending on the needs of a suitable candidate. Salary will be contingent on experience and the position will come with an attractive salary and benefits package including a housing allowance, annual flights, and tuition for children (if
relevant), and medical insurance. Salary and benefits are entirely tax free in the UAE.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: The closing date for applications is 19 August 2019. Applicants should create a single PDF file that includes a cover letter (max 2 pages) that specifically refers to qualifications/experience related to the items above, a curriculum vitae including the names and contact information of three references, and copies of a recent lead-author publication. Please email this application file to John.Burt@nyu.edu with the text ?ECO-PHYSIOLOGY POSITION? in the subject line. Only those candidates short listed for an interview will be contacted; interviews will occur in late August/early September.
__________________________________
John A. Burt
Associate Professor of Biology
Center for Genomics and Systems Biology
New York University – Abu Dhabi
PO Box 129 188
Abu Dhabi, UAE
Ph: + 971-50-221-9269
Email:Â John.Burt@nyu.edu
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